IH Combine Makes Dandy Forklift

IH Combine Makes Dandy Forklift COMBINES Conversions 20-4-17 Building a forklift out of an old combine gives you a machine heavy enough to handle the biggest round bales, yet maneuverable enough to work in tight quarters. David Buss, Clayton, Ill., converted a IH 715 combine into a forklift that'll lift loads up to 11 ft. tall using a conventional forklift mast that mounts right where the original feederhouse used to be. In addition to moving big bales, Buss also uses the forklift to handle seed on pal-lets and other farm supplies. To convert the combine, he stripped it down and then rebuilt the frame with 10-in. channel iron. He repositioned the engine, turning it lengthwise, so it runs in line with the hydraulic pump. That allowed him to narrow up the machine as well as shortening the wheelbase. He remounted the original cab between the large drive wheels and then mounted a quick hitch frame on the original header lift cylinders. The forklift mast, which he bought used, mounts on the quick hitch. He used a hydraulic cylinder for the top link on the hitch to level - or tip - the mast. The fuel tank mounts along the right side below the side of the cab. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, David Buss, Clayton, Ill. 62324 (ph 217 894-7070).

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