JLG LJ500 Little John stand-on mini skid steer

[fidowanttobe]

I am very envious of that machine! I'm thinking you're using it enough now to warrant an action video!

 

[shaeff]

I am very envious of that machine! I'm thinking you're using it enough now to warrant an action video!

I’ll have to figure out a way to mount my cell phone and get some action shots next time I run it.

 

[shaeff]

Excuse the gym shorts, I wasn't planning on making this video at this point in time, and I was just doing something quick but the opportunity presented itself so here's a very short video of me dragging out a Snapper LT16 that I'm going to get running again to either be sold or give to my father to use at another property he helps maintain. It was his mower years ago, then we built our house and we dragged it out and I got it going again, used it for two years, then got a zero turn. It's been sitting in the bushes under a tarp for probably three years and needs a new pulley for the mule drive. Once I replace that pulley, I'll get it fired up and loaded on the trailer.

Anyway, here's the (very) short video, as embarrassing as it may be! I'll post more now that I realized how easy the youtube app makes it to upload.

Edit: yes that's basically a scrap pile that I started next to the mower. It's amazing how quickly one can accumulate junk haha.

 

[ddbackhoe]

If the speed isn't improved as much as I'd like, I will research using gearing changes to speed it up. I know I'll lose a bit of torque to the ground with taller gears, but for REAL loader work, I'll just use my actual loader. This little sucker isn't going to work that hard because there's no need for it. So, to get a jump on the situation, should I decide to go that route with gearing, here's a picture of how the drive setup runs. Green is the drive motor (there's one per side), uses #60 .75 pitch chain. I believe the drive gears are splined but cannot confirm that yet. So, my question to you guys that are smarter than me:

Would it be better to go undersized on the yellow gears, or oversized on the green gear. (assuming I can find something that works) Going undersized on the yellow gears may retain some torque since they'll be easier to spin, and undersized means the'll rotate more for every revolution of the drive gear meaning higher travel speed, right?

or

If I oversize the drive gear (green), I'll definitely lose torque but should gain some drive speed assuming the motor (11hp Wisconsin Robin) has the power to sustain the hydraulic (gear) pump pushing fluid through it.

I am open to all suggestions. This may never happen, but if it doesn't I may end up having to sell it because of it's wildly slow speed. The two speeds are selected by diverting hydraulic flow and they are as follows:

Low speed currently: 1.7mph
High speed currently: 2.25 blazing mph

Heres a quick calculator that my help. Chain and Sprocket Calculator | RPM and Chain Speeds. If you want to go a little more in-depth and break out the pocket calculator.... http://gearseds.com/documentation/deb holmes/2.5_Chain_drive_systems.pdf

 

[shaeff]

Heres a quick calculator that my help. Chain and Sprocket Calculator | RPM and Chain Speeds. If you want to go a little more in-depth and break out the pocket calculator.... http://gearseds.com/documentation/deb holmes/2.5_Chain_drive_systems.pdf

I'll check it out, thanks!

 

[shaeff]

Put the LJ to work a bit this weekend, not much, but it sure is better than a wheelbarrow!

Random piece of concrete (apparently with an embedded pipe!) that has bothered me since we bought the property. Makes a nasty bump with the zero turn:


Pried it up with a railroad bar after a good soaking rain:


Interesting, wonder what the pipe was for? Maybe the tiny dwelling that used to be about 50' away? No idea! (The chimney and remnants of dwelling still there)


Makin' it work:


Temporary dumping area until I get my MF35 maintenance done, field is pretty bumpy for this little skid steer:

 

[shaeff]

Snagged a cheap doghouse to modify for my generator (seen in background)


Also sold my old (junk) pickup. Sad to see it go, but it was long dead, parts only, sold for more than twice scrap value so I’m happy.

The brakes were all locked up, the LJ500 lifted the front corner one side at a time up on the trailer, then the whole rear, then straightened it out. Not many pics, I was kinda busy.




Still need more time to work on it, but I’m focused on building a lean-to off my shed to store it under. If I get time for it...

 

[shaeff]

Pulled this old sled out to sell it. No problems at all... pushed it right onto the new owner’s trailer.


Really loving the light weight and four wheel drive on this thing. It’s handy. Slow or not, it’s staying with me! It marks up the lawn but doesn’t make ruts like the MF35 does. Also much easier to see what I’m doing!

 

[shaeff]

Not sure if anyone is actually following this, but it’s nice at least for me to keep a timeline of what I’ve done with and to the LJ500.

Last night, in lieu of a Nor’easter, I decided that it’s been left out in the cold for long enough. The tarp was getting tattered and I figured that if I’m to do any extra work on it over winter, I’d rather be warm and dry with lots of overhead light available.

So, I brought it into my (cluttered! ) basement for winter. I should have removed the bucket (d’oh!), it would take up less space. Oh well, I’ll take it off (two pins) and stand it up in a corner.

 

[fidowanttobe]

Yes! I am following and enjoy the updates. (I love resurrected iron and am quite envious.) :laughing:
I imagine it has been a while since he has parked in a heated spot for the winter! Little fart looks comfy.
So, . . . complete concours correct restoration is in the works???
I too have a workshop basement and tuck-under garage. Love it as far as same temp summer and winter as the house and can zip downstairs in my slippers to do whatever. Downside is that everything household has to go UP the stairs.