PT mounted string trimmer

[Charlie_Iliff]

I figure by posting a project on the board, I'll put pressure on myself to try to get it done.
I am working to design/build a trimmer to clean under fences, etc. I have a DR wheel mounted trimmer which does a decent job, but is not self propelled. Since the PT 1845 has plenty of propulsion, I plan to let it carry me along the fences with a boom mounted trimmer running out ahead and to my right.
I have ordered a DR trimmer head, with pulley, and yesterday I ordered a Gresen .7 ci displacement hydraulic motor that turns 5000 RPM at 15 GPM. It is only rated to 1500 psi, but the pressure should never get close. The strings will be gone and the belt off before that happens.
A lot of design is yet to be done, and some will no doubt happen after initial construction.
There are some electric mower deck mounted trimmers available, as well as little decks with supplemental belts, and various expensive boom mowers and trimmers.(So far I've spent $250, and figure a maximum of another $100 for hoses, pulley caster and belt. Still not cheap, but not $3500 either.) I would appreciate any leads to available commercial products, however, for possible designs, and certainly any suggestions.

 

[MossRoad]

Have you seen the postmaster trimmer at northern? It is a string trimmer that is offset to the side. When comes in contact with a fence post, it pivots around it. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=757532&prmenbr=6970> Click here to see it</A>

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

David: I haven't seen the postmaster trimmer in person. It is close to what I want, but mounted on the tractor. I had looked at Swisher's site before.

 

[wasabi]

I have no insights to offer, but did want to make a comment, so I guess this is a good a thread as any:

I admire how you tackle innovations such as your backhoe and this trimmer, head on. (PT pun intended)/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif This type of willingness to look at things in a slightly non-traditional way, and experiment a bit, is, I suspect, the very kernel of the evolution of Power-Trac's designs. Perhaps it is also a prerequisite to becoming a PT owner.

You have encouraged and stimulated my research and interest. In fact, I would not be enamoured (afflicted?) with PTitisis were it not for TBN, you, MossRoad, Bubenberg, PTRich, MCHalkley and others, all of whom helped educate me and guide my thinking. I believe I'm making the right decision. (credit or blame is all in how one looks at it, I guess....I 'll let you know my wife's considered opinion after she actually meets the Brute. If she doesn't like it I'll blame you all and TBN for exercising undue influence.) /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Assuming my purchase and trip home go smoothly, you guys have sincere thanks from this armchair tractor researcher, soon to be PT owner/operator.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Re: Wasabi\'s Power Trac

<font color=red>(credit or blame is all in how one looks at it, I guess....I 'll let you know my wife's considered opinion after she actually meets the Brute. If she doesn't like it I'll blame you all and TBN for exercising undue influence.) </font color=red>

Don't blame all of TBN, even to your wife. Some people on the board might even think you should be buying a conventional tractor like Grandpappy's.
We PT types may be few in number, but at accepting blame, we're ready and able.

 

[pajoube]

Here is another observation for you PT people. Along the lines of what Charlie is looking at I have many hedges of various heights that I plan on trimming from a platform of the FEL. My thoughts are to rig up a frame attached to the platform that would hold the hedge trimmer in horizontal position. I would drive down the hedge and trim the top. Probably would have to be a gas machine unless they make such a thing as a hydraulic trimmer.
Boy, Charlie, you sure do stimulate the thinking.
PJ

 

[wasabi]

Re: Wasabi\'s Power Trac

<font color=blue>Don't blame all of TBN, even to your wife.</font color=blue> Not a chance, only the braggarts and a few other among this mildly deranged elite crowd. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

<font color=blue>Some people on the board might even think you should be buying a conventional tractor like Grandpappy's.</font color=blue> I heard their sage counsel as well. I've learned from them, but the amount I have yet to learn from them is what humbles me. Why, one of them even helped me in his sleep, then claimed he knew nuthin' 'bout it ....wizard he is....I don't doubt that he is better than that famous Harry Potter fellow....

<font color=blue>We PT types may be few in number, but at accepting blame, we're ready and able. </font color=blue> From your animated gif (Harv get that for you?), I get the idea you're downright excited about that blame prospect. If so, you might
want to look up someone in BlurryBill's field. If you speak for all the PT forum members (MossRoad, can we have a informal ruling on this?), well then, I think we may have found the readymade cast for a remake of "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest".

Accolades only for TBN influence wielders from this quarter.

 

[wasabi]

outriggers R us.

 

[Harv]

Re: Wasabi\'s Power Trac

<font color=blue>your animated gif (Harv get that for you?)</font color=blue>

'Tweren't me! My stuff is never that cute, no matter how hard I try.

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Wasabi\'s Power Trac

I rule in Charlies favor, whatever that is /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif