Remote control forklift mast ?

[scootr]

Any ideas appreciated. I want to remotely raise and lower the forklift mast when I am on the work platform. But I also want the levers to operate like they do now from the drivers seat...

 

[ptsg]

I've used a long stick in the past. Two ropes would also work and make it more flexible.

Although, if you want something more "civilized", you could use some sort of actuator and a remote control like those used with winches.

 

[IndyJay]

Any ideas appreciated. I want to remotely raise and lower the forklift mast when I am on the work platform. But I also want the levers to operate like they do now from the drivers seat...

Something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Hydraulic-Directional-Control-Solenoid-Position/dp/B098MYM6FF/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=Hydraulic+Solenoid+Valve&qid=1664733865&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjE2IiwicXNhIjoiNC41MSIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzgifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-2

 

[scootr]

I've used a long stick in the past. Two ropes would also work and make it more flexible.

Although, if you want something more "civilized", you could use some sort of actuator and a remote control like those used with winches.

Being a primitive by nature I've considered sticks and ropes. That is still not out of the question.

 

[scootr]

Something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Hydraulic-Directional-Control-Solenoid-Position/dp/B098MYM6FF/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=Hydraulic+Solenoid+Valve&qid=1664733865&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjE2IiwicXNhIjoiNC41MSIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzgifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-2

Forgive my lack of hydraulic design comprehension, would this device go inline for the 'lift' function and be an aux control via remote?

 

[IndyJay]

Forgive my lack of hydraulic design comprehension, would this device go inline for the 'lift' function and be an aux control via remote?

I am not a designer either, but it seems that you could run a cable to a couple of pushbuttons in the basket to operate hydraulic solenoids to the mast cylinder. Probably best asked in the Hydraulics forum.

Hydraulics

Discuss all issues relating to hydraulics in this forum.

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[oldnslo]

I presume that you would require fine movement control from the remote same as manually feathering the levers. To do that function electrically requires using proportional valve(s). If no fine movement is required then standard on- off solenoids would suffice.

 

[scootr]

Definitely - Fine control is needed/ I certainly do not want any big up or down movements with me in the cage

 

[mikester]

Any ideas appreciated. I want to remotely raise and lower the forklift mast when I am on the work platform. But I also want the levers to operate like they do now from the drivers seat...

Talk to your forklift supplier. You don't provide enough info on what you are using currently.

Google portable electric forklift. Some come with electric remotes and man baskets doing exactly what you are looking for.

 

[scootr]

I'm using a CAT P25 with off pavement capability that we use for business and ranch work.

 

[oosik]

My need for "remote" control of my FEL is, thankfully, seldom. I've used 16 foot chunks of quarter round molding - tied together. It worked for the one time I used it.

I was lucky but I didn't press it. Now if I want to do something crazy in my raised FEL - call my son and make arrangements for him to control the tractor.

 

[scootr]

My need for "remote" control of my FEL is, thankfully, seldom. I've used 16 foot chunks of quarter round molding - tied together. It worked for the one time I used it.

I was lucky but I didn't press it. Now if I want to do something crazy in my raised FEL - call my son and make arrangements for him to control the tractor.

Exactly - Scared I'll drop the stick or get the rope tangled in the chains and send myself through the roof

 

[scootr]

Exactly - Scared I'll drop the stick or get the rope tangled in the chains and send myself through the roof

I just want to change some light bulbs without climbing the ladder

 

[IndyJay]

I just want to change some light bulbs without climbing the ladder

How high are they? I used a bulb changing pole in my barn with 16ft ceilings.

bulb changing pole at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

https://www.amazon.com/BAYCO-LBC-600SDL-Bulb-Changer-Yellow/dp/B000BQQ7QE/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=light+bulb+changing+pole&qid=1664816407&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjQ1IiwicXNhIjoiMy45NiIsInFzcCI6IjMuODEifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-6

 

[scootr]

I bought a small actuator and a remote control to play with.
The actuator moves 2 inches with 13.5 pounds pressure.
If this proves to be safe I see many potential uses.

 

[oldnslo]

Sounds like a simple solution.

 

[npalen]

I bought a small actuator and a remote control to play with.
The actuator moves 2 inches with 13.5 pounds pressure.
If this proves to be safe I see many potential uses.

An issue I see with the actuator is that you can't quickly "let go" and stop vertical movement of the mast in either up or down motion. You would instead have to anticipate a stopping point of movement and then move the actuator in the opposite direction to center the valve and achieve the stopping point. Might be a bit tricky and dangerous!

 

[scootr]

An issue I see with the actuator is that you can't quickly "let go" and stop vertical movement of the mast in either up or down motion. You would instead have to anticipate a stopping point of movement and then move the actuator in the opposite direction to center the valve and achieve the stopping point. Might be a bit tricky and dangerous!

That is what I was thinking - obviously there will be many unmanned flights before the monkey is sent up
I figure this will be done at idle and speeds should be slow with just a minimum of lever action. And my finger would be on the ready button.

 

[oldnslo]

We sent people to the moon with lowest bid parts so based on that we can maybe send a monkey to the ceiling

 

[scootr]

We sent people to the moon with lowest bid parts so based on that we can maybe send a monkey to the ceiling

Hopefully just shy of the ceiling without going through it. Most of were I need to go is 8-10 ft.