Developing an accessory, have some questions

[Boyd in Mn]

I'm working on a accessory for riding mowers. I can't say what it is. Nothing about it is revolutionary or huge. Would you be apprehensive of drilling some holes in any parts of your tractor in order to attach an accessory? What are your likes about acessories. What are your dislikes?

 

[JT]

Boyd,
without knowing what it is or what is going to do or what it weights, what kind of tractor it is, where it is at on the tractor, it is kinda hard to answer that question. Where are you wanting to drill these holes, in the frame, the body?
Jim

 

[IH2444]

Yeah kinda hard to say with the limited info given. But most accessories are amge to clamp on or bolt on in existing holes.
the average purchaser would not likely want to drill holes I think.

 

[Boyd in Mn]

In the hood.

 

[Boyd in Mn]

Oops forgot. It would be rather light. And would be made to fit most front engine riding lawn tractors and garden tractors.

 

[IH2444]

I don't think most people would want to drill in their shiny hood.
Now some would if it is a beer cooler/holder for or for a TV to watch the game on though

 

[JT]

Most all hoods now are plastic, and if you go to drilling holes in them, they will crack at the holes or just break from the stress and vibration of whatever you decide to mount there. So probably not a good idea.
Jim

 

[Boyd in Mn]

I might be able design it so it mounts via a built in clamp.

 

[Dude11]

Kinda a "pig in the poke" question there Boyd.Give up a little more info.I don't think we'll steal your idea.We are all here to help each other,right?Dude11

 

[Boyd in Mn]

Yeah if I spill my idea here and share it with hundreds, maybe into a few thousand,,, I bet a handfull would be trying to beat me to the patent office with "MY" idea. Forget it.

 

[rustyj]

If you drill holes in the plastic, i'd suggest using a back-up plate behind the accessory, with it being riveted in place, with the holes thru both plastic and plate.
Unless the piece is extra heavy, or sticks out too far, i think that would work ok!
When drilling thru the frame, a large washer on/over the hole, or a washer on each side, should suffice. Welding them on should only be done by spot-welding them, not with a torch, or arc/ mig welding. getting the area too hot might lead to bending or weakening the frame! Using existing holes would certainly be much better!
This from an old guy who learned this stuff by attending the College of Hard Knocks!

 

[Dude11]

Sounds like a beer holder;I prefer mine sitting still in a chair.Thanks but no thanks,Dude11

 

[Boyd in Mn]

Not a drink holder. If they return my email, I might advertise it here down the road.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Your right about some ' creep ' stealing your idea, draw some sketches, scan them in your computer, print one out, send yourself a
* registered * letter, when it arrives, sign for it, * Do Not Open * Should a dispute occur, you have proof * you * thought of it first.
Make sure computer time and date are correct

Oftentimes, but not always, you'll later find your " brilliant " idea was tried, and rejected by some manufacturer. { Happened to me more than once } Good Luck