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"Mud Hog" Grain Cart Pulls Easy, Reduces Compaction
Grain carts equipped with Mud Hog 2-speed hydraulic-driven axles reduce both fuel use and compaction, says an Indiana company that offers the axle drive on five models of J & M grain carts. It works with the electronics on Deere Series 30 and R tractors. Case introduced a patch for its electronics in 2012.
  “The Mud Hog drive axle has proven itself on combines,” says Darren Foster, Terra Drive Systems. “We supply OEM installed axles to just about every major brand and we make aftermarket Mud Hog drive axles for their combines.”
  The Mud Hog requires minimum hydraulic pressure of 3,000 psi and a flow rate of 30 to 35 gpm. The add-on axle’s low speed offers high torque for heavy going, while the high speed offers lower torque with its greater ground speed. You change speeds with an in-cab, on-the-go switch.
  “The Mug Hog will supply about 105 hp to the ground when it’s engaged,” says Foster.
  Foster notes that today’s large tractors commonly have hydraulic systems running at 4,000 psi and 60 gpm flow.
  “Switch on our axle on a grain cart with our minimum flow, and pressure will slow the tractor down to 3 to 4 mph when the system is engaged,” explains Foster.” Engage the axle on a tractor with 60 gpm flow, and it can run up to 8 mph.”
  The axle lowers fuel use and compaction by eliminating or at least minimizing slippage. Foster says reduced compaction can be seen in soft soils.
  “If the tire track is 3 in. below the field surface and you switch on the drive, the track depth will drop to 1 1/2 in.,” says Foster. “It also reduces compaction caused by the tractor pulling it. If you have a monitor in the cab, you can watch the slippage and fuel use drop when you engage the drive axle.”
  According to Foster, the Mud Hog can be retrofitted without affecting the scale system. Simply unbolt the existing axle, replace it with the Mud Hog and run hydraulic hoses and electrical cable to the tractor. List price installed is $25,000.
  A video of the Mud Hog drive axle on a grain cart can be viewed by visiting www.farmshow.com.
  Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Terra Drive Systems, Inc., 9098 W. 800 S., Brookston, Ind. 47923 (ph 219 279-2801; toll free 800 348-2474; www.tdsdrive.com).


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2013 - Volume #37, Issue #1