PT mounted string trimmer

Charlie_Iliff · May 31, 2002

I figure by posting a project on the board, I'll put pressure on myself to try to get it done.
I am working to design/build a trimmer to clean under fences, etc. I have a DR wheel mounted trimmer which does a decent job, but is not self propelled. Since the PT 1845 has plenty of propulsion, I plan to let it carry me along the fences with a boom mounted trimmer running out ahead and to my right.
I have ordered a DR trimmer head, with pulley, and yesterday I ordered a Gresen .7 ci displacement hydraulic motor that turns 5000 RPM at 15 GPM. It is only rated to 1500 psi, but the pressure should never get close. The strings will be gone and the belt off before that happens.
A lot of design is yet to be done, and some will no doubt happen after initial construction.
There are some electric mower deck mounted trimmers available, as well as little decks with supplemental belts, and various expensive boom mowers and trimmers.(So far I've spent $250, and figure a maximum of another $100 for hoses, pulley caster and belt. Still not cheap, but not $3500 either.) I would appreciate any leads to available commercial products, however, for possible designs, and certainly any suggestions.

MossRoad · May 31, 2002

Have you seen the postmaster trimmer at northern? It is a string trimmer that is offset to the side. When comes in contact with a fence post, it pivots around it. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=757532&prmenbr=6970> Click here to see it</A>

Charlie_Iliff · May 31, 2002

David: I haven't seen the postmaster trimmer in person. It is close to what I want, but mounted on the tractor. I had looked at Swisher's site before.

wasabi · May 31, 2002

I have no insights to offer, but did want to make a comment, so I guess this is a good a thread as any:

I admire how you tackle innovations such as your backhoe and this trimmer, head on. (PT pun intended)/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif This type of willingness to look at things in a slightly non-traditional way, and experiment a bit, is, I suspect, the very kernel of the evolution of Power-Trac's designs. Perhaps it is also a prerequisite to becoming a PT owner.

You have encouraged and stimulated my research and interest. In fact, I would not be enamoured (afflicted?) with PTitisis were it not for TBN, you, MossRoad, Bubenberg, PTRich, MCHalkley and others, all of whom helped educate me and guide my thinking. I believe I'm making the right decision. (credit or blame is all in how one looks at it, I guess....I 'll let you know my wife's considered opinion after she actually meets the Brute. If she doesn't like it I'll blame you all and TBN for exercising undue influence.) /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Assuming my purchase and trip home go smoothly, you guys have sincere thanks from this armchair tractor researcher, soon to be PT owner/operator.

Charlie_Iliff · May 31, 2002

Re: Wasabi\'s Power Trac

(credit or blame is all in how one looks at it, I guess....I 'll let you know my wife's considered opinion after she actually meets the Brute. If she doesn't like it I'll blame you all and TBN for exercising undue influence.) 

Don't blame all of TBN, even to your wife. Some people on the board might even think you should be buying a conventional tractor like Grandpappy's.
We PT types may be few in number, but at accepting blame, we're ready and able.

pajoube · May 31, 2002

Here is another observation for you PT people. Along the lines of what Charlie is looking at I have many hedges of various heights that I plan on trimming from a platform of the FEL. My thoughts are to rig up a frame attached to the platform that would hold the hedge trimmer in horizontal position. I would drive down the hedge and trim the top. Probably would have to be a gas machine unless they make such a thing as a hydraulic trimmer.
Boy, Charlie, you sure do stimulate the thinking.
PJ

wasabi · May 31, 2002

Re: Wasabi\'s Power Trac

Don't blame all of TBN, even to your wife. Not a chance, only the braggarts and a few other among this mildly deranged elite crowd. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Some people on the board might even think you should be buying a conventional tractor like Grandpappy's. I heard their sage counsel as well. I've learned from them, but the amount I have yet to learn from them is what humbles me. Why, one of them even helped me in his sleep, then claimed he knew nuthin' 'bout it ....wizard he is....I don't doubt that he is better than that famous Harry Potter fellow....

We PT types may be few in number, but at accepting blame, we're ready and able. From your animated gif (Harv get that for you?), I get the idea you're downright excited about that blame prospect. If so, you might
want to look up someone in BlurryBill's field. If you speak for all the PT forum members (MossRoad, can we have a informal ruling on this?), well then, I think we may have found the readymade cast for a remake of "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest".

Accolades only for TBN influence wielders from this quarter.

wasabi · May 31, 2002

outriggers R us.

Harv · Jun 1, 2002

Re: Wasabi\'s Power Trac

your animated gif (Harv get that for you?)

'Tweren't me! My stuff is never that cute, no matter how hard I try.

