I think the current popular ones are straight electric motor/geared (no hyd.) I did a quick search of the Google on the interweb machine and that was all I found. Got a link to some hyd. step systems? I think those are going to be WAY too large. Remember- I'm looking for a shoebox size pump/manifold.
http://www.atos.com/ http://www.boschrexroth.com/country...ded_products/04_pumps/01_gear_pumps/index.jsp http://www.duplomatic.com/duplomatic/oleo/uk/frame2.html
...and not a single price among them. Tons of PDF's and lots of info, but no prices. I've learned that when you have to call someone for the price, it's usually outside the budget.
Probably right. lol Why is it that only YOU can come up with the hardest thing to find? hahahahaha Wish I could be of better help to you Kevan.
Well, so far- so good. I appreciate the insight, Ron. Talk to me about manifolds/dumps. The cylinders are going to be double-action (pump to raise; pump to lower). Will I need a reversible pump, or just a manifold (or dump?) that directs fluid accordingly? Do you see any reason why a fuel pump WOULDN'T work? I understand that hyd. fluid is thicker than fuel and that might affect performance slightly. My plan is to use vegetable oil instead of true hyd. fluid (attempt to 'go green'...heh heh). GPM and PSI may drop a little, but I think it will still do the job as long as the seals inside the fuel pump will work with that type of fluid. I mean, gas is more caustic than veg. oil, right?
Really all you will need is a dump manifold. This will include a solenoid for open and close purposes. I think I gave you a link to some dump mani's already? As for the fluid, Veggy oil would probably work, but is, IMO, way to thin to function correctly. I used to use 30 wt oil in my system. Two fold. Had a smooth consistent motion and kept the internal seals well lubricated. Tranny fluid is okay. It would make for faster response, but the seals would need to be replaced often. Blah! I really do not know how a fuel pump would work, or if it would be reliable for what you want to do? hmmm, How about an Air Bag type system? http://airbagit.com/popup_image.php?pID=3771 <<<For a general idea?
After that air bag kit site resized all my windows it made my 'do not open ever again' list. LOL So....maybe a dump kit like this? http://www.catalog.prohopper.com/product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=376 That would work for a dual-action system, correct? One solenoid would push up; the other would push down.
hmmm that site did not do that to me. Maybe you do not have Pop-Ups blocked? lol As for the dumps, you do not need a dual dump set up (as shown) for what you want to do. One dump is sufficient. Shit, let me ponder on this one a while. lol Now I am second guessing myself. lol
If it helps Ron, I can do a quick crude drawing of the system I'm thinking of. You can then shred the diagram (verbally) and I can get a complete/correct system built. I think you're gonna dig what this becomes.
Hey Ron. Is all the ProHopper stuff (namely their pumps) 24VDC or is it 12VDC? I couldn't find any info on their site about that.
Mini pumps...also hydraulic: Try Vickers, Rexroth, Parker or Denison They make all types of hydraulic pumps and a re well known companies. Also: Monarch: http://www.bucherhydraulics.com/33545/Products/DC-Power-Units/index.aspx or http://www.look4fluid.com/6/default.htm or http://www.directindustry.com/industrial-manufacturer/micro-pump-73222.html or http://www.frankelectro.com/prodManuMZ.html And don't forget Ebay... Don't just think you are stuck at 12VDC. You can always use an inverter to get 120VAC. * *
12VDC If the serious hopper enthusiast wants more "Juice", the batteries are connected together in series. hehehe
Thanks Nathan and Ron. Nathan- I've been to every one of those sites before (and plenty of others). Either they're under-powered for this app, or they're insanely priced. In my YEAR of searching, I've found that there are two areas of hydraulics: - Fish-tank-blowing-bubbles sized. - Remove-the-backyard-in-one-day track-hoe sized. Nothing in between. The ones used in low riders are actually landing gear pumps from WWII-era aircraft. The quest continues.......
Start looking for air hydraulics. These places have to sell replacement parts for the products. Jensen air kitchen trash compactors or things like this: http://searchwarp.com/swa123180.htm http://www.newstripe.com/siteadmin/images/files/pro_30_6.pdf http://www.bizrate.com/trashcompactors/products__keyword--jenn+air+trash+compactor.html What's your budget?