SpringHollow
Elite Member
Someday, I will get caught up with posts.
The previous owner of my PT1850 ground off the oil cooler fan mounts so that he could use cheap fans made in China. These fans do not last long and I got tired of replacing them. I 3D printed some adapter brackets so I could use his mounting studs to mount the SPAL fan. A Deutsch style connector was used to wire the fan. I got a good deal on a two pack of SPAL fans so I decided to use the spare fan to cool the operator when desired. Under the FOPS seemed like the best location, so I printed some 1" spacers to allow airflow around the fan. The fan is mounted using magnets. Originally, I tried 1" magnets. They held until a major jarring occurred like going very fast over a large bump or dropping the tractor when it is lifted up by the mini hoe. So I replaced those magnets with 1.25" (1.26) magnets. These make it difficult to remove the fan but it can be done.
For power, I installed two 12V sockets that are supposedly weather rated. One is always on and the other is controlled by the ignition switch. (Previously, I had added a relay that is controlled by the ignition switch in order to run various accessories.) The plug on the fan has an on/off switch integral to the plug. The fan is p.retty powerful and could become uncomfortable after a while if not wearing a hat. The magnets allow one to move the fan to the best location for the current activity. If doing a lot of driving, forward of the operator might be desired. I have been happy with this setup.
The tractor is covered in dust because I have been using it for a lot of dirt work lately. It has been so dry the last couple of months that there is no sign of moisture even 3' down. The clay breaks up into a fine dust that goes everywhere. I can not wait to be finished so I can give the PT a well deserved bath.
The previous owner of my PT1850 ground off the oil cooler fan mounts so that he could use cheap fans made in China. These fans do not last long and I got tired of replacing them. I 3D printed some adapter brackets so I could use his mounting studs to mount the SPAL fan. A Deutsch style connector was used to wire the fan. I got a good deal on a two pack of SPAL fans so I decided to use the spare fan to cool the operator when desired. Under the FOPS seemed like the best location, so I printed some 1" spacers to allow airflow around the fan. The fan is mounted using magnets. Originally, I tried 1" magnets. They held until a major jarring occurred like going very fast over a large bump or dropping the tractor when it is lifted up by the mini hoe. So I replaced those magnets with 1.25" (1.26) magnets. These make it difficult to remove the fan but it can be done.
For power, I installed two 12V sockets that are supposedly weather rated. One is always on and the other is controlled by the ignition switch. (Previously, I had added a relay that is controlled by the ignition switch in order to run various accessories.) The plug on the fan has an on/off switch integral to the plug. The fan is p.retty powerful and could become uncomfortable after a while if not wearing a hat. The magnets allow one to move the fan to the best location for the current activity. If doing a lot of driving, forward of the operator might be desired. I have been happy with this setup.
The tractor is covered in dust because I have been using it for a lot of dirt work lately. It has been so dry the last couple of months that there is no sign of moisture even 3' down. The clay breaks up into a fine dust that goes everywhere. I can not wait to be finished so I can give the PT a well deserved bath.
