npalen
Elite Member
HYDRAULICS--WHAT IS IT?
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k0ua
Epic Contributor
An easily visible hydraulic fluid level indicator. Shows the level of the fluid in the "tank" ?
k0ua
Epic Contributor
come to think of it, I don't understand how that could work.:confused3:
OP
npalen
Elite Member
It is a fluid level indicator but not for the hydraulic reservoir.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
What is it for?
OP
npalen
Elite Member
It's for the TNT tilt cylinder.
OP
npalen
Elite Member
I have no idea. I'm still trying to figure out how the operator reaches the rear remote levers.
The picture makes the rear levers look like they're behind the seat but they are actually off to the right. It is rather easy to reach them since when using 3PT attachments I'm turned to the right in the seat.
OP
npalen
Elite Member
This is just the latest in brainstorms on how to indicate the position of the TNT cylinders. The hose plugged into the QD at the bottom of the sight gauge goes to the base end of the tilt cylinder. It's normally plugged into the tilt valve along with the rod end hose.
The tilt cylinder becomes, in essence, a single acting cylinder which works for the same reason that the 3PH cylinder is single acting. The sight tube is open at the top end to accept a breather same as normally used on a double acting cylinder when used with a single acting valve. I'm thinking, however, that it (sight tube) could be plugged when the tilt cylinder is fully retracted to fill the sight tube. It would then pull a vacuum when the tilt cylinder is extended but not sure how much vacuum. Will have to give that a try and probably depends on how much extra capacity in the tube.
The sight tube is 1" inside diameter which requires 9" of length to accept volume of the 1 1/2" x 4" stroke tilt cylinder. I did cut the tube a couple inches extra length for that purpose. The plastic sight tube would be mounted inside a metal shield for protection. The shield would have a slot to allow a visual on the fluid level.
Would like some constructive criticism of thisidea. I realize that not everyone is going see it as useful or practical.
The tilt cylinder becomes, in essence, a single acting cylinder which works for the same reason that the 3PH cylinder is single acting. The sight tube is open at the top end to accept a breather same as normally used on a double acting cylinder when used with a single acting valve. I'm thinking, however, that it (sight tube) could be plugged when the tilt cylinder is fully retracted to fill the sight tube. It would then pull a vacuum when the tilt cylinder is extended but not sure how much vacuum. Will have to give that a try and probably depends on how much extra capacity in the tube.
The sight tube is 1" inside diameter which requires 9" of length to accept volume of the 1 1/2" x 4" stroke tilt cylinder. I did cut the tube a couple inches extra length for that purpose. The plastic sight tube would be mounted inside a metal shield for protection. The shield would have a slot to allow a visual on the fluid level.
Would like some constructive criticism of thisidea. I realize that not everyone is going see it as useful or practical.
If I had a dollar every time I got off the tractor to make sure the mowing deck was level... I could buy one of these! My only concern would be accuracy... but I guess you could use a smaller diameter and a longer tube to compensate. Interested in how well it works...
OP
npalen
Elite Member
The white band about halfway up on the tube is a marker for when the attachment is level. It's just another zip tie that can be slid up or down to indicate level. I will do some testing tomorrow to get the feel for accuracy.
The 1" ID tube does amplify the reading somewhat based on the 1 1/2" ID cylinder. (More that double actually)
The 1" ID tube does amplify the reading somewhat based on the 1 1/2" ID cylinder. (More that double actually)
Jim Timber
Veteran Member
Why not just use some control cable with a ball end in a clear tube?
Rig the other end to the rod, the sleeve to the cylinder and voila! You have a remote length gauge. Bike shops should have all the cable you need.
Rig the other end to the rod, the sleeve to the cylinder and voila! You have a remote length gauge. Bike shops should have all the cable you need.
ovrszd
Epic Contributor
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If I'm using my BB, and I want to put downward pressure on the right side, how am I going to do that?
With this device in place the most downward pressure I can exert is "float". Without the device I can forcefuuly extend the tilt cylinder and use the weight of the BB to increase downward pressure.
With this device in place the most downward pressure I can exert is "float". Without the device I can forcefuuly extend the tilt cylinder and use the weight of the BB to increase downward pressure.
OP
npalen
Elite Member
OP
npalen
Elite Member
You make a good point, Richard. I hadn't considered that.
Jim Timber
Veteran Member
OP
npalen
Elite Member
It worked for a year or two until the moisture and rust got to the cable. I need to find a weather proof push/pull cable like something for marine use.
Maybe someone has some ideas?
Maybe someone has some ideas?
Jim Timber
Veteran Member
Bike cables are stainless?
The other idea I had was using an air cylinder with a rear port and small bore (smallest I found was 3/4") and using veggie oil to the sight tube. If you have a 3/4" tube you'd get exactly the same movement in the glass as at the cylinder. Sister it up to your cylinder and you're off and running.
If you wanted to get real fancy you could have two of them with a slide rule on the display end.
The other idea I had was using an air cylinder with a rear port and small bore (smallest I found was 3/4") and using veggie oil to the sight tube. If you have a 3/4" tube you'd get exactly the same movement in the glass as at the cylinder. Sister it up to your cylinder and you're off and running.
If you wanted to get real fancy you could have two of them with a slide rule on the display end.
OP
npalen
Elite Member
Thought about the bicycle cables but they are tension only with spring return and I need a push pull. Lot of these push/pull type cables (below) available but they don't generally have enough travel which is 4" in my case.
Steinjager J0013161 Cables Push Pull Cable Shifter 1 4 28 | eBay
Had considered a "hydraulic cable" something like you mention but was thinking in terms of just a tube with a plunger with an o-ring. (Think syringe) The plunger and flexible plastic tube would act as a cylinder and the tube would act as a sight gauge at the top end. Would need a breather but that shouldn't be a problem.
I appreciate your feedback and comments, Jim. I enjoy working on little projects like this.
Steinjager J0013161 Cables Push Pull Cable Shifter 1 4 28 | eBay
Had considered a "hydraulic cable" something like you mention but was thinking in terms of just a tube with a plunger with an o-ring. (Think syringe) The plunger and flexible plastic tube would act as a cylinder and the tube would act as a sight gauge at the top end. Would need a breather but that shouldn't be a problem.
I appreciate your feedback and comments, Jim. I enjoy working on little projects like this.
