Power Cart Rebuild Offers Improvements

Power Cart Rebuild Offers Improvements Ralph Rice was sold on the concept of an engine-powered forecart the first time he saw one at Horse Progress Days some 17 or 18 years ago. He knew it made perfect sense on his mixed power farm. A purebred Suffolk breeder, he had the horses. He also had modern farm equipment. With the help of a friend, he got his power cart. He outlined the process and improvements in a 2010 article in Rural Heritage. Recently, he provided a detailed update on improvements to the powercart in the February/March issue of Rural Heritage. “Jonathan Lawton, may he rest in peace, built one for his own use and agreed to build one for me,” says Rice. Lawton had a four-wheel power cart with rear-wheel steering, which Rice also wanted. At the time, Rice worked off the farm and use was sporadic. It might be hooked to a manure spreader or a bush hog for months. Once he retired and began using his horses for more of the farm work, some shortcomings became apparent. “Many things worked well,” says Rice. “The size and balance were perfect, and the 3-point hitch worked well. It had the raised tongue of modern carts and the Z for going from two horses to three by just pulling a pin.” The Wisconsin VH4D engine provided PTO power. However, an electric hydraulic pump drew its power from the same storage battery as the engine starter. If the battery ran low when providing hydraulic power, the engine couldn’t be restarted. Also, the Wisconsin could be difficult to restart when hot from use. The hydraulics required him to push an activation button at the same time he might be working a lever on equipment and driving the horses. Making a turn with a haybine or lifting a disc at the end of a field while turning around was challenging. Engaging the PTO required standing up to reach the lever on the Rockford clutch, and starting the engine required hanging over the side of the platform. Lawton had used a heavy-duty coil spring under the operator’s seat. While he aimed for comfort, he created an excess of suspension and height. “What he built was a precarious catapult affair, causing me to grab anything to hang on at times,” says Rice. Rice worked with a friend who owns a welding and fabricating shop to make the changes he wanted. They replaced the Wisconsin with a 35-hp Vanguard and went with a gear-driven hydraulic pump. The changes required reworking the pulley to the PTO shaft and adding a groove for the hydraulic pump. “I knew it would power everything I have on the farm,” says Rice. “I was told that parts are also readily available.” They lowered the frame about 16 in. The seat was replaced with one repurposed from some forestry equipment. It’s 30 in. lower, safer and more secure, even featuring a seatbelt. They also made the operator’s position more user-friendly, with every control easy to reach. An improved safety rail gives him a brace bar and toe hook, should he need them. The new/old power cart is still a 4-wheel cart with rear-wheel hydraulic steering, dual remotes, PTO and a 3-point hitch. “My new power cart has the best features of the old, but is safer and more convenient to operate,” says Rice. “The best part is, I’m sure my old buddy Jonathan Lawton would approve.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ralph J. Rice, 1485 State Route 307 W, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 (ricelandmeadows92@gmail.com).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.