Fixing an old Tractor mower and turning it into a Hedge Trimmer

Don't try this at home kids..
I was given this old tractor pto powered orchard mower by a kind gentleman who no longer had a use for it. I don't really need a mower but my 6km driveway is overgrown with trees, so I mounted the mower on the hough 30 forks and turned it into a hedge trimmer. It will also be useful in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
My other channel (Angry Ram) - • What happens when you ...

[@curm1778]

Well then. I think that it's probably best for all humanity that Marty's a quiet Kiwi with lots to do around his domicile. If he was supposed to be building weapons I can only imagine that the resulting creations would be 1) rusty, 2) made of surplus parts, 3) highly effective, & 4) terrifying in every way.

[@forte2523]

There's a reason why only one Bob Semple tank was made. The war time NZ govt. knew that deploying them on the battlefield would mean invasion from all sentient races in the galaxy to attempt to damage one.

[@deephorizon1365]

@@forte2523 hahaha good one

[@pauljoseph8338]

Marty will do well during the Zombie Apocalypse.

[@theodoreolson8529]

@@pauljoseph8338 Just what I was thinking. I hope I can join his tribe.

[@HolyScendron]

5) always well maintained

[@brettn4337]

Well done Marty. It's the "safety grill" that topped it off. And you're right, it wouldn't look out of place in a mad Max movie

[@Lfig012]

safety 3rd 😂....👍

[@redryderaus]

NZ workplace safety inspector: That sir is a highly dangerous machine! Marty: She'll be right mate, I put this safety grill on the loader to protect me. Inspector: Oh, you're right. No worries then, carry on. 🤣🤣🤣

[@gunfisher4661]

Gotta love it with all those chains holding it together.

[@michaeljacobs169]

That is effing loose! Top stuff!! NO safety issues whatsoever!!👍

[@nickmaclachlan5178]

Looks like he was trying to protect himself from errant RPG's.........

[@stephendalby836]

At first I thought I’d never seen or imagined a more scary machine, but then you suggested attaching a small car engine, so I guess it’s possible to lift the danger rating from ‘deadly’ to ‘apocalyptic’ level!

[@MartyT]

🤣

[@tbyoda9475]

what could possibly go wrong. lol.

[@simontay4851]

Everything

[@stephendalby836]

Have you thought about using some duct tape? Welding it was probably overkill. 😂

[@duck-tape]

​@Stephen Dalby sorry I didn't know I was supposed to be involved!

[@cathyb2204]

With collie-like devotion, I watch without having any idea where this is going. Just happy to be part of it. Amazing creation.

[@kuge96879]

From now on it's not Mad Max....it's MAD MARTY! Awesome lol

[@barrybittinger8799]

"It's a 20 ton jack so it really can't say no." Best thing I've heard. Lol

[@peterhenson6303]

Well that's a bit of kiwi inge inge ingenu, a bit of kiwi cunning a bro. You are a bloody bush genius in my books. Love it.

[@dougallmcmillan8970]

I believe you are one of the smartest and most innovative individuals I have had the pleasure to observe over the past 70 years. And that's from an Aussie to a Kiwi!

[@paulsullivan6392]

Marty is there any damn thing you can't fabricate, repair or modify to meet your needs? You sir have some major skills. And your son is absolutely precious. Cherish these years he is young. Our kids grow up much too soon.

[@robertburns3014]

Marty, you have an engineer's mind and you're a very practical, frugal chap. The perfect combination for repurposing items that you have to fill a need that is specific to your unique situation. I so admire your abilities and your creativity! Good on you, mate!

[@benmac940]

What's unique about it. Trimming trees /hedges along roads and access ways is common there are companies which that is all they do. All he's done is make a homemade very budget friendly version of the machines they use.

[@joeanonemouse]

@@benmac940 You answered your own question. 😄

[@benmac940]

@@joeanonemouse no i asked what's unique he said there's something unique

[@joeanonemouse]

Mad Max hedge trimmer. 😂🤣 Your ingenuity and adaptability simply amaze me! You take old stuff and using scrap materials you have available create a thousands (if not 10s of 1000s) of dollars attachment. Your channel is one of my favorites. Thank you for the great videos. 👍

[@87mini]

"Dearie, have you seen the kitchen scale?" 😉 Seriously apocalyptic hedge trimmer there, and the Kohler was the most expensive part of it! Well done!

