Talk
Feb 1, 2005 12:00 PM
Laptops vs. PCS. Ranch Hand revisited. Kent connection. Superb dryers. Soil Mover.
LAPTOPS VS. PCS
If farmers are going to try to hook up their laptop computers to use with GPS on their tractors and/or combines, there are two pitfalls to warn you about. One is the vibration from machinery and the second is the dust and dirt from being outside.
My company started using laptops 10 years ago. Laptops will last from six months to two years when used on combines.
I would suggest using these small handheld PCs or organizers that cost much less. You can download files from your desktop PC, then use the handheld in the field.
The more expensive brands have built-in components to handle the vibration and dust. So you have a choice whether to use cheaper equipment and risk losing data and/or equipment or to put the money in equipment that will take the elements.
Glen Etter
via e-mail
RANCH HAND REVISITED
Moss Sales in Salina, KS, a fertilizer equipment service, has a Ranch Hand listed in its used equipment inventory [see Your Input, November 2004]. It is equipped with a self-propelled sprayer. Its Web site is www.mosssales.com and phone number is 800/221-8177. I think these machines may have been made in Kansas somewhere. I saw it first at the 3-I show about 10 years ago.
Bill Slater
Instructor at Nebraska's
Southeast Community College
KENT CONNECTION
I am looking for a company called Kent Manufacturing that used to be located in Tipton, KS. I'm interested in its tillage equipment. Can you help me find the company?
Randy Weber
Indiana
Kent Manufacturing was purchased four years ago by Great Plains Manufacturing. The plant in Tipton is still manufacturing tillage equipment under the Great Plains name. To locate a dealer near you, call Great Plains at 785/823-3276.
SUPERB DRYERS
I have a Superb Grain Dryer. Is the company still in business if I need parts? Thank you.
Earl Rau
Kenney, IL
Superb is part of the Brock line of Energy Miser Dryers. Contact Brock (formerly Beard Industries), Grain Conditioning Group Division of CTB Inc., 1750 W. State Rd. 28, Frankfort, IN 46041, 800/541-7900, www.graindryers.com.
SOIL MOVER
I am trying to locate a business that was in Columbus, NE. It was called Soil Mover. I need repairs for the company's scraper.
Lawrence Dittmer
Shelby, IA
Automatic Equipment may have only blades and cutting edges for these models. Contact Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co., One Mill Road, Industrial Park, Pender, NE 68047, 800/228-9289, info@automaticag.com, www.automaticag.com.
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