Soundguy
Old Timer
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2002
- Messages
- 51,575
- Location
- Central florida
- Tractor
- RK 55HC,ym1700, NH7610S, Ford 8N, 2N, NAA, 660, 850 x2, 541, 950, 941D, 951, 2000, 3000, 4000, 4600, 5000, 740, IH 'C' 'H', CUB, John Deere 'B', allis 'G', case VAC
As some of you may remember from last year, I'm the official 'hay ride' operator for my family.
Last year it was a small operation with a 4x8 utility trailer, a few people, and my NAA.
This year I had quite a few more passangers, including my mother and stepfather, cousin, her three kids, and I even conned our next door neighbors into going.
I had the naa hooked up to the mower, so the task fell to the 8n this year. That posed a few challanges, since the 8n is still oem 6v positive ground, while the NAA has been converted to 12v negative ground.
Last year, i simply installed a cig lighter outlet on the NAA, and ran power back to the trailer for the trailer lights. I had a blinker element hooked up to lights on my SMV sign, so I ran a jumper wire from that to the flashers. With that I had solid running lights, and blinking hazards.
For this years trip, I had to use my 16' flatbed trailer. I got up early, and built a handrail all around it using 2x4, and the stake pockets onthe trailer, with the rear portion of the handrail swinging open to allow entry/exit from the trailer. The hand rail was situated at a height where you could lean against it or hold it while setting on a square bale of hay.
I welded up another quick and dirty drawbar lock, different than my original rebar one, this one is made of 1/4 inch flats, and ears/tabs to hold the drawbar realative to the lift arm. Dropped a 2" ball into the drawbar, and got the tractor hitched.
I used my 12v 'jumper' battery that I carry with me to shows, etc, in case I encounter a 'boost' or dead battery situation. The battery was placed at the front of the trailer a-frame for the tounge. I added a small wattage inverter, and a string of 300 xmas lights that has one of those little controllers that does chases, and patterns.
I located a spare blinker element in my parts bin, and wired it inline with the hazard lamps on the trailer, and wired that to the 12v battery.
The rear fender mounted lamp on the tractor was aimed to show right down the center of the trailer for light to sing from some song books.
We started out just at dark, and used 1st gear at about 1000 rpm We made a complete circuit including cul-de-sac's in our neighborhood, taking just over an hour.
Encountered a few people working in their garage or having dinner, stand and wave or watch as we slowly crept by.
Tractor looked great toteing the trailer decked out with twinkling lights. I added a smv to the back to go with the hazard lights just for safety as it was dark. The tractor headlights, even for 6v 35 watt jobs worked great.
A good time was had by all, especially the kids. I'm glad our neighbors went as well, we've been getting to know them better over the last year.. really some good people. On occasion they find our dogs have escaped and just keep them in their yard till I get home from work.. Couldn't ask for better neighbors.
I know these old tractors like to get out and work, or even drive in a parade.. but down deep, I think they really live for things like this.. kids and family and neighbors on a leisurly hay ride round' the neighborhood.
Just felt like sharing that with everybody!
Next year I may run my JD B?
Soundguy
Last year it was a small operation with a 4x8 utility trailer, a few people, and my NAA.
This year I had quite a few more passangers, including my mother and stepfather, cousin, her three kids, and I even conned our next door neighbors into going.
I had the naa hooked up to the mower, so the task fell to the 8n this year. That posed a few challanges, since the 8n is still oem 6v positive ground, while the NAA has been converted to 12v negative ground.
Last year, i simply installed a cig lighter outlet on the NAA, and ran power back to the trailer for the trailer lights. I had a blinker element hooked up to lights on my SMV sign, so I ran a jumper wire from that to the flashers. With that I had solid running lights, and blinking hazards.
For this years trip, I had to use my 16' flatbed trailer. I got up early, and built a handrail all around it using 2x4, and the stake pockets onthe trailer, with the rear portion of the handrail swinging open to allow entry/exit from the trailer. The hand rail was situated at a height where you could lean against it or hold it while setting on a square bale of hay.
I welded up another quick and dirty drawbar lock, different than my original rebar one, this one is made of 1/4 inch flats, and ears/tabs to hold the drawbar realative to the lift arm. Dropped a 2" ball into the drawbar, and got the tractor hitched.
I used my 12v 'jumper' battery that I carry with me to shows, etc, in case I encounter a 'boost' or dead battery situation. The battery was placed at the front of the trailer a-frame for the tounge. I added a small wattage inverter, and a string of 300 xmas lights that has one of those little controllers that does chases, and patterns.
I located a spare blinker element in my parts bin, and wired it inline with the hazard lamps on the trailer, and wired that to the 12v battery.
The rear fender mounted lamp on the tractor was aimed to show right down the center of the trailer for light to sing from some song books.
We started out just at dark, and used 1st gear at about 1000 rpm We made a complete circuit including cul-de-sac's in our neighborhood, taking just over an hour.
Encountered a few people working in their garage or having dinner, stand and wave or watch as we slowly crept by.
Tractor looked great toteing the trailer decked out with twinkling lights. I added a smv to the back to go with the hazard lights just for safety as it was dark. The tractor headlights, even for 6v 35 watt jobs worked great.
A good time was had by all, especially the kids. I'm glad our neighbors went as well, we've been getting to know them better over the last year.. really some good people. On occasion they find our dogs have escaped and just keep them in their yard till I get home from work.. Couldn't ask for better neighbors.
I know these old tractors like to get out and work, or even drive in a parade.. but down deep, I think they really live for things like this.. kids and family and neighbors on a leisurly hay ride round' the neighborhood.
Just felt like sharing that with everybody!
Next year I may run my JD B?
Soundguy
