THE INCREDIBLE QUADRACTOR

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As the pinion gears on all four shafts turn, they tend to walk up the outside of the large final-drive gears, and-as they climb-the cogs transfer the weight of the vehicle to the tires while simultaneously causing the wheels to revolve. Because the pinion gear housings are offset from their respective wheel hubs (and at the same time are allowed to "travel" within a 15° arc of the drive gears' circumference), the effect of this mechanism is to lift the chassis of the vehicle just at the moment the machine begins to move forward. It's a little like the sensation when the front end of a tractor lifts off the ground . . . but all four of the Quadractor's "feet" are firmly planted, and the weight of the machine- andits burden -is converted into that all-important traction.

[2] Another unique construction fea ture is the Quadractor's chassis, which is designed to flex over uneven terrain. This "twisting" keeps all four tires securely on the ground and "biting".

[3] Finally, both the position and the design of the hitch contribute to the vehicle's performance under load. The "Spence Hitch" distributes the weight of any implements, logs, etc. to all four wheels . . . instead of to the rear tires alone, as does a conventional three-point tractor hitch.

In short, the Quadractor was designed to be a versatile and effective machine. Its vertical-wheel-drive allows an amazing 31-inch ground clearance, and this dimension conveniently provides plenty of room for the Spence-designed belly hitch. The concept is so basic, it's a wonder it wasn't thought of years ago! Additionally, the "leggy stance" of the allpurpose vehicle permits it to traverse unbelievably rough terrain . . . and-because the drive mechanism chambers are sealed units-the Quadractor can ford streams with no ill effects. Better yet, more than half the vehicle's weight is concentrated at the lower portion of the leg assemblies, so the innovative implement is an extremely stable piece of equipment.

A WOODLOT WONDER

The Quadractor has had its most extensive field testing as a logging machine. During 1978, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation-with help from the U.S. Forestry Service-compared the efficiency of the 8-horsepower Quadractor, a 16-horsepower diesel-fueled Kubota B7100, and a 48-horsepower Holder A55F diesel logging machine. As reported in an article entitled "Wood for Energy: Skidding Firewood With Small Tractors" (published by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, December 1978), this independently financed and supervised study found the Quadractor-$3,100, as equipped-able to "outlog" the $5,200 Kubota and just about hold its own against the $25,000 Holder!

The Quadractor's timber-toting capability is especially important, because now-for the first time-it may be practical for many small-woodlot owners to use their trees selectively without first constructing access roads . . . and without causing excessive damage to other trees or to the fragile forest floor. The study also points out that removal of deadwood and overcrowded growth will improve the quality of a hardwood stand .

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