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Re: (ET) Anyone have an Elec-Trak powered Earth Auger ?
Many years ago, I did fashion a 36v
earth auger and use it to set about a dozen corner/gate posts for
a fence. It was a counter balance design similar to the towable
units offered at most rental yards (Little Beaver HYD-TB11H is one
model). Instead of having a gas engine and hydraulic pump
counter balancing the auger and motor, I used a stack of exercise
weights for adjustability. The auger was driven by a 500 RPM
1/2hp motor. The posts were set using a 6 inch auger going about
24 deep, but I did sink a 12 inch diameter test hole at least a
foot deep. The 12 inch auger required more consistent lifting to
clear the dirt, mainly a weight issue.
Using the gear train from an ICE auger
with a higher RPM motor does sound like a good idea. That way the
motor isn't taking the weight of the auger and dirt when clearing
the hole. Definitely plan reversing into the controls so you can
back the bit out if it snags on a root or you let it dig too deep
without clearing the hole. If you will be any where near the bit
when it is turning, a dead man switch is a necessity. Speed
control is also nice so you can avoid jerk starts. Of course they
now make 40v cordless ice fishing augers that can take earth auger
bits, but I suspect your idea would be more powerful than a
converted cordless unit.
The counter balance frame took up too
much storage space, so I have given some thought to what 2.0 will
be if/when needed. With a vertical slide frame attached to the
tractor (like a well rig or the attachment Danuser made decades
ago for garden tractors), you need the ability to adjust (plumb
it) in case the tractor isn't on level ground. For a tractor
mounted earth auger, I wonder if a design more like an auger for a
3 point hitch would be better. Basically a t-shaped beam with
brackets on the cross bar that would pin to the tiller mount in
place of the tiller and the auger motor hung from the other end.
If the motor is suspended with 2 pivots 90 degrees to each other,
then gravity would "auto plumb" the hole. The rear electric lift
could then be used to raise and lower the unit with holes dug from
the seat. With the auger motor detached, the t-shaped arm might
even double as boom pole for lifting things.
IMO either counterbalancing or power
lift is a good idea even on the smaller bits. But if lift
assistance is not necessary, consider just attaching a hinged pipe
between the tractor (front or rear stabbers) and the auger frame
to act as a torque tube. Similar to a Little Beaver HYD-PS11H
with the tractor in place of the cart with an engine. I think they
even use to offer a torque tube set up that allowed the Little
Beaver hydraulic heads to be attach to the trailer hitch of a
vehicle with onboard hydraulics.
Tim M
On 10/13/2020 10:04 AM, john wrote:
Hi
Group,
Just wondering if anyone has seen / made an electric Earth Auger,
36V, powered by Elec-Trak ?
I have an old 1-man 2 Cycle gas unit, with broken flywheel fins,
that I thought might be a workable base for 36V motor conversion.
I also have a PM traction motor (maybe 1/2 to 1 HP ?) from an old
red (Wheel Horse / Toro ?) small riding mower I took apart 20
years ago.
Seems as though I just need a metal adapter plate & shaft
coupler.
Deadman switch & appropriate amps circuit breaker would be
smart.
Vertical slide frame (like used with 1 man post hole drilling for
wells) with stabbers that mount on tractor would be great - or
towed trailer.
Electric lift on slide frame would be helpful for large diameter
augers.
Any thoughts / suggestions ?
John
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