John Ittel bought this hydraulic lift a few months ago and has already restored it. This unit, sold through Mellen, began life on a 1948 CJ-2A from Northeast Washington State. The jeep and lift were barely used before the jeep and hydraulic unit were stored. There they sat for decades. Eventually, the lift was removed. Note that the green dual hydraulic piece shown was not a part of the system, but reportedly was installed on a different jeep that ran an extra large post hole digger installed on a 2A that operated in the Seattle area.
BEFORE RESTORATION (see more pics at the end of the post):
John provided details on the restoration:
I started the final mounting of the Farm Aid Lift. It is attached to a ’46 CJ2A. The rear unit mounts simply by using the existing bolt holes for the jeep draw bar.
The only problem was the two center bolts. This unit was designed without a consideration for using a PTO. I had to notch (cut off) one of the mounting holes on the lift because the PTO used this hole.
Since the hydraulic valve mounted between the seats I decided that rather than drilling holes in the floor for the hydraulic hoses I would run them along the floor and up through the firewall. The engine compartment is getting rather cramped.
Since the jeep has a Koeing crankshaft driven winch in the front I couldn’t use the crank to drive the hydraulic pump. I fabricated a bracket for the pump and strapped it to the generator. This is similar to the way a Hi-Low pump mounts.
The hydraulic reservoir is well designed.
–Unbolt the voltage regulator from the fender.
–Attach the tank to the fender using those holes.
–Mount the regulator to the tank by the provided tapped holes.
–Attach one tank bracket to the air cleaner bracket.
–Then attach the other to the battery hold down stud on the fender.
I had to have a new barrel made for the hydraulic cylinder because of severe pitting. I put in oil and fired up the jeep. Everything works.
Observations:
1. I see no way to mount any 3-Point tool (plow, post hole digger) to this unit.
It only extends about six inches beyond the rear bed of the jeep.
2. The hitch points are too high compared to other jeep hydraulic hitches.
3. There is no provision to bolt the front of the unit to the bed of the jeep.
4. Perhaps the only designed use is with the Mellon plow that is on your site.
After spending a few sleepless nights trying to figure out some good use for the Farm Aid I decided to make a little boom pole for it, but it only lifts about 18″. I can see why the previous owner removed it from his jeep.
The good news – This most likely is the only working Farm Aid Lift in the world, and is the fifth, now known, factory designed hitch along with Love, Monroe, Newgren and Stratton.
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