The Freshman

This is a homemade self-driving feed mixer for cows. It’s basically a regular feed mixer trailer welded to a modified Fiat tractor. It was made by my dad and his brothers about 30 years ago. It was dubbed the Freshman (no one really remembers why). I’ve asked for pictures before, but nobody had any. But as you can see, my dad finally found one.

The front axle and hood were removed. I think the original steering cylinders were reused for the articulated steering mechanism. This made it relatively nimble and very easy to drive backward.

The seat is raised onto a platform (a large metal plate welded onto the fenders). This was done so you could see into and around the mixer. The steering wheel, pedals, and levers are all mechanically extended—basically welding an iron bar onto a lever, so you had to move it very far.

I remember “driving” it when I was young (probably under 10 years old), sitting on my dad’s lap and steering while he controlled the pedals. I can still remember the feel of the steering.