My solution for 3PT float on my GC1700

[Nacademus]

Here is my prototype solution to having to hold the implement position lever down in order to float along the ground.

As you probably know, this capability is omitted from a lot of subcompact tractors resulting in the operator having to either hold the lever down or drop the 3Pt lift arms in a position that places them below level at the start.

I printed a simple detent gate that clasps onto the position lever when down. Its not perfect but it was free for me and a lot of fun to do. I'm sure I will make improvements. Currently its held on with a 1"x1" piece of 3M molding tape.

How have some of you overcome this minor annoyance? Maybe there is a much easier way. I didn't want to lash it with a bungee or anything. Also, this won't hurt anything by constantly holding it down while needed, will it?

Here is a link to my Tinkercad file for it if you wanted to see it and modify it to your liking.

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/6mROCZD04Ik

 

[snymat68]

Neat solution. I just hold mine. It does get annoying sometimes though. I wish they'd include position control on these SCUTs. Oh well.

 

[cglaser104]

That's probably the biggest/nicest point of differentiation with a John Deere 1025R is the positional 3pt. If they had that feature on a GC then they likely wouldn't have to make the 1526 and could have a 30hp 1700E series machine.

 

[Imold]

Thanks, sent it to my other computer so I can load it on a sd card and plug it into my 3D printer, need to get my printer out for the winter being that痴 when I play around with it, think I even have red filament.

 

[Nacademus]

Neat!!!


I printed mine in PETG for durability and UV stability.

I'm always looking for cool little ways to make use of the 3D printer around my house.

 

[Imold]

I like the mechanics of 3D printing and I am real bad at downloading things that’s what my sons are for hahaha, I get them to download things on a SD card and I’m good to go because it becomes a plug and print for me.
I do have about 7-9 rolls of filament and a bunch of extra nozzles, heads and other replacement parts being I live out in the country and there are no 3D printing stores close to me so everything needs to be ordered in.
I just ordered a updated filament holder for my Anycubic Mega.

 

[Imold]

I went with black, it just started printing and I will take a pic of finished clip when done.

 

[irvingj]

Wow... I could see application for that on my 2310's FEL float (that I have to hold all the time)!! Use that float position all the time when blowing snow.

Comments?

 

[Imold]

Done and Done.



Again Thanks Nacademus.

 

[Nacademus]

No problem! Glad you tried it out! If you improve it, let us know how!

I gave it a little test run.

I just finished tilling about an acre and the detent was fantastic! It made the chore of having to hold that lever down to till faster a whole lot better. It only slipped out one time and that's when I hit a root. To be fair, I almost slipped out of the seat, myself.

I like that it's not permanent and doesn't require any physical alterations to the tractor itself.

Now my tractor is covered in dust.
View attachment 623693

 

[Nacademus]

I printed mine with 40% infill and 3 outer layers. It flexes but keeps it's shape and doesn't crack.


I'm not sure if PLA will work for it. I use PETG-ABS would probably be fine, too.

 

[Nacademus]

Here is how I mounted it.

I cleaned the surface, put the detent on the lever and pressed it down to where it needs to stop. Pressed the detent into the body and held it while pulling lever out of position. Let the molding tape cure for a few hours. Done.

 

[irvingj]

Darn... guess that wouldn't work on a joystick control.... Great job!

 

[Imold]

I just used PLA being that’s what I already had running in the printer, it looks like it will flex enough but I still need to grab my 3M tape and put it on and see what happens.

Sounds like we have a couple different filaments already for testing, we will just need to see what works and what does not work then report back.

 

[cglaser104]

At the base of the 3D printed part you could also use a through bolt with a washer or small plate underneath to clamp on. Maybe use some sort of rubber textured pad on either side to grip so you don't have to crank down on the plastics

 

[Imold]

At the base of the 3D printed part you could also use a through bolt with a washer or small plate underneath to clamp on. Maybe use some sort of rubber textured pad on either side to grip so you don't have to crank down on the plastics

That is one of my thoughts, just use the slot and just have a small thumb wheel/knob on top to tighten it down with then you can move it up and down to adjust the height, lock it in float or just half way down.

Ideas are what it is all about.

 

[Nacademus]

That is one of my thoughts, just use the slot and just have a small thumb wheel/knob on top to tighten it down with then you can move it up and down to adjust the height, lock it in float or just half way down.

Ideas are what it is all about.

My first attempt involved a clip securing the detent into the slot, but the float portion of the lever sits where the detent would have to be clipped in to work-so it didn't have enough room.

I also thought about another design using neodymium magnets in a sort of gate to keep the lever in float position.

Today, I spent about 8 hours on the tractor grading and moving dirt with my back blade and box blade. The 3M tape still holds it well and the detent hasn't lost any strength so far after quite possibly hundreds of engagements.

 

[Nacademus]

At the base of the 3D printed part you could also use a through bolt with a washer or small plate underneath to clamp on. Maybe use some sort of rubber textured pad on either side to grip so you don't have to crank down on the plastics

I'd recommend designing the hole into the part so it's properly reinforced and prepared for the clamping pressure.

 

[cglaser104]

What if instead of a pinching point you offset the piece to the left or right as a hook. I'm not sure how much side to side play the lever has but that could allow it to be used regularly or slid into a lock position that wouldn't wear the clasping of the plastic

 

[apps]

Great idea Nacademus! I'm always holding the lever down with my leg when snowblowing with 3pt blower. Would you consider making some for sale? I would definetely buy one!