MossRoad · Jun 1, 2002

Re: Wasabi\'s Power Trac

I rule in Charlies favor, whatever that is /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

bubenberg · Jun 2, 2002

charlie, i know this is not the full answer to all your questions, but this firm has this thing on the market for the second season and i am about to buy one for these long driveways with trees and fenceposts. maybe it is to micky mouse for the job you intend to do with your hydraulic version!!!!!!??!?!?

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?threadid=24631&highlight=peco+trimmer

good luck
hans

wasabi · Jun 3, 2002

I have ordered a DR trimmer head, with pulley, and yesterday I ordered a Gresen .7 ci displacement hydraulic motor that turns 5000 RPM at 15 GPM

I sure look forward to hearing how this turns out for you Charlie!

With parts of our roads encroached by brambles, some uphill, some down, I could sure use a longer version, say with four or five screaming trimmer heads and easy height adjustment via auxilary hydraulics.

Anybody have catalogue suggestions for parts?

MossRoad · Jun 3, 2002

Try this site if you're serious about trimming /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ostraticky.cz/prod4.html#moving>http://www.ostraticky.cz/prod4.html#moving</A>

Charlie_Iliff · Jun 7, 2002

Slight setback in the trimmer project:
I got a call from Country Home Products a week or so ago to advise that the trimmer head assembly I had ordered would not fit the string trimmer I had. (It was a complete assembly including spindle, bearings, head and pulley, to upgrade their older models.) That's when I made the mistake of telling the caller that I wanted the assembly I had ordered to drive it with a hydraulic motor on the PT. The caller said that he would leave the order as placed. Today, however, after not receiving the order, I checked the status on line and found that every item ordered had been cancelled. I called to ask why and was told that they couldn't sell parts except to fit my machine, because if I were to use them for something else and hurt myself, they might be liable.
Since I was only dealing with a customer service lady, I restrained the impulse to comment on parentage, ****** improbabilities or other things that immediately came to mind. I managed actually to comment mildly that I would have been a bit happier if they had advised of their decision, and if they had not cancelled the orders for 155 mil cord and the blade, which do fit my machine.
So, now I have to look up the part numbers of the assembly on my machine, and hope their computer doesn't have me listed as one of those terrible home experimenters who are always suing after injuring themselves with their own contraptions.
Or maybe I'll just remove a foot with the 14" Beaver blade that they've agreed to sell me. Hard to see how I can create something much more dangerous than a 14" horizontal circular saw which they'll sell to anyone with a credit card. Maybe I should be complimented that they are in such awe of my creativity.
Too bad I like their product, and it fits so well what I want to do.

MossRoad · Jun 9, 2002

/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Charlie_Iliff · Jun 21, 2002

Some small progress to report, I hope, on the string trimmer project. After DR refused to sell me a trimmer spindle, I shopped locally and on the net. Finally, I talked to Swisher, and asked about the entire deck for a Postmaster, without the engine or cart. I was advised that it would be cheaper to buy the machine and throw away the engine and cart, and the deck would have to await a production run even to be available. But, after some discussion, I ordered the spindle and string mounting disk. I also found some expensive pulley bushings for the 9/16 shaft on my hydraulic motor. (My next project will use a 5/8 shaft.) If Swisher doesn't change their mind, and the parts arrive in reasonable time, I might actually be cutting and welding within a week. If I don't report progress, please remind me. I may have been distracted by a cool drink and a screened porch.

Charlie_Iliff · Jul 15, 2002

The trimmer project is only about three weeks behind the original schedule - therefore considerably ahead of some others. I blame the delay on time spent helping care for my wife's sick mare and foal. (I now have a huge store of points in the bank for holding the foal still for antibiotic shots twice a day. I am not the colt's favorite human, but my wife is appreciative.)
Almost all parts for the trimmer are assembled, some cutting, drilling and welding completed, and maybe another couple of hours before first test. I've made it far too complex, and parts cost has been higher than I'd expected, but maybe next weekend I'll at least have it trimming in vertical mode to do the sides of trails, etc. Horizontal under fences will still require some parts procurement. As usual, my workmanship is a bit crude, so no pictures will be posted unless it really works well. Those seeking craftsmanship should look to Wroughtn Harv or others on the build-it-yourself forum.

MossRoad · Jul 15, 2002

I've made it far too complex, and parts cost has been higher than I'd expected

/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
That's a requirement for every project that I've ever done!
/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

pajoube · Jul 15, 2002

Not only the cost but an extra 5 trips to the hardware store.
/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
PJ

LBrown59 · Jun 14, 2010

pajoube said:
Here is another observation for you PT people. Along the lines of what Charlie is looking at
*I have many hedges of various heights that I plan on trimming from a platform of the FEL. My thoughts are to rig up a frame attached to the platform that would hold the hedge trimmer in horizontal position. I would drive down the hedge and trim the top. Probably would have to be a gas machine unless they make such a thing as a hydraulic trimmer.
Boy, Charlie, you sure do stimulate the thinking.
PJ

*Here you go :