DK65 Ready for Right of Way Clearing Duty

[HODAK]

I finally got some time to post some pictures of our DK65 with modifications to protect the operator from limbs while clearing a utility right of way. For those that may be concerned, the ROPS was not modified or compromised in any way - no welding. The underside of the tractor also received major armor plating to protect the fuel tanks, filters, hoses, and whatever else needed protection. The steps were removed on the right side and shortened on the other. The 12,000 lb winch can be mounted on the front or rear and the tooth bar seems to be big hit with the crew. Also know that the operator still has an escape in case of a rollover. This was a major shift for the company since they usually bought New Hollands. Our experience in the last few years has not been very good with that color although two older Fords are still performing very well. The four year warranty and the dealer made the switch a "no brainer". Amy, Rick, and crew did an excellent job.......

 

[Dmace]

Sweet looking rig! That ought to clean up the right-of-way in a hurry.

 

[coobie]

I finally got some time to post some pictures of our DK65 with modifications to protect the operator from limbs while clearing a utility right of way. For those that may be concerned, the ROPS was not modified or compromised in any way - no welding. The underside of the tractor also received major armor plating to protect the fuel tanks, filters, hoses, and whatever else needed protection. The steps were removed on the right side and shortened on the other. The 12,000 lb winch can be mounted on the front or rear and the tooth bar seems to be big hit with the crew. Also know that the operator still has an escape in case of a rollover. This was a major shift for the company since they usually bought New Hollands. Our experience in the last few years has not been very good with that color although two older Fords are still performing very well. The four year warranty and the dealer made the switch a "no brainer". Amy, Rick, and crew did an excellent job.......

What type of Utility clearing are you doing,gas or electric?I work as a electric lineman for the local power company and they use a hydro axe for clearing woods and brush.Nice looking setup you have there.coobie

 

[Oleozz]

Will be interesting to see what it looks like after the work on the right of way is completed.

 

[HODAK]

The right of way is for natural gas pipelines. In our district we maintain, (or try to), 135 miles of r/w with everything from steep mountains to swamps.

And no, it won't look like that for long. Although, after 60 hours it looks pretty good yet. It's twin is receiving the final touches this week. I'll try and post some pictures when they're side by side.

We only resort to a Hydro Ax when things get out of hand. The Bush Hog is a model 406.

 

[IslandTractor]

Those modifications look great. I think I saw your tractor under construction earlier this summer at Wallace Tractor. It looked like they were building it to do brush clearing in Iraq with all that armour plating.

I appreciate the need for an escape if the tractor rolls over but wonder why there is no protection for the driver on the left side. Are you planning to simply always have the uncut material on the right? Couldn't there have been an opening mesh door on the left or easily removed pins to hold the back mesh in place?

 

[HODAK]

Those modifications look great. I think I saw your tractor under construction earlier this summer at Wallace Tractor. It looked like they were building it to do brush clearing in Iraq with all that armour plating.

I appreciate the need for an escape if the tractor rolls over but wonder why there is no protection for the driver on the left side. Are you planning to simply always have the uncut material on the right? Couldn't there have been an opening mesh door on the left or easily removed pins to hold the back mesh in place?

Yes, you saw it at Wallace's this summer. And yes, the operator usually cuts with limbs on the right side. Rick suggested a door, but we didn't think it was necessary. This way, there are no hinges, pins, etc to damage or lose. When there are multiple operators, you need to keep things simple.

 

[rd_macgregor]

Is it just the photo or is there a chunk of rubber missing out of the right rear tire?

 

[HODAK]

That's a sticker. The photo is from the day it was picked up - brand spankin' new.

 

[boxygen]

That is one bad-@ss looking machine!

 

[deputyrpa]

****! I want one !

 

[Turkeyman]

Do you feel that the 65 engine HP will handle your hills? Most New Holland ROW mowers are 110-120 hp.
Also how will those standard tires hold up? Here in the south most ROW machines use recapped aircraft forestry tires w/ 26+ plys?

 

[wallace]

Mark we just finished up with the second one now we can start on yours...Just send me a $25,000 deposit and you should have it in about 3-4 weeks!

 

[rd_macgregor]

I thought the DK65 had a vertical exhaust pipe. Has this been changed, or did you modify to reroute the exhaust somewhere else..if so, where?
BOB

 

[IslandTractor]

Mark we just finished up with the second one now we can start on yours...Just send me a $25,000 deposit and you should have it in about 3-4 weeks!

View attachment 109543

Hey Rick,

How about offering kits for other DK models. I would love just a simple set of tubes to go from the FEL post up to the sunshade brace as well as plates to cover the exposed electric connectors under the operator station. I don't do heavy forestry but I'd love to be better protected from brush/branches and harden up the vulnerable spots in the under carriage.

 

[HODAK]

I thought the DK65 had a vertical exhaust pipe. Has this been changed, or did you modify to reroute the exhaust somewhere else..if so, where?
BOB

That would be the cab model that has the vertical. The exhaust location on the open model suits our needs perfectly.

The tire question - foamed fronts and the rears never gave us much trouble. These units will be used for maintaining a natural gas pipeline r/w and big heavy units are not always a good alternative due to load stress issues.

The underside of these units received quite a bit of armor, but this is easily removed to get at the important stuff when necessary. The more protection, the better. As you can imagine, when the equipment isn't your own, it gets treated differently.............

 

[deputyrpa]

Mark we just finished up with the second one now we can start on yours...Just send me a $25,000 deposit and you should have it in about 3-4 weeks!

View attachment 109543

Hitch up the trailer and come pick up your deposit!

Don't forget to leave the BH90X !!