FEL Road Maintenance Cutter

[Duerwood Willis]

Here are some pictures and a video of our custom 5/16" SSQA plates being cut.

 

[rekees4300]

The deck is not thicker because it is built to hang off the side of your FEL while it is up in the air. Too much weight that high up in the air is not a good idea.

That would be my main concern. Could cause the tractor to flip.

 

[project_X]

Duerwood, Do you have any pictures of the blades? And the fastening method, are they easily replaced/sharpened?

 

[Code54]

First off - glad to have your aboard and THANK YOU for the information. This is excellent and nice to see someone trying to start a business then taking the time to address questions and concerns!
I do like your idea a LOT and think you are off to a great start on the units. Have you given any thought to making one for a Mini Ex. Basically instead of the QD plate and assembly just have a "box" over the motor with the Mini ex bracket (Quick connect) mounts. Yours would make a great "home owner" or farmer type of mini ex unit for trimming brush along the road and such. Don't need a double extra heavy duty commercial machine for around the house/farm and this would really fit the build for a reasonable price.

 

[Duerwood Willis]

Duerwood, Do you have any pictures of the blades? And the fastening method, are they easily replaced/sharpened?

I do not currently have a picture available of the complete blade set, here is a picture of the current blade carrier and the fasteners. They are bolts and lock nuts. I will get you some pictures of the blades. I have yet to have to sharpen or switch the blades over.

I apologize for not having any available at the moment.

 

[Duerwood Willis]

First off - glad to have your aboard and THANK YOU for the information. This is excellent and nice to see someone trying to start a business then taking the time to address questions and concerns!
I do like your idea a LOT and think you are off to a great start on the units. Have you given any thought to making one for a Mini Ex. Basically instead of the QD plate and assembly just have a "box" over the motor with the Mini ex bracket (Quick connect) mounts. Yours would make a great "home owner" or farmer type of mini ex unit for trimming brush along the road and such. Don't need a double extra heavy duty commercial machine for around the house/farm and this would really fit the build for a reasonable price.

Thanks for the feedback and questions! Truthfully I had not given any thought to the idea of making a model for the mini ex until someone asked the question earlier today while inquiring about it. Keep in mind the original design was focused around simplifying work days at the hunting camp. I feel with the question being asked twice in the same day, I need to take action. I will try to get something in the works.

Current task this week:

Complete the 3D scan, this will allow us to have a digital 3D model and the ability to use a four axis laser cutter and brake.

Review the new blade carrier design

And Saturday we have leased a complete fab shop and the best two welders/fabricators there to run a timed trial, this will allow us to gauge the potential volume that can be delivered in a given time frame.

 

[lt190b]

Duerwood, thanks for the blade and carrier picture. One of the questions I asked you about in a phone conversation was will the hydraulic motor run in either direction, I don't remember the answer? lt190b

 

[Oldpath05]

I can see a huge benefit in cutting tree branches on wood roads, atv/snowmobile trails, but to run this model, probably a 40 hp tractor should be used. For a tractor 25-35 hp, a smaller version somewhere around 2-300 lb. with 25-30" cutter would be better. For my tractor I'd be comfortable with 300 lb hanging off my loader. I do like the color tho, wonder what tractor that matches.

 

[Duerwood Willis]

Duerwood, thanks for the blade and carrier picture. One of the questions I asked you about in a phone conversation was will the hydraulic motor run in either direction, I don't remember the answer? lt190b

No it will not, the carrier will bind against the spindle because it will tighten the carrier bolt once contact is made with brush. I will also have the other answers for you tomorrow by mid day on freight.

 

[Duerwood Willis]

I can see a huge benefit in cutting tree branches on wood roads, atv/snowmobile trails, but to run this model, probably a 40 hp tractor should be used. For a tractor 25-35 hp, a smaller version somewhere around 2-300 lb. with 25-30" cutter would be better. For my tractor I'd be comfortable with 300 lb hanging off my loader. I do like the color tho, wonder what tractor that matches.

So to be a little more specific on weight, the first one we built was from a 4' bush hog with a busted gear box, it was given to me for free. I went to pick it up and discovered I had just taken ownership of an heavy duty unit, the thing was a beast, 1/4" plate. We proceed with it to see if our theory would work. I was extremely nervous and filled my rear left tire with 80% water to balance my tractor. Today I would guess that the bucket mounted model is 200 +/- 20 pounds, the SSQA model is probably 250 +/- 20 pounds excluding the SSQA plate and arm. I guess long story made short is the majority of the weight is center boom, I feel comfortable that the weight on either model is well below 300 pounds offset to the right side. I plan to get an actual weight, I have to have the weight for a freight quote. I will share once I have the weight.

 

[skipperbrown]

Any chance you will be making a smaller unit for 25hp cuts like the Kubota B series?

 

[Duerwood Willis]

Any chance you will be making a smaller unit for 25hp cuts like the Kubota B series?

Yes sir that is our plan is to offer a 36" x 40" model.

 

[Duerwood Willis]

Here are a few pictures of the blades for those that wanted to see them.

 

[Duerwood Willis]

Let's see if this video works. We were struggling to keep enough SSQA plates in stock. Both manufacturers we were buying them from were on back order, we reached out to the local fab shop and had a dozen made, we were able to have them modified reducing some time for our assembly.
Lane Shark SSQA Plates 5/16" - YouTube

 

[Code54]

A 36" model would be GREAT for a mini Ex!!!!
Nice cutting size to get between trees and not too heavy so it would be easy to reach all the way out with the mower. Please let us know if/when you make one.

 

[Duerwood Willis]

A 36" model would be GREAT for a mini Ex!!!!
Nice cutting size to get between trees and not too heavy so it would be easy to reach all the way out with the mower. Please let us know if/when you make one.

Most definitely will!

 

[Duerwood Willis]

Finally a better picture of the blades for those that have inquired. For those that purchased units here is a picture of yours. Hope to have all shipping by end of the week.

 

[Code54]

I like the fact you kept the bottom "clean" so there is not a place for junk to build up. Looks great

 

[Duerwood Willis]

I like the fact you kept the bottom "clean" so there is not a place for junk to build up. Looks great

Thanks! We built those three over the weekend, we have five decks ready to go, just have to finish the SSQA and the mechanical part (very time consuming).

 

[Code54]

I bet it is!!
I have to say again, a 36" with that design would be great on the mini!!!
Sorry had to mention it again! LOL
Bet of luck with all you do and I think once you get more out in the market and can get the word out you are going to be rather busy!