FEL level indicator

[ACHINBAC]

You guys are killing me - now I've got another project to do. Two types of sensors would be cool though. One for level for my forks, and one for snow. . . . . . .

Way cooler than hanging on the couch (have seen it done, but don't personally know how to do it too well)

Dave

 

[Mickey_Fx]

..... Mercury switches and pendulums bounce around and would give erratic result, though would give an indication if the tractor was motionless. ......

Dave

The level sensor I mentioned in my prior post is an old but effective design. Uses a pendulum and a pair of optical sensors. The pendulum is low mass (small) and suspended on needle point bearings. The pendulum is dampened by of magnets mounted facing each other and mounted so the magnetic force is pulling on the pendulum suspended between the magnets in the gap. The opposing magnetic force on the pendulum does a very good job of dampening the pendulum but still permits it to swing freely.

Not exactly a weekend project and still doesn't function as an indicator indicating parallel to the ground but does show a low mass pendulum design is a viable approach.

One could try contacting a few of the gray market Yanmar dealers and see if they have any of these level sensors. The tillers they get may (depending upon which model) come with one of the sensors and I know of no one other than myself who has ever put the auto leveling capability to use. Dealers usually toss these sensors in the trash.

 

[WaxMan]

ACHINBAC
Just read your post I think you did a great job with the level indicator.
One thing you can do that others can't is you can place the bucket level to the ground while it's still up in the air right after dumping a load.
The ones that use the top of the bucket to find level have to wait till the bucket is back on the ground. Green red and green light would be even better, That way the bottom green light would be for digging the red for level and the top green light to just skim over the ground.
Nice job with the sensor. I have a rod indicator on my tractor I use it all the time I have three marks that do the same as GRG light system , I'm not sure why some say it's only good for one position, when I use mine I know where level is is way before the bucket hits the ground. On level ground of course.

 

[framer]

Thanks waxman.I like the rod for bucket leveling. Did you make it or can you
explain how it mounts or post picture please. Thank you.
Framer

 

[WaxMan]

Thanks waxman.I like the rod for bucket leveling. Did you make it or can you
explain how it mounts or post picture please. Thank you.
Framer

Here are some pictures.
I took the piston pins out placed them in my lathe, center drilled and tapped for a 5/16 stud. I like the way it works I use it all the time, as soon as I dump the bucket I place the bucket at the center white line mark and when bucket hits the ground it's level every time ready for the next scoop. Sorry for the poor quality photos my camera must have been on the wrong setting.

 

[framer]

Nice work. I will have to put that on my list to do.Will print pictures might
take afew months need a rake first. Thanks for pictures.
Framer

 

[ACHINBAC]

Bullet proof and very Factory. Quality work Wax.

 

[Baby Grand]

Nice, Waxman, very nice.
Mind if I copy that?

-Jim

 

[dex3361]

Wax man that is what I am going to do to my loader, great job and When I work in the brush I think your design will hold up. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

 

[3RRL]

Achibac,
Nice work on your bucket level indicator.
It's a lot nicer than the standard rod type on my bucket. I did what Waxman did several years ago, except did not notch out the grooves in the lathe like he did. I just painted mine with different colors. His is nicer than mine. Over the years I've stopped using it and never even look at it anymore.



One that tells true level at all positions would be nice for fork work, but I imagine over time a guy would get a feel for that as well.
Your project is really cool and well thought out.
Rob-