What did you do today?

[Galaxie]

I machined the pivot hole when I did the plates so to late.

...

😁 Been there, done that! Good fix!

[Tundra Twin Track]

Ya, I think that cylinder is about 10 feet long. This is one of those things that a person dreams up and hope works. I am concerned about hydraulic oil from the cylinder getting in the pond. The cylinder and boom are new so at least should not drip. I hope I can just skim the pond without getting the cylinder in the water, but trying to control something sticking out that far on rough terrain might get tricky. I think sometimes they do use these things to scrape the bottom of ponds but there are at least 7 snapping turtles in this pond so I don't want to pull any of those out. Just have to see how it goes.

Nice job on your rake,I have 13’ cylinder on one of my self propelled augers I designed and built.It nice to dream up different things then build it,especially when naysayers say you can’t build that if you could the Big Manufacturers would have already have done it.🤓

[SVS]

Do I see a bow in that cylinder? Seems like “smooooth” control inputs will be necessary.

Pretty sure there is a “environmentally approved” hydraulic fluid if leaks become worrisome.

I don’t like paying for leaks, but kinda figure it’s just going back to where it came from. 🙄

[Ridgerunner]

Nice job on your rake,I have 13’ cylinder on one of my self propelled augers I designed and built.It nice to dream up different things then build it,especially when naysayers say you can’t build that if you could the Big Manufacturers would have already have done it.🤓

It is particularly satisfying when an idea from your mind and hands like your auger work out and become time or money saving.

Do I see a bow in that cylinder? Seems like “smooooth” control inputs will be necessary.

Pretty sure there is a “environmentally approved” hydraulic fluid if leaks become worrisome.

I don’t like paying for leaks, but kinda figure it’s just going back to where it came from. 🙄

If there is any problem with the hydraulic oil I figured I would just remove the cylinder and pin the boom while I use it for pond raking. I can plug where the cylinder hoses come out of the boom cylinder speed adjustment valve and just not connect the other ends at the machine.

[RB211]

Well, couple of days ago I strung up a G5RV antenna and last night I worked Malta from Southwest Harbor, ME on 20 meters.
I also went to a doctor for the first time in years, had blood work and now possibly diagnosed with a blood clot somewhere. Getting an ultrasound Monday. Guess I saved my life by going.

[Cheap Jon]

Maybe a foam float to take some of the side load when retracting.

Jon
SW Mi

[flathead4]

Well, couple of days ago I strung up a G5RV antenna and last night I worked Malta from Southwest Harbor, ME on 20 meters.
I also went to a doctor for the first time in years, had blood work and now possibly diagnosed with a blood clot somewhere. Getting an ultrasound Monday. Guess I saved my life by going.

Doesn't hurt to have a checkup every now and then.
Field Day next weekend. I'll be out there with the radio club working 40 meter phone.

[JustJim]

Almost a 100% scrap-bin build. I've wanted to make some kind of adjustable feed stock roller or support for my Enco 7x12 bandsaw and finally got around to it. 1) used brake rotor, 2) 3/4" black pipe, 3) angle iron, 4) aluminum "leg" from some commercial kitchen project I've long forgot and 5) some PTFE for bushings. Oh, and some truck bed liner to cover up my crappy welds.

[reggie_obe]

Stopped at Cook Agricultural College. The research animals don't get a lot of human contact since COVID.
Sows were happy with some peanuts in the shell. No more acorns available.

Older piglets settled for a chin rub.

[Tim Clarke]

Jim, that looks a lot like mine, it has worked fine for probably 10 years now. This is what a home shop machinist is all about: use what you have, and make what you need.

[ChazzC]

If there is any problem with the hydraulic oil I figured I would just remove the cylinder and pin the boom while I use it for pond raking. I can plug where the cylinder hoses come out of the boom cylinder speed adjustment valve and just not connect the other ends at the machine.

With environmental regulations there's really no "environmentally safe" hydraulic fluid (or any oil): any spill should be reported then cleaned up. However, plain mineral oil, or even a refined vegetable oil would work since this isn't a high-speed/heavy-duty application that doesn't require a high performance hydraulic fluid that contains all sorts of additives (back in the '70's, when I was serving on a supply ship we dealt with high-speed/high-load/high temperature hydraulic systems that required hydraulic fluid that was so toxic it was compared to nerve agents). These should also be ok with you other implements and the hydraulic system on your tractor. If not for the corrosion problem you could use water.

To avoid the snappers, you could add light-weight, narrow outrigger wheels that would keep the rake off the bottom.

[The Metal Butcher]

With environmental regulations there's really no "environmentally safe" hydraulic fluid (or any oil): any spill should be reported then cleaned up. However, plain mineral oil, or even a refined vegetable oil would work since this isn't a high-speed/heavy-duty application that doesn't require a high performance hydraulic fluid that contains all sorts of additives (back in the '70's, when I was serving on a supply ship we dealt with high-speed/high-load/high temperature hydraulic systems that required hydraulic fluid that was so toxic it was compared to nerve agents). These should also be ok with you other implements and the hydraulic system on your tractor. If not for the corrosion problem you could use water.

To avoid the snappers, you could add light-weight, narrow outrigger wheels that would keep the rake off the bottom.

No. Ridge, please do not put water or vegetable oil in your 80k Kubota.

[ChazzC]

No. Ridge, please do not put water or vegetable oil in your 80k Kubota.

Sorry, my bad: in that case I suggest placing oil booms around the perimeter of the ponds and skim any leaks after using the rake.

[Ridgerunner]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Tomorrow I will give it a try if I get the time. I just plan on doing the some of the surface so I don't stir up the mud on the bottom.

The idea is to just leave the boom extended and move the machine back and forth. So really the hydraulic cylinder will not be moved and could be removed if necessary. .

[Cheap Jon]

Could you not make some sort of diaper around the cylinder to catch the oil.

Jon
SW Mi