12 volt 3-point for B

[buckbored]

I have a Farmall B. Don't want to hang a hydraulic pump on the side of the tractor to run a 3-Point hitch. Has anyone ever fabricated a 3-Point hitch assembly using 12 volt actuators instead of hydraulic rams? I am thinking about making one from scratch with two 250 lb. actuators on either side of the lower links? Would be lifting a 5 ft. finishing mower. Any ideas / suggestions?

 

[teddy52food]

I put a side mount mower from a Super A on my B. I used a 12 volt winch and a lever to lift the bar. Slower than hydraulics but it works.

 

[Janicholson]

If you have a Delco 12SI alternator it should be fine. A generator might not charge enough if you need to lift and lower much. Jim

 

[Bob M]

A better (and more robust!) option would be to adapt an electric over hydraulic pickup truck snowplow lift unit. These are powerful, compact and sealed against dirt/moisture.

However as JimN points out you will need a good sized 12 volt alternator (55 amp or higher) keep the battery up unless you lift only occasionally while mowing.

Another option is a hydraulic cylinder supplied from a belt-driven pump mounted to the engine. A salvaged auto power steering pump will work, though lift speed may be slow depending on the size of the cylinder you use.

 

[teddy52food]

Mine has a 6 volt generator with a diode for a cut out. I can use a 6 or 12 volt battery to run it with a magneto. , but it needs 12 volts to run the winch. No problem with a low battery so far.

 

[mattofvinings]

Will a "B" use a Super A live hydraulic pump?

I know its small with minimal volume but I don't think you can put standard large bore cylinders on a tractor that small and not expect to eventually overload the tractor. Otherwise said, large bore cylinders would be unused overkill.

Personally, I count on the full-mechanical hydraulic system to be the simplest and longest lasting, which eventually leads to lowest cost.

 

[buckbored]

The snow plow pump is a great idea! Hadn't thought of that so Thank You! Now to find a cheap one that still works......

 

[Ken Hansen]

Like the idea of the 12 volt winch. Have to keep that in mind if I need something to lift mower deck on my BN

 

[teddy52food]

Only if it has a replacement block.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

No reason any of these ideas won't work with the right design. It just boils down to money. If you can find what you need as surplus/used you can spend a lot less money than if you source all new parts.