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#1087 02/22/2020 01:14 PM
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sonny Offline OP
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I was thinking about trying to make a motorized wheelbarrow from a lawn mower. I have an old Yardman 15 hp mower without deck, is hydrostat drive and wanted to use it as the base.
The idea I had was to mount regular tub over the back wheels and run the thing in reverse. I need it so I can walk behind it,---no need to ride.
Tried to find ideas on the internet but came up kinda empty, so I could use some ideas.


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1088 02/22/2020 10:39 PM
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Hydrostatic makes it real easy to run backwards. Wish the tractor I made the fork lift out of was Hydrostatic. Steering is the challenge.


I know a lot about a lot of things BUT I still have a lot to learn.
Life is what you make of it. So, why not make a working machine to make it easier.
sonny #1095 02/24/2020 07:10 AM
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maybe an old GM power steering pump to supply some flow thru a simple 4-way valve to control a steer cylinder? don't need much pressure OR flow to do a steer cylinder..hopefully you are using a horiz shaft engine..didn't we have some of these built on the old MBN page,back in the day? seems to me a few were built as flatbeds

sonny #1096 02/24/2020 12:38 PM
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I am making this one as a combo bed type,---or that's the plan! If I make the hinge points the same on tub and box bed so for light stuff the box can be slapped on and real heavy dirt use the tub.
I did get the top removed yesterday and it's ready to start making bed brackets! --- Nice flat surface to work from!
Seat, fenders, dash, steering wheel, all lift parts removed.


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1097 02/24/2020 06:19 PM
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this is what I am starting with. -- got it striped down to frame/axles/engine/etc.

[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]20200223_130125 by sonny reese, on Flickr

Didn't get pix. today, rained all day.


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1098 02/24/2020 07:05 PM
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If the pivot link can be rotated to the front, You set up a joy stick steering system with a link attached to the hydrostatic drive actuator for forward & revers Spring load it to center.

JUST A THOUGHT


I know a lot about a lot of things BUT I still have a lot to learn.
Life is what you make of it. So, why not make a working machine to make it easier.
sonny #1104 02/25/2020 05:31 PM
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Did consider a single wheel to steer OR just make a pipe hooked to steering axle. Trans lever looks simple to extent up to the front. Also going to make a box bed that will interchange with the tub bed. --- make it a lot handier.


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1106 02/26/2020 01:42 PM
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gawd I hope you're not going with the same original mower color scheme Sonny

sonny #1107 02/26/2020 02:44 PM
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I guess it could be painted after I finish it! lol! -- MOST of the yellow parts are gone, only the wheels are yellow now. The rest is green, motor is black.
Not sure I will keep the 15.5 hp Kohler on it as the coil might be dead. --- I have an 8 hp Kaw. that might be a lot lighter. Not sure how much hp will be needed since it only has to run the hydro unit and no mower deck also not carrying a person.
It only has to move at a walking speed for my use around here.
Skidloaders do the far out work, but inside the yard fence and small garden they are too big to get around with very easy.
I wanted this to move homemade dirt from piles into the garden and narrow/light unit would be perfect. Could even use my water tote on it and go right down the rows.


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1109 02/27/2020 09:43 AM
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I think once you get a load of dirt on this it'l need that 15hp with hydro losses. Any hills for it to climb?
You might try ebay for a coil..even brand new replacements are about $15 shipping included. Stens also has some good replacement coils at your local dealer dude.

sonny #1111 02/27/2020 11:25 AM
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No hills to speak of and with full load I would rather have the bigger engine, also it has starter, not that I am lazy, BUT they seam to start better with their own 12-v starter,---spins them past compression quicker than pull rope. ( getting weak in my old age)


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1112 02/27/2020 12:02 PM
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not weak, just plumb wore out. I remember projects back in my 30's-(before the internet) I could do in a week, now it takes me a month or more..maybe because I think more,and study it..and do less, but make less mistakes..
at least I can get hard to find parts easy now, most often delivered right to my door..
or maybe its because I like seeing the USPS Jeep girl wink

sonny #1116 02/28/2020 05:53 PM
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back end of mower frame
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

front end


[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

This is somewhat the end unit should look like with the tub on it. A regular box to fit same dump brackets will be made so I can change to which ever bed needed.
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

rear of tub. Right now it's just sitting on the frame for pic. taking. I will end up higher after hinge and sub-frame are installed.
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

This will give an idea of what I am going for. Steering needs to be some sort of stick set-up so I can walk behind the unit and steer/control it. --- NOT looking to ride.


