Finally finished my Loader pictures

Renze · Dec 5, 2006

stainless is a nasty material to use in friction applications because it freezes so easy. stainless on bronze, or even just steel on bronze, would last longer.

Nice table BTW !! if you can build it for 850 dollar, i wonder why they asked me 8000 Euro for a computer controlled tag axle steering system on a truck !!

JerryRigger · Dec 5, 2006

Renze

The $850 was for the Front Loader project. I probably spent around $1500 for the Cnc table not including the PowerMax 1000 cutter.

I asked the question about bushings a while back in this forum and it was suggested to use steel. I assumed due to heavy loads and burnelling since the pivots never accomplish a full revolution. I did cut grease grooves in all bushings.

montanaman · Dec 5, 2006

Jerry,

I think the lube will be the biggest issue with the bushings! Don't ever let it go dry and in theory, there should never be metal to metal contact.

Really like the CNC table and I am amazed with folks like you that can take a project like that from planning to completion. It's easy and fun to plan and buy components but to find the time and be able to dedicate the time and effort to actually complete such a project is another thing!!

IF I ever get to the stage where I can own a CNC, I'll likely buy new. Wondered if you looked at many of the factory units and had any advise on them? I've been leaning toward the Plasma Cam.

Thanks,
Ken

JerryRigger · Dec 5, 2006

montanaman

I did look at many of the "off the shelf" Plasma tables but I'm too cheap to spend that much money if I can save a little and do it myself. Sorry I didn't look at much more then the price so I can't give a recomendation.

kossetx · Dec 5, 2006

Man, That is really nice. Nice job!!! A word of advice though. If you can build a loader, you can build a rops easier. Do that asap. It is amazing how fast things can happen on a tractor and you don't need that tractor on top of you with all your talent. MP

BTW, I like all those outlets in your shop.

JerryRigger · Dec 5, 2006

kossetx

Noted. I'm very ignorant and inexperienced with tractors as it is but I did have my life flash before my eyes already on a Ford 1900 with a loader and boxblade. I was backing up down a slight grade with a full load of dirt up high and when I turned and stopped the load kept going. I was getting ready to bail but the box blade dug in and stopped it just short of rolling.

Renze · Dec 5, 2006

JerryRigger said:
kossetx

Noted. I'm very ignorant and inexperienced with tractors as it is but I did have my life flash before my eyes already on a Ford 1900 with a loader and boxblade. I was backing up down a slight grade with a full load of dirt up high and when I turned and stopped the load kept going. I was getting ready to bail but the box blade dug in and stopped it just short of rolling.

Your operators manual (any) states that a load should allways be kept as low as possible, especially on slopes. Sure operators manuals sometimes prescribe working methods that sacrifice lots of efficiency for a bit of safety, but they sure are good guidelines for the inexperienced operator.

kossetx · Dec 6, 2006

I've had a tractor for 14 years w/o rops. Really, only once or twice of ditch mowing did I fell the need for one. It also doesn't have a seat switch, so when the mowing got rough I'd stand in the side ready to jump.

Now with a newer FEL equipped tractor, I'm sure glad I have that rops system with a seatbelt.

montanaman · Dec 6, 2006

Most people would not build a ROPS. My take on this is that if you feel your welds are up to the task and you can design it strong enough then have at it! However, if you ever sell the tractor,TAKE IT OFF!!!! By building it yourself you will become the manufacturer and if anyone ever gets hurt on that tractor no matter how stupid they are, you will pay for the rest of your life. Remember, as long as there are lawyers, we can never be forced to take resposibility for our own actions!!

I've questioned the design of many factory ROPS systems but they are not only designed with a lot of dimensions and strength in mind, they also have to be tested by destroying at least a few of the tractors they were designed for.

Just be 100% sure that where it joins the tractor, it can not break. Been a few cases where the ROPS help up fine but broke from the tractor and crushed the operator.

The rule is, no ROPS, no seat belt, ROPS, seat belt!! A ROPS without a belt is a sure path to getting pinned under the ROPS!

OK, my safety rant for the year is out of the way!

Ken

Renze · Dec 6, 2006

Jerry,

Sorry for stealing your thread, but you seem to be teh man for PLC and electronic controls.
I have a question, i want to build a steered trailer axle which is steered by a 12V actuator. where should i look for, for who and what should i ask if i want to get in touch with local suppliers of proportional electronics ? And what technologies are suitable for this application, a classic PLC or one of those things with a small LCD display and some free programmable function keys ??