Bucket Level Indicator--A New Approach

[npalen]

This shows the addition of a delrin (plastic) bushing which serves as a low friction/low wear pivot for the pointer and quadrant. The bushing is just slightly longer than the thickness of the pointer and quadrant combined so that the 3/8" hexnut will clamp it (the bushing) against the white pointer to keep it from moving while leaving the pointer and quadrant free to pivot.

 

[npalen]

This shows the addition of the metal pointer with it's lever arm at 90 degrees where the 1/16" cable is attached. Also shown is the attachment of the cable via a small magnet on the loader frame at about 4" below the loader arm pivot. I used small magnets with internal threads for a setscrew as shown to clamp the cable. Drilled a cross hole for the cable to pass thru. Makes for an easy adjustment of cable length and magnet position when calibrating the system.

You may notice an extra piece of flat metal attached to the backside of the pointer near the outer end. This is simply additional weight to keep the cable taut.

The metal pointer rotates clockwise as the loader arms lift The quadrant rotates clockwise when the bucket is tilted down. This is how level is achieved-by aligning the two elements. The bucket can be pre-leveled to what will be its level position while still "in the air" by aligning the metal pointer with the yellow reference mark on the quadrant. This speeds up bucket leveling while returning to the "pile" and before the boom is lowered to ground level.

 

[npalen]

This shows the addition of the quadrant. I formed the curve out of 1/8"x1" metal using a quick and dirty form block of MDF somewhat smaller than the 4" inside radius of the curve to allow for springback.

The cross member is 1/8" x 1" square tubing with holes drilled in each end to accept a 1/2" diameter pin which is cross drilled and tapped 1/4"-20 to accept the flat head screws that hold it all together.
The square tube is also drilled and reamed .750 (3/4") diameter in the middle to accept a press fit spacer bushing with 1/2" ID which serves as it's pivot on the delrin bushing.

The inner end of the upper 1/2" pin is drilled and tapped 10-24NC for attachment of the cable using a 10-24NC screw with a tiny 1/2" OD bushing on it. The cable (going to the right in the picture) is attached between the front pivots as shown. (Rather than the bucket itself)

The first pic shows "ground level" position where the white pointer, the metal pointer and the yellow on the quadrant all lined up.

If pre-leveling the bucket position is desired prior to dropping the boom to the ground--tilt the bucket to align the yellow on the quadrant with the white pointer. The metal pointer will then align with the other two as shown when the boom is dropped to ground level.

 

[npalen]

Hope this helps explain the device but feel free to ask questions. I'm happy with the response.

P.S. If you think this is complicated check out Waxman" thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...13-electronic-bucket-level-indicator-now.html

 

[Mendonsy]

That definitely looks good!! :applause: :thumbsup:
I guess I'll have to go back and make those improvements to mine. :scratchchin:

 

[npalen]

Folks, Mendonsy is the original designer and builder of this level indicator system.

Thanks, Richard, for sharing your design. I can't imagine how, ten years ago, you figured this all out. Did you work it out on paper or "design on the fly"? It's awesome how the boom and bucket indicators sync with each other.

I'm guessing that your indicator works fine as is. I particularly enjoy any kind of machine work so spend time making "fancy" bushings or whatever on the lathe and mill. Gives this old farm boy something to do in retirement during the winter months. We are scheduled for a major ice storm here in North Central Kansas this weekend.

 

[ovrszd]

Very nice!!!! The complexity of it is the challenge. I totally understand the quality shop time thing. If the wife comes out and I'm in the middle of some "brainstorm" project she doesn't stay long. Not going to get any conversation out of me.....

Thanks for posting.

As of yesterday it looks like you are definitely in the path of the ice. I'm about 6 miles from the Iowa border North of KC. I'm hoping we don't get hit quite as hard. We had a thin skim last night. Had to go help my Grandson put his pickup back on it's wheels this morning. Used a stretch rope and my pickup. He turned off a treated State hiway onto a non-treated paved street. Slid over the bank and did a gentle flop onto it's side. Broke out the driver's door glass and mirror. No injury to him, he always wears a seat belt. Be careful out there!!!!!

 

[Mendonsy]

Nelson:

I hope the ice storm doesn't get to you, but the forecasts sure don't look very good. We have had a few of them here and they are not fun, but fortunately that doesn't happen here very often!

To answer your question ..... the only design done on paper was the one CAD layout for rough dimensions that I sent to you. The rest was done as I built it.
I do like your magnet idea. That will make it a lot easier to get everything in the right place while fabricating. I'm not sure the magnets will stay in place once you start using it, but if they don't stay it will be a simple fix to locate the centers and drill 3 holes to anchor everything.

 

[npalen]

Generators for sale here in Kansas have become mostly non-existent already. I found one online yesterday at Menard's up in Nebraska. Drove up there to pick it up and there was then only one left in the store. Brought it along also knowing that our daughter and SIL would want one.
These are inverter type and I found today that our solid state Lennox furnace would not work with it and giving an error code of "no ground detected". Did a little reading and found out that most of these small inverter type have a floating ground. Found workaround on the internet which involved wiring the ground lug to the neutral on a plug and then plugging it into one of the 120VAC outlets on the gen. They call this ground-neutral bonding. Hadn't heard of such a thing.

 

[dragoneggs]

Nelson:

I hope the ice storm doesn't get to you, but the forecasts sure don't look very good. We have had a few of them here and they are not fun, but fortunately that doesn't happen here very often!

To answer your question ..... the only design done on paper was the one CAD layout for rough dimensions that I sent to you. The rest was done as I built it.
I do like your magnet idea. That will make it a lot easier to get everything in the right place while fabricating. I'm not sure the magnets will stay in place once you start using it, but if they don't stay it will be a simple fix to locate the centers and drill 3 holes to anchor everything.

For a stronger more permanent solution to a magnet, look at Click Bond fastening system. Full disclosure, I am associated with this fine US engineering/manufacturing company.