$2000 Home Built Articulating Loader

$2000 home built articulating loader TRACTORS Made-It-Myself 13-1-10 After seeing the big price tag on new chore-size tractors, Dennis Katterhein¡rich, New Knoxville, Ohio, decided to build his own 4-WD loader. "I spent about $2,000 for materials, compared to the $20,000 price tag for a comparable size new machine," says Katterheinrich, who built the loader entirely from scrapyardsteel. "There are no specialized parts - I can replace anything by going to an auto parts store or local machinery dealer." He used truck axles and wheels from a 3/4 ton pickup, narrowing the axles down to a 60-in. width. A Chevrolet 250 6-cylinder engine, coupled to an automatic transmission, supplies power to the ax¡les through a 4:1 chain reduction sprocket. Steering is controlled by two 21/2 by 8-in. cylinders. "There's one hydraulic cylinder going from front torearon each side of the center pivot," says Katterheinrich. "The cylinders are connected by a ball and socket steering knuckle. When you turn the steering wheel, one cylinder pushes and the other pulls. The carticulated steering makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots." The hydraulic system was the biggest expense. Pump, valves, hoses and cylinders were all purchased new. The oil reservoir and gas tank mount on either side of the engine to counter-balance each other. The seat is fastened directly to the hood above the engine, offering the operator a good view. "I plan to make the seat more comfortable by adding better suspension to it," says Katterheinrich. Two 3 by 24-in. hydraulic cylinders raise and lower the loader, and two 2 1/ 2 by 18-in. hydraulic cylinders dump the bucket. The bucket and forks quick attach with two safety pins. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Katterheinrich Repair, Rt. 1, Box 98, Moulton-New Knoxville Rd., New Knoxville, Ohio 45871 (ph 419 753-2817).

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