Creative? Help me build this.

Laminarman · Nov 2, 2005

I want to buy one of these, but feel I may be able to build one. I lack a few things: a good foundation in hydraulics and a working model to copy. But I imagine I could source the rods/lines/controls to do it. Any help anybody??

Click here for link.

EDIT: Shortened long URL link.

JustGary · Nov 2, 2005

What are you going to hang it on? I would think that it would be fairly straight forward if you just go from the picture. The spec shows 1400# plus 500# for the root ball, so expect 2000# total lift from one that size. Your mileage may vary.

It looks like the spades slide inside of a rail made from two "C"s face-to-face. The bar on top of the spade (inside the rail) looks as big as the cylinders, which he says are 3".

Of course, if I were building it I would hinge the side bar like they did but have the pin lock the two bars together around the front instead of just holding the one side like theirs does. It seems like it would be stronger that way, and you didn't "steal his design".

I'm not sure about the hydraulics either, but I don't really see why you couldn't put all three cylinders in series. Whichever one moves the easiest would get the pressure until it stopped, then another one would. Eventually they would all get fully extended. That way you just have one valve. His only has two hoses, so I suspect that's how it works.

Some of the more experienced builders can help with the hydraulics more than I can.

I think the real question is, how did that Christmas Tree get out in that field all by itself?

Good luck!

- Just Gary

Laminarman · Nov 2, 2005

Gary

I'd put a skid steer adapter on the front of my TC40DA. I imagine I could "wing it", but I need a source to learn about hydraulics. This place sells the blades for $125 each, and theh 2.5" cylinders with 30" throw are $169 each at Northern Tool. Add a whole lot of steel, paint, welding supplies, hoses, valves...etc and I bet I could bring it in under $1500?? I would alter the design as you suggested, maybe do something a little different. Thanks a lot for the help. Any other helpers??

MadReferee · Nov 3, 2005

( I'm not sure about the hydraulics either, but I don't really see why you couldn't put all three cylinders in series. Whichever one moves the easiest would get the pressure until it stopped, then another one would. Eventually they would all get fully extended. That way you just have one valve. His only has two hoses, so I suspect that's how it works.)

The cylinders would not be in series, they would be in parallel with a connection scheme similar to your loader's lift or curl cylinders. Think about it for a minute. How would the fluid get between two cylinders that were in series? Preloaded? Not. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

jmc · Nov 3, 2005

Those blades look like the hardest part and if you found a source to buy them, great. Mechanically, each bent surface (facet) of the blade needs to be parallel with the cylinder stroke or the blade won't penetrate efficiently, if at all. In fact, penetration may be the weak part of this design with the limited weight available to counter hydraulic forces. I hired a big one once and they had a built in water trickle at each blade to soften the dirt and lubricate the blade.

You need to plumb this so that only one blade is actuated at a time. Otherwise, you're splitting your limited counterweight 3 ways, even if the blades aren't actually penetrating.

If you do this, half of us here are going to be pestering you for pictures.

John

MikeD74T · Nov 3, 2005

My brother in law has two of these, both commercially made. His blades insert one at a time. Don't know it that's by design or coincidence. Pushing down with all three at once could spread the weight and lift the tractor rather than imbed the spades into into the ground on hard soil. His have hydraulics that swing the spades as well as dig. Don't know it they're all that way.

Laminarman · Nov 4, 2005

I have seen videos of these working, and they do seem to work the blades one at a time. I've seen one where the guy uses the valves to actuate the cylinders, and ones where it does it automatically? I'm shopping for a hydraulics book now. Even used, these are over $2,000 and they look pretty beat up.

MadReferee · Nov 4, 2005

( I've seen one where the guy uses the valves to actuate the cylinders, )

This one is easy. One spool for each cylinder or set of cylinders per blade. This is the easiest and cheapest design. Having one spool work all cylinders simultaneously is easy too.

Now, having one spool work several cylinders in progression (A then B then C) will require more than just your basic hydraulics. I will bet that some type of electric switch/diverter combination is used for this configuration.

Are you planning on using the tractor remotes or are you going to have your own pto pump?

Laminarman · Nov 4, 2005

I imagine I'd use my tractor's remotes? I've got a call in to my dealer about a skid steer front mounting plate. I see ATI makes them and I like their products. I don't mind using one valve per cylinder, it's a heck of a lot easier than digging by hand. Besides, I think the design is simple. Simplicity is something I seem to look for lately.

tc40da-rg · Dec 15, 2010

Laminarman said:
I want to buy one of these, but feel I may be able to build one. I lack a few things: a good foundation in hydraulics and a working model to copy. But I imagine I could source the rods/lines/controls to do it. Any help anybody??

Click here for link.

EDIT: Shortened long URL link.

The link you listed is already (12/15/10) gone. Do you have a picture saved that you can post. Readers from here out have no idea what "these" are. I'm very curious now! LOL