Sick of Paying Tractor Part Prices.... Make Your Own....(3D Printed)

[MossRoad]

Sometimes the value is in the fun and satisfaction of learning something new.

I remember rebuilding my first carburetor. My first engine. TV repair. Appliance repair. Teaching myself machine language for an AppleIIe. Science fair projects as a kid. That kind of learning turned into a 30 year career where my employer knew had the knack and sent me to many schools to learn many technologies as they evolved in our industry.

Sometimes, you just have to poke things to see how they work. It keeps your mind sharp.

I spent 3 hours under our 2013 Impala last weekend changing rear struts. Never done that before. My mechanic was going to charge me a very reasonable price to do it. But I wanted to do it myself just because. Sat down with some videos and did it. It wasn't cost effective if I put a value on my time. It was priceless for the feeling of accomplishment (also, the wife said the car rides like new! ).

Get out there and learn something new just for the satisfaction.

 

[MoKelly]

Sometimes the value is in the fun and satisfaction of learning something new.

I remember rebuilding my first carburetor. My first engine. TV repair. Appliance repair. Teaching myself machine language for an AppleIIe. Science fair projects as a kid. That kind of learning turned into a 30 year career where my employer knew had the knack and sent me to many schools to learn many technologies as they evolved in our industry.

Sometimes, you just have to poke things to see how they work. It keeps your mind sharp.

I spent 3 hours under our 2013 Impala last weekend changing rear struts. Never done that before. My mechanic was going to charge me a very reasonable price to do it. But I wanted to do it myself just because. Sat down with some videos and did it. It wasn't cost effective if I put a value on my time. It was priceless for the feeling of accomplishment (also, the wife said the car rides like new! ).

Get out there and learn something new just for the satisfaction.

^^^^ Very insightful post. Thanks.

MoKelly

 

[5030]

When you can 3D print an engine and it runs, let me know, I want one.

 

[texasranger556]

When you can 3D print an engine and it runs, let me know, I want one.

 

[ddbackhoe]

I'm not trying to discourage anyone. I'm just saying it takes more than just buying a printer. You young guys are built for new technology and are fast learners. When us old-folk start thinking of vectors, dithers, POVs and such, CAD starts sounding more like Coronary Artery Disease.

If we‘re going to get sentimental, want me to dig out my DAP-16 or ELAN programming books?

 

[MossRoad]

 

[BravoXray]

GE has been 3d printing blades for their jet engines for a couple of years, instead of using an investment casting process. Makes it easier to include the cooling passages inside the blades. 3D printing metal replacement parts will come down in price in the next few years, without a doubt. Small commercial and home shop units will become economical to purchase and use for printing prototypes and one-off parts.
One of those would be a logical addition to a machine shop to create hard to machine parts with internal features, then machine external faces, threaded holes or bored holes to proper dimensions and finish.

 

[sunandsand]

First 3D printed trachea was surgically implanted in a live patient a week or so ago. Dentists have been 3D printing bridges and individual teeth for some time now. Hip replacement parts are being 3D printed, my wife has one. Heart valves are being 3D printed.

This stuff works . . . and it often works better and is more cost effective than traditional methods. The OP printed a couple of small parts for his tractor. You cannot know where this will lead him, he may not know either. It might remain a hobby, or he might start 3D printing mounting racks for solar cells or even complete houses.

Remember, Orville and Wilbur only went 120 feet the first time. Less than 70 years later, we walked on the moon. (The New York Times published an editorial about Robert Goddard's rocketry experiments, they said rockets couldn't work in space because there was nothing for them to push on. Goddard didn't listen, and neither did Werner Von Braun. The NYT published a retraction in 1972.)

I've done a LOT of things that "didn't make economic sense", mostly because I wanted to. I have not regretted it for a moment. Without curiosity, we'd probably still be living in caves.

Best Regards,

Mike/Florida

 

[Alan W.]

For anyone that has a HF quick hitch that the handle grips have deteriorated or just want a change.
My son has posted a replacement design on thingverse.
He made mine in orange but those of ya that are less fortunate can make them in blue, green or red.

3 Point Quick Hitch Lever Handles by GunmanAR15

This is a handle grip for a 3 Point Quick Hitch. The design for this came from a Harbor Freight Quick Hitch, but this should fit any model with a 20mm O.D. handle tube. This should print without supports if it is printed with the opening contacting the build plate.

www.thingiverse.com

 

[mwemaxxowner]

For anyone that has a HF quick hitch that the handle grips have deteriorated or just want a change.
My son has posted a replacement design on thingverse.
He made mine in orange but those of ya that are less fortunate can make them in blue, green or red.

3 Point Quick Hitch Lever Handles by GunmanAR15

This is a handle grip for a 3 Point Quick Hitch. The design for this came from a Harbor Freight Quick Hitch, but this should fit any model with a 20mm O.D. handle tube. This should print without supports if it is printed with the opening contacting the build plate.

www.thingiverse.com