Store selector: No store selected
"I am a full-time licensed industrial mechanic, and enjoy designing and building things. I enjoy motorcycling, rebuilding vehicles (currently a 1968 Unimog) and custom metal fabricating."
Landscaping often requires arduous moving of gravel, soil, cement mix or building materials with a manual wheelbarrow. Scott's power wheelbarrow changes that. The hydraulic system circulates a biodegradable vegetable-based oil to the hydraulic motors on the front wheels, and the cylinders beneath the tray. Looks like heavy loads will not be a problem!
Great project, Scott! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Q: What is it?
A: Gas powered hydraulic wheelbarrow with hydraulic dump. The yellow blade under the box is used for pushing as well as a stabilizer when dumping.
Q: What is it used for?
A: I built the unit to assist in our landscaping projects. Will hold approx. 1,000 lbs.
Q: What is the main power source for your project? (e.g. electric motor, gas engine etc.)
A: Powerfist 6.5 HP gas engine with direct mount hydraulic pump and separate reservoir. Using vegetable based hydraulic oil in the unit to eliminate any chance of contaminating the property if a line blows or I have an oil spill.
Q: How do you control your project? (e.g. hydraulic control valve(s), electric switches etc.)
A: I made a special lever to control forward and reverse, the joystick is for dumping. Hydraulic control valves activate two hydraulic orbit motors with chain drive to front wheels. Separate control valve activates double acting cylinders for dumping.
Q: What components are used to perform the work for your project? (e.g. hydraulic cylinder(s), hydraulic motor(s), sprockets, pulleys etc.)
A: Hydraulic motors, sprockets and chains, hydraulic cylinders, and control valves.
Q: What design/build challenges were overcome?
A: Size limitation, fitting components within a compact frame. And mounting sprockets on trailer wheel hubs.
Q: If you had to build it again, what would you do differently?
A; Investigate using hydraulic wheel motors, wheels mount directly on hydraulic motor.
Q: Which Princess Auto location do you visit most?
A: Whitby, Ontario