MachineryLink

The Progressive Farmer magazine includes a monthly column called Handy Devices. I edit it and it's one of the better moments for me in the magazine's monthly cycle. It features simple, innovative ideas sent by readers who have found ways to make their work easier by piecing together bits and pieces of scraps and junk into something useable.

I'll tell you more about Handy Devices at the bottom of this column. But first, take a look at three new, commercial items that should make work around the farm and ranch a bit handier (and in one instance below, a little bit safer).

-- From Warn Industries comes a tool that lightens the load when you're fencing and performing other heavy-duty chores. Warn's PullzAll is an electric, hand-held winching tool that can lift or pull up to 1,000 lbs. at the push of a button.

The PullzAll gives farmers and ranchers a fully portable winch that features a trigger-operated speed control for precise movements. The PullzAll has 15 feet of wire rope that can change directions, also at the push of a button.

The Pullzall is available in either a corded 110V AC version ($204.99), or a cordless 24V DC version ($391.99). It weighs 18 pounds. For more information go to: www.warn.com.

-- Tired of stacking wood blocks under your trailer jack? Husky Towing Products offers the new Husky Brute Super Foot retractable jack extension. It increases the reach of your trailer jack tube by 7-inches. The Super Foot features a quick cam actuating release, which gives the operator control over how to deploy the foot.

The foot itself has a large surface area for stability. And, the foot can be removed to allow for the use of a trailer jack wheel while still extending the reach of the jack tube.

Installation requires no drilling. It comes with a reducing bushing, which enables the Super Foot to work with all standard manual and electric jack posts with either 2-inch or 2 ¼-inch tubes. The Brute Super Foot has a 6500 lb. capacity and comes with all installation hardware. For more information go to: www.huskytow.com. The Husky Brute Super Foot retails for $59.95.

-- Need a length of rope in an emergency? How about 16 feet of rope that you can wear stylishly around your wrist? Take a look at SurvivalStraps. This is an interesting product line that brings a length of rope to many situations -- from emergencies to reining in a loose horse to replacing your broken boot laces (or, according to the website's video, setting a trap for big game).

SurvivalStraps' new Fishtail series of wrist bracelets can be worn as a casual accessory and still be available in a hurry. Three bracelet designs are available in the Fishtail series. The Fishtail features a flat weave making it more discreet for daily wear. The Wide Fishtail echoes the flatter weave of the Fishtail in a thicker band. Finally, the Light-duty Fishtail is an ultra-light version of the Fishtail and the lightest weight SurvivalStrap available.

Created with woven, military-grade paracord, SurvivalStraps can be unwound and transformed into a durable, multi-purpose rope. On average, the Fishtail yields 10 feet of rope while the Light-duty Fishtail contains 8 feet and the Wide Fishtail contains 16 feet. All three designs in the Fishtail series are available in 38 colors, and colors can be mixed to create a two-tone bracelet weave.

Handmade in America, SurvivalStraps retail for between $34.95 for the Fishtail and Light-duty Fishtail, and $39.95 for the Wide Fishtail. For more information go to: www.survivalstraps.com.

Ok, back to Handy Devices. We're always looking for more devices -- and we're willing to pay for them. If we choose your submission as the month's Editor's Choice, we'll send you a check for $150. For other published Handy Devices we pay $50.

To send us your Handy Device, please send clear photographs, detailed drawings and a complete explanation of your idea. The better the drawing and/or photographs, the greater the chances your device will make it into the magazine. Sorry, napkins and dark Polaroids just don't cut it. We love good farming and ranching ideas from the grandkids, by the way. Shows they're thinking out there (let them show you how to load photos onto a thumb drive).

With each entry, include your name, address and telephone number. We need all three. Send your Handy Device entries to The Progressive Farmer, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209.

Why are you still waiting? Show us what you've got.

(AG)