[munderhill]

I did some more welding and blasting today.
Welded some 1/8" thick 5/8" washers to the outside of the pivit point through holes. I wanted to add some strength and width to this point. I'm going to use a 5/8" rod straight through the pivit instead of the 2 pins. It'll keep the joint from twisting I think. Added some weld to the swing braket as the manufacturing process welding is good but not great, IMO.
Blasted them both and fit tested using the blade and it looks fairly good. I think the angle will be ok. Only welding left will be the top bracket mount for the actuator. I see most are bolted but I will weld this one.
I need to cut down a piece I have for the anchor through the drawbar. It's threaded for 1/2"-13 bolts and should be very stout. I had it left over when making one for the Ingy.
Got some fellers out on the actuator, after much research narrowed it down to 1 brand. 1 thing that can easily be overlooked is the speed at which they travel. Most of them are SLOW.
I want a 5:1 ratio but still over 500 LBS rated. moves 2 2-2.3 IPS depending on load weight. That'll be 3 seconds to raise/lower!

It's going to be a fairly nice setup when done. Quick change out with only 1 bolt (if all goes well) to remove/install. And unplug the motor. I'm thinking of some kind of plug similar to a trailer/fixed to bumper type. I'd like it to be rigid on the tractor like a truck bumper receptacle if you know what I mean. only need 2 conductor though.

Last, should I just paint it black like the frame of Orange? I have a quart of Power Red I've never even opened (bought for the Ingersoll). Most likely will go with good old rustolium black as I have a bunch @ work not being used.

MU

 

[munderhill]

Last few Pic's.

MU

 

[davidg]

that is similar to the way the Deere Integral hitch goes. the one big difference i see is on teh Deere model the plate sits all teh way down on teh back hitch. this way they have a pin that goes in teh hitch and all you do is pull a keeper and it lifts right off.

 

[munderhill]

that is similar to the way the Deere Integral hitch goes. the one big difference i see is on teh Deere model the plate sits all teh way down on teh back hitch. this way they have a pin that goes in teh hitch and all you do is pull a keeper and it lifts right off.

That's pretty much what this one will do too. Instead of the pin I will use the bung/spacer and bolt. It would be way to low if it sat on the drawbar lip.
How far from the ground is the pivit on the JD hitch?
MU

 

[walter g]

Mu , looks really good. Besides speed you also have to worry about what they make the actuators out of. The only one I could find thats built heavy enough, and fast enough is the Warner k2. Also sold under the Bear name

If you found a different or better one let me know.

Walter

 

[davidg]

i dunno, i don't have it on teh X500 right now it is in my shop and the mower is on teh trailer in the garage. it has a couple holes to adjust the height from the ground though, i think maybe 1" of change over all or so.

but yours looks good!

 

[Ingersoll444]

TSC sells the small 2 wire rubber connectors. I used them on my 112's taillight wiring project.

Looks nice!

 

[Steevo]

For a heavy-duty 12v two-conductor plug setup, try a trolling motor plug and socket. Most boat places sell them.

 

[cadman56]

MU -nice fab work. I'll be watching the progress for completion and a demo vid!!! I'd like to see this in action. Thanks. :trink39:

 

[munderhill]

MU -nice fab work. I'll be watching the progress for completion and a demo vid!!! I'd like to see this in action. Thanks. :trink39:

Thanks,
My Son has taken a few Video's of me doing stuff but cannot load them onto this forum, they won't work. I will take alot of "stills" though.
I fpound the correct size switch for the actuator. It's on the way. It'l match the rest of the switches in the dash and go where the blank spot is. i want it to look like a factory setup when done.
MU

 

[Ingersoll444]

If you open a Photobucket acct you can donload the vids, and link them to here. You can link a YouTube vid also.

 

[munderhill]

I'll look into it but not to swift at these things. It's a wonder I even got onto this forum.

MU

 

[glenn27]

You are doing fine--MU!! I enjoy your threads because of the detail and thorough explanations make it easy, for even me to understand....

 

[munderhill]

You are doing fine--MU!! I enjoy your threads because of the detail and thorough explanations make it easy, for even me to understand....

Thanks, By swift at these things I meant the PC.:sidelaugh

MU

 

[munderhill]

Got my actuator in the mail over the weekend. Hope to finish the fitting and make brackets to hold the actuator. Will post progress and pic's soon.

MU

 

[Prestigious1]

Looks awesome! Keep us updated please.

 

[SonnyT]

:ditto: Looking very good!:congrats:

 

[munderhill]

I tried it out (hotwire to battery) tonight with the help of my son and it lifted the blade with ease!:trink40: I must apologize for not taking a picture. I only weld tacked the top bracket in place so did not want to fool too much with it. Now that I have the lift height set correct, I can finish weld and paint. I promise to post pic's by week-end.
I'm very impressed with the speed and power of the actuator. It lifted the blade (heavy!) with no issues or funny noises. I'm actually quite pleased so far with the mod/fabrication. Hoping to make it look near factory. Still surprised Simplicity doesn't offer anything as it really is quite simple to be honest. No fumbling with the mid lift arm and levers etc. to get it to work. just a 2 conductor wire and a bolt, well once I'm done. I better not say too much before something gets fubard.

MU

 

[locknut]

I tried it out (hotwire to battery) tonight with the help of my son and it lifted the blade with ease!:trink40: I must apologize for not taking a picture. I only weld tacked the top bracket in place so did not want to fool too much with it. Now that I have the lift height set correct, I can finish weld and paint. I promise to post pic's by week-end.
I'm very impressed with the speed and power of the actuator. It lifted the blade (heavy!) with no issues or funny noises. I'm actually quite pleased so far with the mod/fabrication. Hoping to make it look near factory. Still surprised Simplicity doesn't offer anything as it really is quite simple to be honest. No fumbling with the mid lift arm and levers etc. to get it to work. just a 2 conductor wire and a bolt, well once I'm done. I better not say too much before something gets fubard.

MU

Nice work! Assume you added a fuse link between the battery and switch?

Where did you find the actuator? I wish I could find an 8" 5:1 for my front blade lift.That 20:1 is painfully slow.Yours looks like a Thomson 4", I presume?

 

[munderhill]

Nice work! Assume you added a fuse link between the battery and switch?

Where did you find the actuator? I wish I could find an 8" 5:1 for my front blade lift.That 20:1 is painfully slow.Yours looks like a Thomson 4", I presume?

Not yet. I need a little help on the wiring. If you could make me a diagram, i'd very much appreciate it.

It is indeed a Thomson. Very fast cycle time, I'd say 5:1 easily. Rated at 1500/3000. A member here sold it to me. he actually sent me 2 identical units. The other one need a new outer shaft as his friend bent it. Other than that it looks functional. He said I could have it for parts. Not sure if a new shaft can be ordered? It's actually in better Looking shape than this one was. Now with the paint it looks new again.

MU