[@dodadodo25]

I've got this old... I wonder what the craziest thing Marty could end this sentence with

[@WoodlandWalks]

Now that’s ingenious. Love the mad max look😂 and glad you had the heavy guard on the loader.

[@joedominick7517]

Mad Max has nothing on you! Ingenious idea!

[@jayeff3196]

Your creativity in recycling old parts / machines that would normally be scrapped is endless....brilliant 👏.

[@bearbon2]

Marty is New Zealand's version of Canada's Red Green except Marty's inventions actually work!

[@jesusisGod1434]

I like your “Arm Remover 2023”. 👍🏼

[@billcooper2584]

Marty, I believe that you have outdone Andrew Camarata in the most dangerous yet helpful machine category 😂

[@blocka58]

Well done! Didn't expect anything less. Suggestion, add a couple of guide bars projecting out from the leading edge of the mower body. These could be angled to gather in more branches. Love your channel and love the Malbrough Sounds. Use to drive the long way to Picton via Queen Charlotte, just for the scenery.

[@MartyT]

That is a good idea, cheers

[@crazyfvck]

@Paul Lochhead You beat me to it! I think that would help.

[@HailHydra27]

yeah something to guide the -vict- ...branches in would help a lot

[@blocka58]

@@MartyT Your welcome Marty. I;m just another expat Kiwi who thinks like a Kiwi.

[@tonyhaddon2582]

A little secret Paul.....this aint the sounds !!!

[@leonanderson4727]

It was waiting to be invented, Marty. You are fortunate to live in a community where you care and support one another.

[@codetech5598]

Such a tractor implement already is on the market. It is used to trim tree and shrub branches that extend over country dirt roads.

[@bjkerp]

Love a good mutant build!! I had a good laugh when I saw the safety grill, top work Marty

[@PS-Straya_M8]

Seeing you wipe out the old grease I can't help wonder how many of Mrs Marty's tablecloths have gone missing over the years 😁😮

[@dfross87]

Sssshhhhh! Marty's already having to sneak in tractors when she's not looking.

[@yeagerxp]

MAD MAX revisited New Zealand style. Marty does that machine meet New Zealand's workplace health and safety regulations ? 🤣🤣🤣. Of all the things you have done this beats them all. Awesome 👍👍👍Thank you for sharing. Take care of yourself, be safe, and healthy 🇨🇦

[@fredreinke4150]

Imagination, engineering, execution! I never cease to be amazed

[@paulcooper2897]

It's like watching Tony Stark .. but without the infinite money and futuristic laboratory! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@BarnStangz]

Oh man, this was GREAT! Loved watching you just get it done, burning welding rod and making it happen! Pretty good first version, can't wait to see chopmaster 2.0!

[@briananthony4044]

Then you remember he is using power generated by an old washing machine in a creek up in the hills .

[@joeanonemouse]

🤣🤣

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

I always get a good chuckle when I see the latest home-grown creations. Mad Max vehicles probably weren't nearly so well engineered as what you put together from such a variety of available parts. We had similar "bush-hogs" mounted on hydraulic arms on road graders when I lived in Tennessee, made for the exact same purpose (trimming growth back either on steep ditches down low or vertically above fence lines or powerline right-of-ways). I'd love to be around 100 years from now to see the "what-the-..." look on someone's face when they discover this! Glad to see the Fiat's mower given a second life :)))

[@Snejk18]

"Time to do some sketchy s**t, doo da doo da, Hope I get away with it, o doo da dey..." First thing that came to my mind when I saw the whole thing running...

[@svthorasailing4868]

They said Einstein and Galileo were mad too,you go you beauty.

[@V8SKULLS]

Marty, you give a whole new meaning of "Wheel - of -Death" Love your way of thinking, please be safe and praying for your N.Z. people after the Cyclone ❤️

[@patprop74]

5:00 it's amazing how certain things such as the black goop smells in such a way, it lingers in one's mind, that you can smell it even by just seeing it on video.

