Articulating Mini-Loader

Articulating Mini-Loader TRACTORS Hitches 11-4-9 "We do just about everything with it," says Merle Myers, Camas, Wash., about the articulating (bends in the middle) mini-loader he built for everyday chores. Myers built the 4-WD loader close to the ground to make it easy to get on and off. Steering is accomplished with a lever-controlled 4-way hydraulic valve and a single cylinder at a hinge point between the front and back halves of the loader. Front and back drive axles were salvaged from junked Ford Mustang rear ends. The engine is a B-210 Datsun. Power from the engine is channeled to the rear ends through two transfer cases, which Myers built from scratch, and two transmissions ù a 4-speed Datsun and a 3-speed GM. The combination of the transmissions and transfer cases (24 different gears in all) gives Myers plenty of high-torque "creep" speeds as well as speeds up to 10 mph for longer distances. The driveshaft to the front drive axle is fitted with a U -joint so it'll bend at the articulation point. The self-leveling loader boom can hoist up to an 800-lb. load at its full extended length of 15 ft., lifting with a 4-in. dia., 4-ft. cylinder. A hydraulic pump powers directly off the engine crankshaft. The sturdy cab was built from steel pipe. He built the chassis from heavy-duty channel iron. "We use it nearly every day. Turns sharp so it's easy to get in and out of tight spots," says Myers. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Merle Myers, 2916 N.E. 252 Ave., Camas, Wash. 98607 (ph 206 834-2310).

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