Recent content by alchemysa

Heres a little update on the project. I installed the bits and pieces on the Bobcat today and gave it a brief test run. The mechanical part of the grapple is only half built. Ultimately that other cylinder sitting on the bucket will power another arm. They will open and close semi independently...

Its pretty hard to get info on this but a Mercruiser stern drive service manual I found (using a similar pump) talked about pressures up to 2600psi, but it might have different pressures depending on the direction of travel. Possibly as little as 600 psi in the downward (clamping) direction...

First bench test today. After flushing everything out with soapy water I filled the pump with canola oil then connected up some brake hoses and the cylinders. I was pretty happy with the result. A full extension of both rams took 13 seconds and a full retraction took about 7 seconds. Its slow...

I know this is an old thread but I just came across it and thought there might be some entertainment value in resurrecting it. I'm actually building this setup at the moment using the rams and electric pump from an old Mercury outboard that I scrapped years ago. Its going on an old Bobcat 610...

Yesterday I broke a drill bit inside a broken bolt that I was trying to drill out. No way could I get a grip on the broken drill bit so I used a method I have used in the past with success. I simply smashed the stuck drill bit to pieces with a home made punch. I googled to see if anyone else had...

I've just bought another tractor (a old bobcat) with a standard dirt bucket. I've never had much need to simply move dirt but I use my 4in1 bucket on my Kubota all the time. So, as Bobcat 4in1's cost thousands of dollars over here (even second hand ones), I'm thinking of turning the dirt bucket...

Hello Gentlemen. I'm not sure where to put this question but here it is. I'm thinking of looking for a small skid steer to take on as a project. I don't want to restore it to factory condition. I just want to get it running and suitable for light work around my block. Can anyone suggest a brand...

In the vegetation covered sand dune behind our beach shack we found the remains of an old car. The body is totally rusted away and I can find nothing left that provides a make or model. But the grille, being some kind of heavy cast alloy has survived reasonably well. And the engine has a...

I absolutely hate rattles and squeaks in cars. They drive me crazy. My wife says "'Just don't listen" but thats impossible for me (and most men I think). For the last 2 days (and not for the first time) I've had the back of the wagon stripped out, looking for squeaks and rattles, but **** they...

This is something I made about 12 months ago for the grandkids to play on when they visit. (It was my mother-in-law's 'gopher' originally but it failed and was never used much anyway. She's departed now but would be happy to see the kids having fun on it.) These things have a complicated and...

I Googled this question first but didnt find any useful answers. And I'm asking out of interest, not necessity. (I have 3 'real' battery chargers). The pic below shows the set-up. The jump starter has a built-in 12v battery and its own built-in battery charger. So, why wouldn't the built-in...

I've just ordered one. It will take about 10 days to get here. Amazon reviews are mixed but generally they have persuaded me that its worth a shot. Including spare blades and postage to Australia its about a $50 purchase. I think this is by far the cheapest option for me to do powered detatching...

Has anyone else tried to reset their Ebay password, as requested, recently? I'm trying but its not working. Reset password emails are not coming to my registered ebay email address, although other ebay emails DO. Phone contact takes me around in circles. Text and automated phone responses wont...

It always seems a bit of a waste to throw out an old washing machine. I always feel that there's still a lot of good stuff still 'in there' if only i had some idea what to do with it. (Pumps, motors, drums etc.) This was a perfectly good top loading machine until a 50 cent part in the circuit...

Every second episode of Grand Designs seems to extol the virtues of 'thermal mass' as a means of home temperature control, particularly in winter. But is it all its cracked up to be? My neighbor spent about a million dollars (seriously) building an architect designed home with massive thermal...