Everlast Power Plasma 50

[evo803]

I just got this unit from Mark . I was having some troubles right out of the box with the torch . Mark walked me through a couple of things to try so I would not have to wait for a new torch , but nothing worked. So I got a new torch in three days and some extra consumables for my "trouble" . This was some of the BEST customer service I have ever experienced. The new torch works perfectly and this thing cuts awesome. I am building a small articulating tractor w/FEL and this is going to make my life so easy.I will post some pictures soon.

 

[hawkeye08]

General rule on this forum, it didn't happen unless there pictures, show us the pictures of the new tool and some of the project too. :thumbsup:

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Yes,
I was glad to be able to help.

Lets see this tractor! What's powering it? What kind of transmission system?

 

[evo803]

Here is what I have got so far, I have done all the cutting so far with cut-off wheel, jig saw and sawz-all. I am now in heaven with the plasma and soon it will become a small 2x2 CNC rig. Back to the tractor it is powered by a 19.5 hp Briggs the frame articulates and oscillates and it uses 2 Hydro Gear transaxles. The front axle has a hydro pump that I will use for steering and height adjustment for the plow. I have a 6gpm pump that will run the rest of the hydraulics. I also plan a dual battery system with a 75watt alternator and 1800watt inverter. I started with 2 Sears Lt1000 and the plans and ideas have just snowballed. I can't take credit for this alone I have a few friends that have been the driving force behind this project because I was disabled 3 yrs ago from a little jobsite incident . The main reason for this build is so I can feel useful and get some chores accomplished like plowing the driveway, mow the lawn and help my wife with the gardening and landscape moving mulch and loam etc. It is hard for me to watch my wife work 2 jobs then come home and spread 6 yds of mulch.

 

[gwdixon]

Lordy, what a project!

 

[FredH]

Thats Bad A## !!!!!

In what you describe as your Job site accident , Look at it this way , You missed your calling in doing that job and have now found your way with what you are doing now Because as I first stated , That Is Bad A$# !!!


Please keep us posted , ( With Pictures !!! ) , of your build .

Take Care ,

Fred H.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

That's a good project. I have a suggestion or two. 1) check out the original load limit on the mowers that you made the tractor from. Those aluminum housings won't hold up a lot of weight, you might make additional bearing supports on the steel axles themselves. My John Deere mower is 300 additional lbs. Is the heaviest axle on the front where the weight will be when loaded? 2) Make sure you have the loader mounting brackets gusseted to the outside and find at least a cold rolled shaft for the cross pin on the loader mount instead of the threaded rod.

What's your estimated articulating angle?

 

[hawkeye08]

Awesome project.. sounds like you are having some fun with it also. thanks for sharing.

 

[evo803]

That's a good project. I have a suggestion or two. 1) check out the original load limit on the mowers that you made the tractor from. Those aluminum housings won't hold up a lot of weight, you might make additional bearing supports on the steel axles themselves. My John Deere mower is 300 additional lbs. Is the heaviest axle on the front where the weight will be when loaded? 2) Make sure you have the loader mounting brackets gusseted to the outside and find at least a cold rolled shaft for the cross pin on the loader mount instead of the threaded rod.

What's your estimated articulating angle?[/QUOTE

1. The load rating is 792lbs on each axle and the frame is 3/16 plate
2. I will have 2-1/4" plate bulkheads under the loader arms for support
3. The threaded rod is just for mock up of the arms to check the swing
4. 30 degrees +/- it gives me a 26" turning radius- oscillation is about 12 degrees which allows opposite corners wheels to ride up on 8" obstacles and still have all wheels in contact with the ground

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

26 degrees..that's good. I can't tell what you are using for your pivot. Is that tractor top link ends? You'll get more flex than that when your tires "give" under the pressure of the uneven terrain.

That's one of those things you might make a living at, just selling the plans.

 

[evo803]

The pivots are I think cat 1 top links 3/4" diameter. I left the threads so I could get some extra rotation on the upper link and just shortened the bottom link. This way I was able to get the axle centerlines adjusted perfectly so the front and rear drive belts are the same length. It will also ensure the tracking is perfect, where the front tire goes the rears will run in the same tracks.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Did you ever think about Big truck tie rod ends? They are greasable. Even tractor tie rods ends might be good. I know this is a budget operation, but you could source some from a junk yard. I have some experience with those toplinks from TISCO and others. The balls will deform and wear under stress. They are a lot softer than they look.

 

[evo803]

For the stresses that those ball ends are going to see they will last a very long time. If one goes bad I unscrew it spend $10.00 and get it delivered to my doorstep . In my condition I can't deal with trying to go to junkyards and salvage parts and brand new the cost is prohibitive.

 

[Stampeder]

EVO:

Great PROJECT....:thumbsup:
You and your friends are doing a great job.
I am a little concerned however for the bucket you show in you first pix. I think it's a little light for the work.......:laughing::laughing:

Keep the pictures coming.

 

[evo803]

EVO:

Great PROJECT....:thumbsup:
You and your friends are doing a great job.
I am a little concerned however for the bucket you show in you first pix. I think it's a little light for the work.......:laughing::laughing:

Keep the pictures coming.

I will have you know that the cardboard is the plastic coated double thick put toghether with glue blocks and not just hot melt but reactive hot melt polyurethane glue from 3M .It will easily handle 4 cu ft of packing peanuts when finished. So gets your facts straight before you criticize:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Thanks for the comments everyone !

 

[Speedfreak]

That is BAD ***** this gets invention of the year... I really like the 8" wheel articulation in a 4x4. That is impressive with such a small turning radius.

 

[evo803]

Here are some pics of the foot control. I decided to use pillow blocks on both shafts to make the linkage as smooth as possible because it will be operating 2 transaxles. I stuck the front shaft through the leftside so I can make a hand control lever. I milled slots in the brackets for maximum adjustability to get everything working perfectly. I think I will weld the studs in place for the heim joints when I am finished so they won't vibrate out of calibration. What is everyones thought's on that ?

 

[dts1449]

What a great idea! I can't wait to see the pics of those packing peanuts being moved... Great looking welds too! Keep up the good work and keep the pics coming. Thanks for sharing-DTS

 

[HCJtractor]

i am impressed!!! What welder are you using? How do you like your new plasma? What is the thickest you have cut with it?

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I am ready to see this thing GOOOOOO!!!