Testing a Tiltmeter

[RBManufacturing]

rch,
I have a proto-type on paper, that has a simple pendulum
on -say a fel. The read out is a series of l.e.d. lights. Each
light represents 5 degrees, with a center light being level.
A VERY ROUGH price range would be less than $100.00
You have peaked my interest in going further than the paper
stage of developement. However, I would like to get more
feed back from the board before too much is spent on R&D.
O.K. Guys, how many would like to see such an item? Would
you personally buy such a device? I am in the middle of a
few projects, but down the road, I might make a working
model for rch and a few others to try if your willing. As you
guys can see, I like to involve the end users in a product
developement. Doesn't matter if I like a product. What
matters is if you guys do. Rick

Rick Hedgecock
R&B Manufacturing
http://www.tiltmeter.com
(816)587-9814

[RobS]

Hi Rick, since you asked here is my feedback on tiltmeters in general and tiltmeters for FEL buckets...

I've been watching this thread and considering purchasing a tiltmeter but I'd like a mount that looked more "OEM". I realize that will vary greatly between tractors but I'm just not big on brackets and tape for my prized tractor. The other option I thought of before is a magnetic mount that I can move or remove when not needed (my property is like a pancake... flat). Could you use a non-ferrous ball to accomodate a magnetic mount?

As for the FEL, I guess I'm lucky. My bucket (JD70) has a flat across the top that is parallel with the bottom edge. I can see this flat on either side from my seat so it's a snap to know where the bucket is.

Hope this helps,

Rob

[Bird]

Rob, my bucket has the flat strap on top, parallel to the bottom of the bucket, also. It's certainly better than nothing, but if you can look at that from the driver's seat and tell whether or not it's level, your eyes are better than mine, expecially if the tractor itself is already on some kind of slope.

Bird

[RobS]

Bird, I'm sure my eyes aren't better but maybe my flat portion is bigger. It's about 5" deep (front to back) and runs across the entire width of the bucket. I've got my tow hook mounted to it with room to spare rearward. I got lots of loader time in December with all of our snow and always knew the angle of the bucket with a glance. It gets kind of lost as the bucket tips downward but I can still see it for low backdragging angles.

Rob

[Bird]

Yep, it's definitely bigger. That might make a difference.

Bird

[RBManufacturing]

Robs,
I can indeed use a non-ferous ball, and magnet, however,I
am so afraid that the meter could be accidentally moved
slightly, and someone could not realize it, and get hurt.
As far as the o.e.m. look, I have numerous o.e.m.s that use
the adhesive mount. There are so many mounting possibilities,
on different equipment, that I have not been able to make
anything that fits all applications. I will keep trying. Rick

Rick Hedgecock
R&B Manufacturing
http://www.tiltmeter.com
(816)587-9814

[TWINKLE_TOES]

Some time ago, under the topic "Tiltmeters why not?" I made the following post:

<font color=blue>"Whoa! Bet I catch it over this one, but... I kind of agree with Ernie. If I'm not comfortable with the way the tractor is behaving I bail for a new tact. Seems like the tiltmeter could give a false sense of security. I see the rollover as a sudden event, tire drops in a hole, blade catches a rock, whatever. Tiltmeter shows 10 degrees then 90 or 180. Watching/feeling what is happening rather than an eyeball on the meter seems more prudent.

On the flip side I don't see what it hurts. I sure have less useful things on my Farmall (model A AHOOOOGA Horn)"</font color=blue>

In a recent response to that post Rick Hedgecock of R&B MFG issued a challange to try one and see if my mind would change.

Friday I received the model 25 in the mail from Rick with a pleasant note.

Given the field conditions at this time of year I was reluctant to traverse the steeper slopes on my place with the B21. Both for safety and the mess I would leave behind.

First thing I did was mount the meter on the hood of my small David Bradley garden tractor. One that I well understand the limits. I winched one side up with the hoist and found the two wheel balance point to be @ near 45 degrees. So out and about I went. I was surprised to find the meter bouncing / - 15 to 20 degrees any where in the field I drove. This is at slow speeds and for my place good ground. I pegged the meter in both direction driving around the base of a large Cedar stump, well within my comfort range for this tractor.

The only conclusion I would draw is, for this tractor and it's quick response 25 deg is the wrong meter and is significantly underdamped.

