1. Nose Bed
Access
Utilizing every
bit of space,
additional tools
are strategically
placed in the nose
bed. Key devices
that are placed
there can be
retrieved from the
trailer’s exterior.
“The generator,
air compressor,
electrical cords, and
air hose can be accessed
from outside,” says Kenny.
“Since that gear is up front,
we don’t have to worry
about noise or heat in the
back of the shop during the
summer.”
more power,space
needed
With the addition of
a plasma cutter and
the increased use of power
tools, the Groves are drain-
A SERVICE SHOP ON WHEELS IDEA ALLOWS
FATHER AND SON TO HAVE ACCESS TO KEY TOOLS IN THE FIELD.
I
van Grove spent years carrying his tools in his pickup truck
going from farm to field. “For 10 years, I had a pickup
truck with a camper cab on the back. It was a struggle
getting in and out because I was always stumbling over
everything. It just didn’t work well,” Ivan says.
That’s when the Hanover, Pennsylvania, farmer came up
with the idea of a shop on wheels.
“I needed something that was easy to access and that helped
me be more productive,” he says.
The result was the Grove Farm Service Shop. It’s a 16-foot
enclosed trailer that is a one-stop field shop. The trailer is fully
equipped with all of the tools, parts, and equipment Ivan and
his son, Kenny, need while getting crops in and out of the field.
On The Inside
The shop is split up into different areas, with items strategi-
cally placed for working. Storage bins are used for stowing
parts and bolts. There are also spaces for the hydraulic press,
drill press, and hand tools. Two small libraries above and be-
low the bench hold technical manuals for easy grabbing.
“We have a workbench heavy enough so that we can beat on
it. We also have torches at the back of the trailer. This way, we
can take them outside whenever needed,” Ivan says.
The back door allows for easy accessibility in and out of the
service shop. “When winter weather comes, we can bring the
door up, turn the heater on, and work in the warmth,” he says.
An important feature for Ivan was the immediate access of
controls. “I want to be able to walk inside and have the controls
right there at my fingertips,” he says.
Photography: Dave Mowitz
ing their generator. Ideally,
they would like to upgrade
to a machine that can
handle the load.
“Instead of a three-cylinder
generator, we’d like to run
a four-cylinder generator,”
Kenny says.
More room in the trailer
would also be a bonus.
“Although we’re at 16 feet
now, we would easily move
up to a 20-foot trailer if we
could,” he says.
above left: The Grove Farm Service
Shop was born out of a need to be more
productive.
above top: A mobile shop puts the
necessary tools in the field.
above: Father Ivan Grove and son Kenny
Grove farm in Pennsylvania.
By Rachel Lium
o spS h
bonus Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2016