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1117 02/29/2020 12:30 AM
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you got it goin in the right direction. I think you'll have plenty enough power with what you got. coils are easier to change than the whole engine. My backhoe ran off a 14hp 321 Kohler just fine I only up graded to 18 because it was FREE and a lot quieter.


I know a lot about a lot of things BUT I still have a lot to learn.
Life is what you make of it. So, why not make a working machine to make it easier.
sonny #1122 03/02/2020 10:34 AM
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build it heavy enough it could be good for concrete work too..anyway, so if you don't want it to be a rider, what about a stand-on perch?

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Originally Posted by bunkclimber
build it heavy enough it could be good for concrete work too..anyway, so if you don't want it to be a rider, what about a stand-on perch?

Might need to just to have enough weight on the wheels to turn.


I know a lot about a lot of things BUT I still have a lot to learn.
Life is what you make of it. So, why not make a working machine to make it easier.
sonny #1126 03/02/2020 12:22 PM
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Not sure about the steering problem, That could become a big one. Might need to add a place to stand on. did kinda wonder about that! ---- If it goes like my Vermeer sc-252 stump grinder,---steering will be a problem!--stump grinder has dual wheels and weighs a ton, has one wheel on the end to steer with, but has locked drive axle. There is a wheel release on the grinder to make it 1 wheel drive and it turns easy when running that way.
I think there is room to extend the front to make a platform on it, won't have to be a big one.
It will depend mostly on how it's balanced on the drive axle I think. Kinda just guess work in putting it together.
So far I have some of the dump sub-frame bolted on, trying to get the hinge angle right so it tips up to a high angle to dump out clean.
Need it closer to the welders, but right now its 25 feet away and snow and mud kinda bad right now, plus the usual inventory being in the way!
Can only work a couple hours before diapers are full and running down my legs, so progress is slow! --- Hopefully I can finish it before garden time!


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1127 03/02/2020 02:48 PM
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sonny keep working the butt mussels it toke me about 5 mouths to get control of my batter

sonny #1129 03/02/2020 03:09 PM
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You can make a step platform that just hangs on it so you can take it off easy
if you want. That way you can just set it on if you need it


I know a lot about a lot of things BUT I still have a lot to learn.
Life is what you make of it. So, why not make a working machine to make it easier.
sonny #1130 03/02/2020 03:33 PM
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awesome results when many minds come together with a project-many different ways of looking at a problem..the detachable platform is a great idea..attach it when u need it..
-better yet, make it swing up or pin-on..you won't be able to find it when u need it sonny

sonny #1132 03/02/2020 05:38 PM
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Even better Idea .. I like it.. smile


I know a lot about a lot of things BUT I still have a lot to learn.
Life is what you make of it. So, why not make a working machine to make it easier.
sonny #1134 03/03/2020 07:48 PM
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Tom!--I been trying to do the butt squeeze as much as I can. ---- so far not much improvement. The doctor said 2 years til partial control IF I do his therapy bs which I refused and made him mad! -- Never had any luck with therapy of any kind!

Anyway today I got the sub-frame cut and welded together and drilled the 4 holes in the angles and tub. Stuck in the bolts and have them tight so the tub is mounted,---works good, tips high enough that it should dump wet dirt.
Also got the tires changed on the back since the old ones wouldn't hold air anymore.
Next thing is the hydro-lever. I think I will try to make an extension to hook to the current one and run it up towards the front to a stick. and leave all of the slides and friction pads where they are.
Steering axle needs some work on the left spindle bushing. It has a bunch of play in it. These yard-mans were just heavy tin mashed together and get beat out from use. I think I can patch a thicker piece in there to work for my use. Would like the wheels to stand straight as possible so it will steer easier.
Still thinking about a handle to steer with.
Ole back started getting the hurts, so I had to quit about 5:30 and call it enough for that session.


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1138 03/04/2020 07:06 AM
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I found with the mulch buggy in my avatar that without the operator weight over the rear axle it had next to no traction empty, couldn't climb hills at all on dry grass. So I filled the chassis with bricks which really helped.

If I were to do it again, I think I would build heavier hinges. Works OK for mulch but I had a wild idea and tried to use it for dirt and darn near broke the tub off when I tried to dump it (it was also on a tad of a side hill, which made it worse).

