Search results

Got the boom mounted to the main frame with the cylinder and starting to work on the swing cylinder swivel. Mounted the motor and drive just to make sure there will be no clearance issues.

Thinking ahead, I would like to powder coat this when done. Has any body tried to match the rops gray up to an RAL chart?

Got the boom mounted and the cylinder plate located and welded. I knew it was going to be close to the grease fitting, but made it with a little room to spare.

Mounting the swivel clevises to the main frame. The ones for the boom and vertical cylinder are pretty straight forward. I want to mount the boom with the cylinder attached to the main frame to locate the other end of the cylinders. Just the old school way I still prefer.

Tacked up the shorter main frame and checked for fit. This one is within 1/2" of the lowest part of my tractor and that works for me. Finished the welding and next up will be welding on the swivels.

Good eye! It doesn't hit but it is close. I joked to myself that I'll know when the pins are worn when the fitting breaks off. Its on my list to put them back on the mill and recess them before final assembly.

Just putting the details on the swivels such as the grease fittings and pins.

Working on the cylinder swivels here. Decided to machine the surfaces where the bearing will sit. Pretty easy operation that didn't take much time. When these are done it will be on to the main frame and start welding that up.

I bought the drive from Surplus Center. The image shows the type I have, not sure if that is the exact model number. I plan on making a rubber skirt similar to the one in the image. I'll design it towards the end of the build.

I decided to shorten the frame a few inches, so while I'm waiting for the new one to be cut out and formed, thought I'd take apart the swing cylinder and thread the end for a 3/4 rod end. First time ever taking a cylinder apart with the retainer clip that you 'roll' out of a slot. Was surprised...

You guys got me thinking on this. Right now, the 3PH frame sits 10.5" off the ground, which is the lowest point of my tractor. (draw bar bracket) It might be advantageous to have the lowest point of the grinder equal to or above this height, thinking that there might be a situation where the...

You guys might be right or the picture may be deceiving. Right now it's 10.5" from the floor to the bottom of the frame. The bottom 'teeth' plate will add another 2"- 3". My thinking was when the frame was planted on level ground, the bottom 3PH arms would be parallel. Right now without the...

Got the 3PH main frame jetted out and formed along with the reinforcing cross member. Tacked it up and tried it on for size. Found the top link didn't have enough clearance, but that is an easy change. Over all, I'm pleased with the way it looks along with the OAH dimensions I just took a good...

Oh yes! Any weld likes clean metal, but TIG welding is not very forgiving with dirt. I used 309 stainless filler rod on this.

I've probably taught a dozen people how to weld over the years and its fun to watch them progress and some turned into better welders than me!

Had trouble with the o ring seal on my fitting. Usually, they're pretty forgiving but this one just did not want to seal. Tried replacing the o ring, tried a bigger one but no luck. So I did what welders do.....I welded it. The pictures show the final installation scheme and the last one...

Yeah, tossed them in my plumbing fitting drawer and happily didn't find the ones I just made tossed in from a previous build. :D

Got the bulkheads machined for the #4 lines I want to use plus the #6 for the 3/8" steel line. Made up a new adapter for the steel line to the retract end of the cylinder (#4) and checked for fit. Everything looking good. Just have to pressure test my fitting before going forward. One thing of...

I got an idea that I wanted to use bulkheads to deliver the hydraulic fluid to to the extend/retract cylinder inside the boom. Found some 3/4" 12L14 hex stock and proceeded to set up the lathes to make them. I used the collet chuck on my 15" lathe to thread the other side of the fittings so I...

Re: PTO trash pump In my experience dealing with the muck in water jet tanks, the diaphragm pump would be my first choice. Out of curiosity, I looked up some PTO driven ones and a decent one was around $3600. Not sure what the hp requirements are. And you're seeing the big picture right...