[@dgrantstocker6148]

Jeez, you're the NZ version of Andrew Camatara, scenic hilltop hideaway, rusty old machines, doing it your way! Absolutely loving it!

[@GaryT1952]

Spellbinding Marty T...Can't figure out why, but this just put the biggest smile on my face...made my day!

[@jacobc5757]

Marty, just wanted to make a quick suggestion from my own experience that might help you out next time you’re trying to remove the blade plate or stump jumper plate from the bottom of the gear box. A little heat with a torch around the inside edge of the plate around the shaft will make it expand making it easier to remove and also help release some of the rust that bonds it to the shaft. But be careful not to over heat and cause damage to the shaft or internal components of the gear box assembly!

[@02redwarrior]

This is the best thing I have seen in a long time. I just kept smiling as I watched you use it. This is something we would do here but we would never film it. Well Done sir!

[@kevinalexander7710]

Still waiting for the MartyT biopic: “One man’s epic struggle against an extremely long & mountainous driveway and the woman who loved him. Summer 2023.”

[@jello1977]

When the apocalypse comes, I'm moving to NZ to live with Marty. In my next life I'm coming back as Marty's son.

[@MerrimanDevonshire]

Truly a keeper of the Fire and Steel. Marty, hope you can pass on your accumulated knowledge to your kids. They will need it.

[@michaellinahan7740]

Marty the master of recycling. It is good to see that health and safety have been and approved the guard; it will save you a trip to A&E!

[@MartyT]

Safety always first.. or a close 2nd.

[@briananthony4044]

@@MartyT OSH lol, they'd have a fit seeing that unguarded blade whirling around.

[@arzamumma1202]

2-20-23 USA Have to say Marty, you really got yourself a workable piece of equiptment !! Sure bets hand triming !! Nice job !! 👍👍🙏🙏

[@jackrichards1863]

Max! You're a crazy bastard Max. Nice work out there.

[@greenmountaineer]

Seeing that Hough payloader brought back memories from my very early childhood, my grandfather had one, and as a tiny little 5 year old it seemed like the biggest machine in the world. I always wanted to play on it but it was always full of bees

[@MartyT]

Haha this one has wasps

[@rdeanbenson2214]

Worry about you bro, need a cage on that Mower! Love your videos

[@Will45ACP]

Yep, Marty, for the first time I am genuinely frightened of something you've put together!! Good watching though, and that grillwork brush guard on the old loader had me chuckling. Waste not want not! Glad you found a use for the mower and can make even more use of the old Hough, really enjoyed seeing its' progress. Thanks for filming!

[@soulcatcher668]

"It's a 20 ton jack, so it can't really say no." LOL.... love it.

[@cosmoslogic9088]

Marty I think you are spot on about the changes suggested , here in the USA osha would have had a heart attack watching this video lmaofs Awesome video you are a top notch inventor and not afraid to tackle any project in your path Bless you and your family

[@tuffram2165]

Here in the states there is a company called Lane Shark brush cutter that makes exactly what you built except it's adjustable and runs off tractor hydraulics.

[@michaelpage7691]

Beats walking along the road with a hand held brush cutter. Nice job bro. 😁👍🏻🇦🇺

[@MartyT]

so much easier doing it this way than using a pole trimmer

[@ronanmc2112]

Looking forward to Part 2 when Marty puts a Morris Minor engine on the mower. It’s worth doing for the alliteration alone. Great video as always!

[@joshevans2391]

As long as there is no OH&S inspector, you're all good 😂

[@AUTiger1964]

That mower conversion is what we would call a real “Rube Goldberg” device here in the “Colonies” but if it works, don’t disparage (knock) it! And, any of our government safety and health people (OSHA) who saw it would have a significant coronary event! Nicely done, again, Marty!😊

[@swarfify]

Health and safety people see the conventional flail or hammer ķnife trimmer OK. This is no different. A bit less guarding but much the same.