Engine is 4hp from a pressure washer, made an adapter plate for the larger bolt pattern out of the pressure washer chassis.

Last edited by GLyford; 03/04/2020 07:07 AM.
sonny #1150 03/04/2020 09:26 PM
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This has the 15 hp engine and hydro trans-axle and it will be running in reverse, so don't know how that will work out! LOL! I think I do have some tire chains that fit these tires so that is another option if I need more traction.
I don't worry about making tracks with mowers, I use chains on the Sunstar 18 to pull the water tote to the gardens, makes a world of difference in traction and don't do much damage to the hard ground.
I had this old yardman that was my butt-buggy for many years and never did have a deck on it, so I decided to use it for the conversion.
Not sure what would be the least hp one could get by with on one of these. Hydro's pull kinda hard , so we shall see how 15 does with a load of heavy compost and dirt.

Working on the front axle today,---It had some worn bushings in the left side and wheels never did track real straight, so I took it apart and now I have to make some bushings to take up a half inch of slack.
Started the engine before I quit for the night and it still runs fine, so 1 step closer! LOL!


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1156 03/07/2020 07:58 AM
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fill the back wheels with concrete for weight..drain air,use hole saw to make hole in tire,then mix up a loose batch of concrete or mortar and fill tires..be sure they are round first,you dont want lopsiders before the cement cures-easy way to more traction..maybe a bolt-on plate or two up front over the drive wheels

sonny #1157 03/07/2020 10:53 AM
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I have a set of wheel weights for the old craftsman , same size wheels 8" , that would probably fit. would have to test fit them, but that is another option.


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1283 04/07/2020 10:04 PM
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This is half of the sub frame attached to the base.
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]20200407_175449 by sonny reese, on Flickr
this is the 2 different beds for it
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]20200407_175631 by sonny reese, on Flickr
Box bed mounted
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]20200407_180710 by sonny reese, on Flickr
bed in dump position
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]20200407_180731 by sonny reese, on Flickr

Did get a lot done on this thing today, finally! --- still need steering handle and linkage and clutch rod hooked up and maybe it's ready for a test haul or two.

Attached Images
20200407_175449.jpg (65.61 KB, 45 downloads)
20200407_175631.jpg (65.08 KB, 44 downloads)
20200407_180710.jpg (56.67 KB, 45 downloads)

"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1284 04/08/2020 07:18 AM
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Looks like it'll be a handy thing to have. Looking good


I know a lot about a lot of things BUT I still have a lot to learn.
Life is what you make of it. So, why not make a working machine to make it easier.
sonny #1380 06/06/2020 07:55 PM
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Hi Sonny,
Lookin good!
I built one very similar with the wheelbarrow tub probably 15 yrs ago but made it a ride on by putting the seat on the hood backward. I kept the steering the same , just had to remember to steer the opposite direction, Clutch was no problem just another pedal backward
with a center mounted pin and rod running to the old one. I had intended to try twisting a belt to reverse the transmission but never did really finish it as it went down the road to someone else, when I bought an old 6x4 gator which is still going.
Smiley.


Smiley
sonny #1509 08/28/2020 11:52 AM
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Still trying to get time to finish the steering stick and linkage for this thing ---- summer, weed/grass mowing, and garden got in the way! lol!


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1510 08/29/2020 06:40 AM
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I think you have the basic geometry nailed Sonny, looks to be almost there. This could be a good winter time inside project..I try to schedule things that way

sonny #1511 08/29/2020 09:32 AM
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Ya! its real close and I did hope to have it this summer,---- IF this hot weather will give up a bit,---might still get it steerable.
Every time I walk by it I can see all kinds of uses for it! --- currently using the black 1,400 pound wagons from Northern and when you get a load on them,---they pull hard----PLUS will up-set if you get on side slopes with them loaded!.--- we have used them for years and saved the ole back a lot even so.


"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
sonny #1512 08/29/2020 02:59 PM
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I had a generator customer come to me wanting a custom trailer mounted generator,he just wanted to tow it from his garage to the house during an outage..he brought me a Polar HD Poly dump trailer,brand new..said he wanted me to use the axle and wheels to make him a generator trailer,and scrap the rest.So I did..I was left with the poly tub..I made a new dump frame for it and remounted the tub on my frame and axle..seems to work great for cutting firewood,low sides on it. I made a long enough tongue so I can tow it with either a 4-wheeler or my golf car..light enough yet heavy duty..worked out OK


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