1996 - Volume #20, Issue #5, Page #32
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Pull-Type Hauler Carries Two Big Bales
The rig operates off a self-contained, battery-operated electric-hydraulic pump so it can be pulled behind a pickup. It's equipped with two sets of loading jaws. Each set of jaws operates independently to allow for picking up or dumping bales one or two at a time. A separate hydraulic cylinder is used to open or close each jaw and also to raise or lower each bale. Another cylinder is used to swing the tongue to the left or right side of the pickup during loading. All operations are controlled from the pickup cab.
"It eliminates the need for a tractor to load bales and lets you move bales at high-way speeds in the comfort of your pickup," says Duane Scheuren, president of Express Welding, Escanaba, Mich. "You drive the unit alongside the first bale and use the rear jaws to load it, then drive to the second bale and use the front jaws to load it. Then swing the tongue directly behind the pickup so that you can drive to the storage area to unload.
"We manufacture logging equipment which has to be built very tough. This is our first attempt at building a bale hauler. We may have over engineered it, particularly the steel framework on top that supports the jaws, but it's built to last."
The battery that's used to power all operations can be "trickle charged" by plugging an attachment into the pickup's cigarette lighter. Chains are used to adjust a link-age mechanism for raising or lowering the jaws so that they don't dig into the ground before you open them up. As soon as the bale is raised, a spring rod connected to a "dog" on top of the framework snaps into place and locks into position which keeps the hydraulic cylinder from having to carry the load.
Sells for $9,000. Fenders optional.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ex-press Welding, 2525 14th Ave. N., Escanaba, Mich. 49829 (ph 906 786-8808).
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