I mounted the meter to the cross bar between the four post ROPS of the B21, two small bungie cords around each end of the meter worked fine. Full view of the meter, easy to level. Started down my drive way and again the meter swung 5 to 10 degrees in low gear running slow. The only time I had a stable reading was at stop. I pulled up on a side hill to a point I was uncomfortable, stopped the meter read 15 degrees. I cleared blackberries for a couple of hours and watched the meter bounce from stop to stop, and never felt uncomfortable with the attitude of the tractor. I have no idea where the two wheel balance point of the tractor is and don't intend to find out.

The only conclusion I would draw from this experiment is 25 deg. is a good choice for the tractor and the meter is underdamped.

Neither of the above experiments address the statement that pecipitated the challenge. But as far as changing my mind on the initial post:

<font color=blue>"Seems like the tiltmeter could give a false sense of security."</font color=blue>

The right tool in the wrong hands can be trouble. This includes the tractor with or without a tiltmeter. Don't see much need to go further.

Do I have the bouncyiest tractor and land on the board or have others experienced the underdamped phenomena? Is the intent of the tiltmeter to be read only when stopped?

Again from my initial post my mind remains unchanged:

<font color=blue>"On the flip side I don't see what it hurts."[/blue}

[RBManufacturing]

Twinktetoes,
Glad to hear you got the meter o.k. And I truly appreciate
your comments. As far as dampeneing, I have experimented
with literally hundreds of liquids, and combinations of
liquids. The present fluid seems to be best overall fluid.
I have not had any negative feedback. However thats not to
say there are no negative thoughts. I have a different combo.
of the present fluid I can use, but as I said, I have not had
feedback reasons to use it. The method of my madness for
asking you and another to try the meters was to get your
opinion, as a non user. Will I lose a few sales from negative
comments. Possibly. BUT I can learn from you, and others
just what I need to do to continue improving what I do.
Example. For thirty plus years, I would own nothing but a
Ford pick-up. But last year, when my ford was in the shop,
I was forced to drive a TOYOTA pickup. Did not like it, did
not want one, and did not need one. Sound familiar? Like
you with the meter, not for everyone, but I now own a
Toyota pickup. Had I not driven one, I would not have ever
agreed it had possibilities, at least for me. Again, I can see
how it may not for some people. I have made a few changes
to the truck, like bigger tires, bed liner, heavier springs, etc.
But, I was able to see first hand what changes it needed to
fit my uses. I am able to now tell others what it took to make
the little truck fit other uses. I do not mind constructive
criticism of my meters. Without it, I am only another player in
the meter game. I do not want to be just a player. I want to
be the winner. And your comments, good and bad allow me
to do this. Sir, you are doing me a favor with your comments,
and I appreciate all of them. Keep it up. I see from your
comments, that you are being truthful. For this I thank you.
Rick

Rick Hedgecock
R&B Manufacturing
http://www.tiltmeter.com
(816)587-9814

[RBManufacturing]

Rch,
Recently, you asked about a tilt meter to assist in leveling a
FEL. I have just finished a small laser leveling device I would
like to ask your opinion of. The laser is low power output, and
safe to use. I designed it under gov. specs for safe use. It
is a simple laser beam output that will shine a small but bright
beam to the back of the FEL bucket. If the bucket is first
leveled using a level, a mark,(tape, paint, etc. could be put
on back side of bucket, and when beam hits center of mark,
the bucket is PERFECTLY level. The laser and housing all
together is about the size of a golf ball. It has adjustable beam, for ease of alignment. At present, it has a battery pack for my testing purposes. If I decide to start production, It will
use 12 V.D.C. power. Sound like what you need? Anyone else
care to comment? Like twinkletoes and a tiltmeter, maybe
not for everyone, but does it have possible uses? Guys, we are talking precision leveling with this puppy. Any other
thoughts for possible uses? Let me know guys. PLEASE.
Rick

Rick Hedgecock
R&B Manufacturing
http://www.tiltmeter.com
(816)587-9814

[Harv]

Rick -

Using a laser is a stroke of genius!

I'm having a little trouble visualizing the setup, however. Is the laser itself on some sort of gimbal attached to the loader arms? Is there still a dampening issue?

Not asking for any trade secrets here. I'm just intrigued and confused. [img]/w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif[/img]