[@mitchellatta9808]

Your work reminds me of my early life in the logging camps in the Clearwater drainage in central Idaho during the late 1940s, early 50s. I was about the age of your boy, watching my dad do similar stuff on the skid Cats (D6)... 🥲🤓👍

[@robertgriffin662]

I like to build model kits. When you take 2 or more kits or there parts and build a model they call it kit bashing! Marty that is one HELL OF A KITBASH! Awesome! Mad Max would be proud!

[@Squirrelking4395]

"See, told you I'd use that onion topper for something" I think short of owning a scrap yard you have the best "that'll come in handy one day" pile.

[@steve20118]

Marty, after watching many episodes, it's clear. You missed your calling. Making vehicles/equipment for the movies. You'd be awesome!

[@bidenhatesamerica]

Glad to see you happy, safe and back to doing what you love

[@curm1778]

Glad you're ok. Some bad weather down by you had me worried.

[@bradweston5342]

A few years ago, a local guy here fitted a hydraulic powered 5-6 ft mill saw to the arm of an excavator and made good coin trimming cypress fence line trees. Rumour has it all stopped when the blade came off and finished over a kilometer away.

[@jameslast3192]

I love all this kiwi backyard engineering! I’m from London but have lived in NZ for 25 years now. I had my NZ passport for years before I became a true kiwi. It was the day I fixed my broken petrol flymo mower with a piece of no.8 wire I found in the shed.

[@happychappy2b252]

I loved the fact that you had an onion topper on hand to adapt, why have we never thought to use our onion toppers for that purpose. Love the ingenuity and resourcefulness. Keep up the great work and great videos. Thank you for bringing us along for the journey and inspiring us all.

[@jamesa7506]

Definitely one of the more volatile projects you've made. Only thing more dangerous would've been to have ol Rambro mounted on that thing! Rambro, the meanest, angriest, most loveable leg breaker I've ever seen! Fine job on your new side mounted bushwhacker.

[@bradwhite6254]

I'm always pensive when I'm working on a project that requires a respirator, eye protection, and hearing protection all at the same time. Thanks for the video.

[@MegaDirtyberty]

Good Kiwi ingenuity, they did something like this up Taranaki but they used WW2 Chevrolet C15.

[@99unclebob]

Marty, Marty, Marty your neighbours must just love you for coming up with all these reckless and rusty gadgets that work , you are your friendly neighbourhood Dr. Nefario residing in his mountain top lair creating his next nefarious invention to capture the worlds attention 🤣

[@darrenwidas2473]

Awesome. I keep telling the wife all the “junk” isn’t junk, it’s future projects yet to be determined . 😂 Keep up the good work!

[@salemengineer2130]

Definitely the most "Mad Max" project clip I have watched so far. 🙂

[@frankh.valenzuelaabuelotej652]

Have watched this particular video about Five times now. I am super impressed with your ingenuity and creativity. You answered my quiet question as to why not a bigger engine to be able to cut / trim larger branches (at a higher motor speed). Friendly reminder: If you do Upgrade to a larger motor, please do post it. I for one would really like to see your "Mad Max" creation in action. Till then, Peace.✌

[@Dfanch]

Always love your content, Marty. I'd love to own some property like yours. Keep up the good work!

[@jasonpatterson8091]

I shudder to think what the cost of an entire mountainside would be. Not that I wouldn't love the chance.

[@Bluenoser613]

"Time to do some sketchy shit! Doo da! Doo da!"

[@leswheeler2023]

Gosh this bought back memories with the Butler Bros here in Taranaki 50 -70 years back. They bought army surplus Bren gun carriers, trucks for sweeps, fabricating hedge trimmers such as yours, but swinging 10ft blades. There business was cutting the gorse and barbary hedges here in Taranaki, world famous for there "Heath Robinson" contraptions. Hedge bits were thrown hundreds of feet in the air, and with only a basic cage over the cab!. the noise and sight of these things working was a sight to behold. Are you related???

[@RaphaelCosteau]

I ended up here after going down a very deep KZbin Rammit hole! Thank you so much for all of your videos!

[@markfriesen1435]

Farm-cobbling, the best type of engineering! Glad to see you have access to your place again. How much driveway/road repair was necessary? Up coming in a video I hope.

