Re: (ET) Anyone have Quick Change Electric String Trimmer, Hedge Clipper, Chain Saw, mini-cultivator, powered by Elec-Trak ?

[Tim Maxwell <timmaxwell chartertn net>]

I considered the same thing several years ago but have yet to get around 
to it.

A motor from a kids scooter probably will not have the RPMs you need to 
efficiently cut with a string trimmer head. An ICE trimmer engine 
generally runs close to 10,000 RPM for the string head, about 3 times 
the speed of the scooter motor. You may be better off salvaging the 
motor from a 40v cordless trimmer.

As far as the shaft coupler goes, the quick attach head I salvaged 
toward the project had a centripetal (centrifugal?) clutch with the flex 
shaft coupler on the "brake drum." If memory serves, the ID of the drum 
was a press fit around a small pulley (or possibly a weld on sprocket 
hub), so I planned to use that for the adapter.

If you are looking for a tool to use more than the fun/challenge of 
building it yourself, converting a 40v cordless attachment capable 
trimmer to corded (Ryobi/Home Depot and Kobalt/Lowes offer them) may be 
easier.

IMO variable speed is nice but not necessary. If the speed is varied by 
a trigger like an ICE trimmer, it will end up at full throttle most of 
the time.

Tim M

On 10/13/2020 10:21 AM, john wrote:
> I have an old 2 cycle engine (not worth fixing, EXTREMELY LOUD, when 
> it ran) powered Troy-Bilt String Trimmer, which has a quick release 
> coupler half way down the shaft, and allows other implements to be 
> powered by same head.
>
> Also have a 36 DC PM motor (500W maybe) from old kids electric scooter 
> / mini bike type thing.