Alleviate the Friction
One of the hoses on my sprayer would rub the frame and wear holes in the hose. I cut a 6" piece off an old hose and slit it down one side. Then I wrapped the old hose around the new one and tightened them together with water clamps. Now if it rubs, the new hose is protected and will last longer.
Locke Stein
Spearville, Kan.
Easier Tire Chain Installation
After having shoulder surgery, it was almost impossible to pull the heavy chains over my tractor tires. I solved the problem with two tarp straps. I lay the chains straight out behind the tires, pull the tarp straps through the rear wheel rims and then connect the strap hooks to the chain hooks. When I slowly drive forward, the chains lift into place.
John Toman
Flasher, N.D.
Double Your Money $200
Self-Made Air Ride
The four-wheel-drive tractors we operate are older, and even though they still have plenty of power, the mechanical seats made long days in the cab seem even longer. On a trip to the salvage yard, I pulled the air-ride seats out of several junked semi trucks. Pairing the seat with a small air pump from the hardware store, I installed a self-made air ride seat on all six of our tractors that still had mechanical seats.
Tom Burrer
Elyria, Ohio
The Burrer family has been riding more comfortably since Tom salvaged air-ride seats from old trucks and installed them on their tractors. He says the project was low-cost, and it only took about three hours to install each seat. Tom farms with his father, Corwin, and brother, Doug. Burrer Farms raises corn, soybeans and wheat in northern Ohio.
Share your unpublished ideas and join our $100 Ideas Club. The Double Your Money winner receives $200. Other farmers featured receive $100 each. Upon publication, you’ll receive a hat and a check. All material published becomes the property of Farm Journal Media. Send a description of your idea and a photo or sketch to $100 Ideas, Farm Journal, P.O. Box 1188, Johnston, IA 50131-9421 or e-mail $100-Ideas@farmjournal.com. Include your address and phone number. All 2010 $100 Ideas winners are entered to win a free trip to the 2011 Miller Welding University and secondary prizes.
