[alsparl]

During my dealership days, I learned how inventive some of my fellow employees were. A $2.00 "Little Red Wagon" from a rummage sale was the start of the engine test bench. Once the "bed" was removed, (2) 4" x 4" rails were made from wooden equipment shipping crates. A battery box was mounted, as was a small 1/2 to 1 gallon fuel tank above battery box (for the gravity feed needs). A small instrument panel was created as well. A single solid engine plate was created with many bolt patterns for the different engines. Mount the engine, hook up the fuel line, battery, other basic electrical components, and there you have it. Worked like a dream and was on wheels, with a handle I might add.

Another similar tool that was priceless started out as a simply 2-wheel dolly cart . This was made specifically to test all lighting on the pull-type implements. Battery box mounted on bottom. A panel with every single kind of electrical hook up (ex: 4-flat, 7-flat, 7-round, 6-round, etc) was in the middle, hooked up to the battery source as well as the control panel that had a small toggle switches above to test brake lights, turn signals, flashers, etc. You may ask why would you make something like this? It allowed for easy testing of the lights without having to acquire a truck or tractor to hook them up. During the winter, no doors got opened until unit was ready to roll out onto the lot.

Both of these took some time to create, but they served a need for many years. Once you have it done, its easily and readily accessible.