You can join our $100 Ideas Club! Share your unpublished ideas and join our $100 Ideas Club. The Double Your Money winner receives $200. Other farmers featured receive $100 each. Annually, all $100 Ideas winners are entered to win a free trip to the Miller Welding University or secondary prices.
$200 Double Your Money Winner!
Glen Schweppe |
With a couple of supplies from the local hardware store, Glen Schweppe was able to modify a battery charger so it’s easier to use and can serve as a power source. Now that Glen’s son Dan does most of the farming, he has more time to tinker in their farm shop and turn some of his ideas into reality. This is Glen’s second idea to be featured on the $100 Ideas page.
Retrofit Your Battery Charger
In most cases, no one is happy when you have to call in the battery charger to help, but you can change that mindset. We retrofitted a 10/2 amp automatic battery charger with a male and female plug-in about a foot from the clamps. Next, we installed pigtails on all of the batteries on our machines. Now, when a battery needs juice, we don’t have to reach deep inside equipment or worry about sparks flying when attaching the clamps. As an added benefit, the retrofitted battery charger can operate a trouble light in the field.
Do-It-By-Yourself Sack Holder
Emptying leftover seed back into the bag is hard for one person, so I constructed a stand to lend a hand. Using 2" square tubing, I made a 3' tall post braced with 1" angle iron so it is able to stand on its own. Cut the bottom out of a 5-gal. bucket and cut slits two-thirds up the bucket on both sides. Overlap the ends and rivet them together to make a funnel. Make a bracket that bolts to the top of the bucket and connect it to another bracket that fits over the 2" square tubing. A spring clip keeps the bracket and bucket from sliding. Place the seed bag around the funnel and fill with less spilling.
Michael Evans
Hidalgo, Ill.
Quick and Easy Screwdriver Organizer
To organize screwdrivers in your shop, secure a section of used roller chain to the side of your workbench. Just be sure to put the screwdrivers back when you’re done so they’re ready and waiting for your next project.
Lyle Vanderwal
Lake City, Mich.
To submit your unpublished idea, which must include a description, photo or sketch, address and phone number, write to $100 Ideas, Farm Journal, P.O. Box 1188, Johnston, IA 50131-9421, e-mail $100-Ideas@farmjournal.com or fill out the entry form at www.farmjournal.com/enter_100_ideas. Winners receive a hat and a check. All published material becomes Farm Journal Media property.