[@ar1701]

Several things come to mind first off when Dad turned his contraption by hand his son took off running ..... away lol. just because you can doesn't mean you should ( 2 guys after a few beers figured they could use the lawn mower to trim the hedge, start the lawn mower one on each side, pick it up TA DA 2 fingerless guys!!! and lastly, ever hear of a pole saw?

[@stephenmcquaid459]

Hello from Canada enjoying all your adventures I am to old now to wrench anymore but love how your mind works.Wishing you all the best in your future projects.

[@danielhooke6115]

So satisfying to see "a bit of maintenance" restoring the operation of some equipment. Of course, that was probably at least a half day's - whole day's work.

[@charliemyres5450]

Good idea Marty! Those tapered roller-bearings in the drive hub will probably lose their pre-load again, unless something is stopping them walking along the shaft. Shims which bear on the inner-race of the bottom bearing and are held there by the bottom plate would do the job. Setting the pre-load might be tricky but I think an end-float of about 0.007" would be a good place to start. End-float allows the bearings to not become too tight when the shaft gets hot and expands.

[@winrampen1174]

I would go with the hydraulic option - an orbital motor driving into the right angle gearbox. The pressure relief valve will allow you to protect against overload. The on-off valve at your hand in the cab will make it a lot safer. Rather than add power, you might be better off adding flywheel inertia - on the actual blade holding hub. Well done!

[@adrianryan1975]

Dexter of low-hanging branches

[@railroadman57]

Marty such a great use of the mower it’s brilliant ! Well Done !! 👍👍

[@BikerDaddy22RideorDie]

Marty you continue to live my dream haha lots of land and toys to fix and build with!

[@murphymmc]

I think you're correct in needing a bit more horsepower, also higher rpm's as those branches give way quickly, get 'em cut before they deflect. A great use of on-hand materials .

[@josephlwallssr6166]

Terrific Kiwi, injunity and engineering, Marty! What you find very simple, is truly amazing to most! Myself anyway! Do much with little! "Mad Max"!😀 Yes! Very cool! Thank you for sharing!

[@StaleEHuse]

Proper bushcraft engineering

[@VorlonFrog]

Your ingenuity with machinery is exceeded only by your determination in seeing it through. Fantastic trimmer you've made there!!

[@waynenz1]

A bit rugged looking but she works ok

[@bob_thebuilder]

Reminds me of the movie “Bad Taste” when the guy straps a lawnmower to his chest - guess you’re ready for the zombie apocalypse! Next best option would be to fix three chainsaws to a plank and run them along for the bigger branches!!!

[@LumpyFPV]

Homemade, rusty, dangerous and obnoxious. I love it.

[@daviddogruel7851]

Brilliant! You might also be able to cobble together a coupler mount and run it on the dipper of your excavator to go after the taller limbs.

[@eastunder55]

I will not be surprised if I see something like this on Andrew Camerata's channel. He has tried several contraptions to trim the edges of trails on his mountain property. I really like the piece of grating used to block shrapnel from the operator's station. Safety squints engaged!

[@AAAAlberto]

An excellent brain, Marty ! Congratulations from Italy !

[@pnotes13]

Marty your absolutely mad in just the best way… that machine you created is truly one of horrors of the world… Max Max is right. But so glad to see somebody taking older machines and putting them back to work

[@KingBjord]

I was going to comment about how a larger bearing puller would be handy to get that off, and then you made one, lmfao excellent video, love your content mate!

[@zarb88]

Great build, sounded like it could use just a bit more rpms. Thanks for another great video.

[@darwin9141]

Nice who cares what it looks like Marty that job just saved you thousands from buying a rig good job.

[@davidchang-yen1256]

I am all about the sketchy builds, and you have certainly outdone yourself this time mate. Cheers from the western colony (where I feel that I am far enough away to be safe from this)

[@robertbrewer2190]

Always interesting to see how you solve things. A but of the Mad Max to this project for me!

[@woodlawnmedic]

Love the metal grate and the hard hat! Lol. You’re a genius

[@mraaron12341]

No one can make something more deadly PTO topper. Marty’s like “hold me beer”

[@luvtruckin]

Interesting build the bearings are heavy duty but designed to be facing down not sideways so if there’s going to be an issue that might be it otherwise very cool build.