halftrack dexta

john.n · Post by **john.n** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 4:13 pm

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to make a half track system for a dexta? i think it could be an interesting project. i was thinking of a system similar to the one on this ferguson

Post by **Brian** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 4:25 pm

The same system was offered on a Dexta and right the way through to the '000nd series.

Really was a specialised usage though and not to many were sold.

There might be some on the Irish peat bogs

john.n · Post by **john.n** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 4:44 pm

thanks for the fast reply
do you know what was used for the mounting points?

many thanks

Post by **Brian** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 6:16 pm

I think, if I remember correctly, the axle housing had a piviot point and tensioner pointing forwards with the wheel on a stub axle at the end.

The half track was for use on soft land mainly. They were made in Canada by Bombadier I think.

john.n · Post by **john.n** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 6:45 pm

wonder if anyone has ever tried this system with 4wd as well. would be unstopable. my thinking was to try and make a third axle that would extend forward of the rear wheels from a mounting plate fixed using the drawbar mounting holes. only problem i can see is getting tension on each track, guess it couldnt be done with one solid axle.

The Swanndri Guy · Post by **The Swanndri Guy** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 2:05 am

We have some Fergusons like that in New Zealand that Sir Ed used to go to the South Pole.

TSG.

Foxen · Post by **Foxen** » Mon Jul 19, 2010 11:28 am

This isn't exactly Fordson here, but I've seen a Buster 400(Volvo BM 400) with a half-track attachment that was hydraulically operated, it allowed you to lift the front axle off the ground by applying downforce on the front wheels for the tracks, the video of a similar one is here on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbFPuqyuHMg

It would probably be best constructed by suspending the frames for the track extensions from the rear axle housings and use a small hydraulic piston which loads a spring which tensions the tracks, if you want the "climber" variety you'll also need two bigger hydraulic cylinders that will press the front track wheels downward, lifting the front of the tractor off the ground... It's a complicated setup though but it would probably look a bit more than awesome on a Dexta

I wouldn't mind having that kind of setup on my Super Major