FEL mouted PLOW

[Makers_Mark]

It's still in progress. I'm sure now that I've built it, it won't snow. I'll put a hydraulic valve on in the fall. Right now I just pull the pin to rotate the plow. I'll put a strip of rubber horse mat at the bottom to absorb impact from stones or such (as someone else did on this site - thanks for the idea). Material cost including the front blade, which is not on yet, came to $175. I spent aprox 8 hrs on it so far.

 

[Makers_Mark]

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[Makers_Mark]

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[Makers_Mark]

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[Makers_Mark]

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[Makers_Mark]

Here is a 3d computer model that shows how it's mounted to the FEL. I'll strap chains from the bottom to the top and use a "chain tightener thingy" to secure it. Easy on - easy off.

 

[CTyler]

Looks good so far. Is there a place for trip springs?

 

[Makers_Mark]

For now, the rubber horse mat will act as the trip. But I will plan on doing it in the future. I have to finish it tonight. Heard there's 4" coming down tonight.

 

[Loges1]

I've seen those pins before, but I was sure they were welded on top of a beam for concrete anchors /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
It looks good. Did you have a plate rolled for the plow? Or do you have a actual plow you are going to use?

 

[Makers_Mark]

HA - plate rolled? Plate rolling is for professionals. I'm going to lay the blade frame on the ground, lay a sheet of steel over it, and press it into shape with my FEL. Then I'll tack weld it in place. Plasma cut to size, some final welding and viola! I'm hoping 1/8" steel will be heavy enough. But like they say - if it ain't done right the first time - ADD MORE STEEL /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[chim]

Now that you mention it, they DO look like Nelson Studs. Nice job...........chim

 

[Makers_Mark]

Is that what they are? Nelson studs? They were sitting on the counter at the steel place. I said -ooh what the heck are these? I NEED THESE! $1.00 apiece but I think he just threw them in. When I go hydraulic I will install a bearing or something more precise.

 

[jrlichina]

Just a suggestion, the tubing size you have for the A frame pivot looks like it is a bit undersized. You may want to go with something bigger like 3 or 4 inch box to give you more strength. This is the highest stress area as all loads are concentrated at this point and it will be the first to bend/break. If you look at the A frame for a truck plow you will see how large and beefy this part is on the plow. Nice work!

 

[Makers_Mark]

Thank for the advice. That was my opinion too - as you could see, I ignored it. I'll test run it tomorrow.

 

[beenthere]

I sure hope you post a pic or two of your process of holding the 1/8" steel in place for tacking. Sounds clever.

 

[JimMc]

Just a suggestion. At your pivot point and index pin locations, if you drill them oversized and weld in a pipe bushing sized to the pins, you will get less wear and egging of the holes in the tubing. It won't fully make up for the smallish size of the tubing in those locations, but it will help a lot. Of course, if you've already done that I have just insulted you. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Actually, I'm impressed with your progress thus far. Congratulations!!

 

[bobsedor]

What kind of welder do you use?

 

[Makers_Mark]

Welder? What welder? I used hot glue /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I use a Millermatic 210 MIG and a Spectrum 375 Cutmate plasma cutter.

 

[CTyler]

How do you like that welder? I'm considering a 251 to replace my little 110v miggy.

 

[Makers_Mark]

<font color="red"> Spectrum 375 Cutmate plasma cutter
</font> My mistake. I have the 625 Cutmate.

I love the welder. It came with a free spool gun as well. You could switch from one to the other with no hassle at all.