Recently, Roscommon-based contractors Tommy and Mikey Mulhern purchased a 1997 CAT Challenger 45 tracked tractor, with the aim of converting it to a hedge-cutter.

The brothers opted for a tracked tractor in the hopes of minimising ground damage during the hedge-cutting open season in the winter months.

To match up with their existing McConnel PA7700T, both the tractor and hedge-cutter needed a number of small modifications. First was to put the lift arms back on to the Challenger. Tommy noted they were taken off upon delivery from new and never used.

Manufactured in Illinois, the 1997 Challenger came with a 1000 speed PTO output. Meanwhile, the PA7700T runs on 540RPM. Tommy wanted to leave the hedge-cutter in such a way that he could run it on one of his other tractors. With this in mind, a new 750RPM gearbox was sourced and fitted to the PA7700T. The PA7700T is attached to the tractor's three point linkage, and also via axle brackets.

New brackets

As they didn’t want to interfere with the hedge-cutters existing brackets, Tommy and Mikey had to fabricate axle brackets to suit. The shorter distance between the tractor's back end and the hedge-cutter meant that the PTO shaft had to be cut a little shorter.

A new half-shaft, with splines to match the tractors PTO stub shaft, also had to be sourced, along with a shorter top-link. The axle brackets and gearbox change was carried out by a local engineering firm, Kenneth Kelly Engineering, while Tommy and Mikey also carried out some work themselves. The full cost of converting the unit was around €2,500 including VAT.

Despite the tractor weighing in at 10t, its weight is spread across the two 10ftx25in tracks either side.

Upgrades

To get the most work done from each pass, the brothers decided to upgrade their existing 1.2m head with F10 flails for a new, larger 1.6m head with F14 flails.

Now three weeks into working the new setup, Tommy has seen a fair share of wet weather and challenging ground conditions. Despite the tractor weighing in at 10t, its weight is spread across the two 10ftx25in tracks on either side.

Tommy is adamant that the machine is much kinder on the ground than the 170/180hp wheel tractors he typically operates.

“I’m very happy with how the project has worked out so far. The farmers I’ve cut for to date are very happy too. When moving in straight lines, the Challenger will beat a wheeled tractor for floatation hands down. The only thing to watch is when turning at the corners”, said Tommy.

For the full story, check out this week Irish Farmers Journal in print or online.