DK65 Ready for Right of Way Clearing Duty

[HODAK]

I finally got some time to post some pictures of our DK65 with modifications to protect the operator from limbs while clearing a utility right of way. For those that may be concerned, the ROPS was not modified or compromised in any way - no welding. The underside of the tractor also received major armor plating to protect the fuel tanks, filters, hoses, and whatever else needed protection. The steps were removed on the right side and shortened on the other. The 12,000 lb winch can be mounted on the front or rear and the tooth bar seems to be big hit with the crew. Also know that the operator still has an escape in case of a rollover. This was a major shift for the company since they usually bought New Hollands. Our experience in the last few years has not been very good with that color although two older Fords are still performing very well. The four year warranty and the dealer made the switch a "no brainer". Amy, Rick, and crew did an excellent job.......

[Dmace]

Sweet looking rig! That ought to clean up the right-of-way in a hurry.

[coobie]

Originally Posted by HODAK

I finally got some time to post some pictures of our DK65 with modifications to protect the operator from limbs while clearing a utility right of way. For those that may be concerned, the ROPS was not modified or compromised in any way - no welding. The underside of the tractor also received major armor plating to protect the fuel tanks, filters, hoses, and whatever else needed protection. The steps were removed on the right side and shortened on the other. The 12,000 lb winch can be mounted on the front or rear and the tooth bar seems to be big hit with the crew. Also know that the operator still has an escape in case of a rollover. This was a major shift for the company since they usually bought New Hollands. Our experience in the last few years has not been very good with that color although two older Fords are still performing very well. The four year warranty and the dealer made the switch a "no brainer". Amy, Rick, and crew did an excellent job.......

What type of Utility clearing are you doing,gas or electric?I work as a electric lineman for the local power company and they use a hydro axe for clearing woods and brush.Nice looking setup you have there.coobie

[Oleozz]

Will be interesting to see what it looks like after the work on the right of way is completed.

[HODAK]

The right of way is for natural gas pipelines. In our district we maintain, (or try to), 135 miles of r/w with everything from steep mountains to swamps.

And no, it won't look like that for long. Although, after 60 hours it looks pretty good yet. It's twin is receiving the final touches this week. I'll try and post some pictures when they're side by side.

We only resort to a Hydro Ax when things get out of hand. The Bush Hog is a model 406.

[IslandTractor]

Those modifications look great. I think I saw your tractor under construction earlier this summer at Wallace Tractor. It looked like they were building it to do brush clearing in Iraq with all that armour plating.

I appreciate the need for an escape if the tractor rolls over but wonder why there is no protection for the driver on the left side. Are you planning to simply always have the uncut material on the right? Couldn't there have been an opening mesh door on the left or easily removed pins to hold the back mesh in place?

[HODAK]

Originally Posted by IslandTractor

Those modifications look great. I think I saw your tractor under construction earlier this summer at Wallace Tractor. It looked like they were building it to do brush clearing in Iraq with all that armour plating.

I appreciate the need for an escape if the tractor rolls over but wonder why there is no protection for the driver on the left side. Are you planning to simply always have the uncut material on the right? Couldn't there have been an opening mesh door on the left or easily removed pins to hold the back mesh in place?

Yes, you saw it at Wallace's this summer. And yes, the operator usually cuts with limbs on the right side. Rick suggested a door, but we didn't think it was necessary. This way, there are no hinges, pins, etc to damage or lose. When there are multiple operators, you need to keep things simple.

[rd_macgregor]

Is it just the photo or is there a chunk of rubber missing out of the right rear tire?

[HODAK]

That's a sticker. The photo is from the day it was picked up - brand spankin' new.

[boxygen]

That is one bad-@ss looking machine!