A tractor blade that works on either the front or rear of the tractor has been developed by retired Michigan farmer Herman Kloha, of Midland. A specially-designed holder that mounts on the front of the tractor allows front use of the blade's 3-pt. hookup system, as well as rear use.

"Most tractor blades are rear-mount," says Kloha, "and sometimes that's OK. But, once you've used the blade up front, you'll discover how much easier it is to operate. It's kind of like a bulldozer."

His blade is 6 ft. wide, but the idea would work with an 8-ft. blade, he says. It will lift to 12 in. above the ground, and will angle enough to plow snow or dirt handily. The blade can be switched from back to front in 15 to 20 minutes.