What applications present the biggest challenge in terms of machine productivity?Carl/Ringfeder: Industrial applications, such as highly corrosive environments requiring special stainless steels, are the biggest challenges. Applications in which a locking device is dimensionally too large to fit into a component, or in which the torque requirements are beyond the capability of any device on the market, can also present a challenge.Blair/Ruland: The bolt pattern on locking devices can bring many challenges. Because of the time required to loosen and tighten the bolts, locking devices are not well suited for applications that require regular adjustments. Confined areas can also pose problems because of limited access to the bolt heads. Another challenge for locking devices is equipment with extended length shafts, which can be difficult to service because of the disassembly required, especially if the shaft is supported at both ends.

When it comes to tractors and their usefulness on the farm, size isn''t necessarily the most important thing. Sure, only the big machines can handle certain jobs, but for everyday chores and midsize jobs, utility tractors are hard to beat.[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]They''re easy to operate, work with many implements, and cut down the hours logged on big machines. If you own a small farm, a utility tractor may be all the machine you''ll ever need.So many choicesThe definition of "utility tractor" is a little hazy, and there''s some overlap between models and manufacturers.For example, John Deere offers compact utility tractors from 18 to 48 horsepower, and utility tractors ranging from 44 to 105 horsepower.Some manufacturers don''t refer to their tractors in this range as utility tractors at all. To cut down on the confusion, turn to pages 00 and 00, where several tractors ranging from about 65 to 75 engine horsepower are featured. Many are equipped with your choice of ROPS or a cab, and are available in two-wheel drive, fourwheel drive, or front-wheel drive.

"Energy efficiency and passive-solar heating save homeowners huge amounts each year in reduced utility bills," says Emily Dekker-Fiala, office coordinator for the group. "Many of our homeowners came from poorly built, drafty, energy-inefficient rental homes--houses built for copper miners at the turn of the century. These homes often cost $200 to $300 a month to heat. In our energy-efficient homes, heating bills run from $20 to $30 per month." What people need to realize, she says, is that an important aspect of affordable housing is not just the initial cost of the house, but making sure that people can afford to continue living in it.

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