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Prototype Tractor is 30-Ft. Wide
Here's a sneak preview of the latest in tractor design - a 30-ft. wide tractor with full hydrostatic drive that's designed to cause almost no field compaction while doing fieldwork much faster than conventional tractors and equipment.
"It could revolutionize field work," says inventor Bill Wilson, Woodland, Calif., who's built a prototype and expects production models to be available by spring of 1980. "The idea is to cover a field faster and do so in a way that causes minimal soil compaction. In reaching those goals, we also cut our energy needs."
The new-style tractor is 10 ft. long, 30 ft. wide and resembles a selfpropelled toolbar powered by twin engines, one at either end. Each of the four tractor-sized wheels, also mounted at the ends, is hydraulically driven. Conventional tillage tools, planters and other equipment can be used, and are suspended beneath the frame, which clears the ground by 5 ft. and can be adjusted to other heights. Wheels turn at right angles to the frame, allowing the machine to travel down the road and through gates.
The first prototype is a replica of the planned production model - the version Wilson patented. Two 53-hp. Volkswagen industrial engines power the hydraulic motors on its 8 by 20-ft. frame.
Wilson says his wide-span concept is so versatile it will readily adapt to any area of the country. It can be rigged to pull almost any equipment. directly beneath or behind it. "As a swather, the machine will be designed to cut a 30-ft. swath and yet reduce to a 10 ft. width for road travel," he points out. "As a sprayer, we hope to cover as much ground with this tractor as with an airplane in roughly the same time."
Wilson expects production models of the Ag Carrier to sell for $40,000 and up, depending on options and built-in equipment.
For more information, contact: FARM SHOW-Followup, Bill Wilson, 815 Woodland Ave., Woodland, Calif. 95695 (ph 916 662-4884).


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1980 - Volume #4, Issue #2