Old Grain Auger Used As Pond Swing

Old Grain Auger Used As Pond Swing The summer sun can make it difficult to keep kids, teens and even adults entertained, but for Dan Bonnema, his brother-in-law’s nearby pond provided the perfect way for family, friends and neighbors to cool off. “One summer, I came up with the idea to make a rope swing over the water,” Bonnema says. “I borrowed my neighbor’s telehandler and hooked up some rope on the loader and tines. It worked well, but of course, he needed it at his place most of the time. The kids had so much fun using it that they wanted something more permanent.” A neighbor who sells and repairs farm equipment had an ideal solution: an old, worn-out 8-in. by 60-ft. Sudenga grain auger destined for the scrap yard. To make his project usable, Bonnema welded a pair of strap iron pieces to the auger’s drop spout to attach and secure a water ski rope and carabiner connection. He hooked the auger to his Deere 3020 tractor and used the hydraulics to raise it for swinging at any height and to lower it if the winds were too strong. He also built a wooden platform by the water’s edge for the kids to stand on and grab the triangle handle on the rope. “They hold onto the rope and swing out over the water so they’re never over the land,” Bonnema says. “I raise the auger when there’s supervision and put it down when not in use. It can be set at any height depending on the kids’ sizes and ages. It’s very stable even when adults join in the fun.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Dan Bonnema, Maurice, Iowa 51036 (bonnemalivestock@hotmail.com).

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