ilovemy1974b80 28 #1 Posted July 18, 2023 I am building a loader tractor out of a d180. And I’m trying to get an estimate on how much it will cost. What size cylinders will I need? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,990 #2 Posted July 18, 2023 (edited) I do not have a loader, but... From a Design aspect, the cylinder(s) need to have a bit more available stroke than the mechanism requires. A 22" travel may require cylinder stroke of 24 or so inches to not allow the cylinder to bottom out on either end. Next comes the cylinder bore and the rod size. You need enough bore to give the "push" to lift the max load anticipated... The rod needs to be sufficient size to prevent buckling, but..... The larger size the rod, the more it detracts from the surface area to return the cylinder. Another player is the port size(s) to fil / evacuate the cylinder of fluid. Good old P=FxA. (Pressure equals Force Times Area).... Having fun yet?? There's more. The entire rest of you hydraulic SYSTEM can affect the performance. Engine speed to drive the pump? Type of pump? Pump drive - direct or belt driven? Pump output pressure as rated at a certain RPM. Valve type and size (flow rate)? Fitting and hose size? Reservior capacity? Type of hydraulic fluid AND its ability to remain at a stable viscosity at various operating temps. Want to lift while moving - Moving saps some engine RPM from the pump... Engine and pump efficiency over time (decreased engine output and internal pump, valve, and cylinder leakage).... Sounds too much like Fluid Dynamics...... because IT IS. Only one way to get it right, plenty of ways to do it wrong... John @wallfish built his - he may be able to guide you if I did not scare you off.... This is not a cheap project.... Bill Edited July 18, 2023 by ri702bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,498 #3 Posted July 18, 2023 1 hour ago, ilovemy1974b80 said: I am building a loader tractor out of a d180. And I’m trying to get an estimate on how much it will cost. What size cylinders will I need? If you're building a loader, do yourself a favor and order some plans from PFEngineering.com. It will save you a bunch of headaches and time with a proven design and you'll probably find that it is money well spent! The plans will provide a detailed list of the parts. You can modify the plans to fit your needs. I didn't build a loader but did build their backhoe from plans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,990 #4 Posted July 18, 2023 3 minutes ago, wallfish said: I didn't build a loader but Neither did I !!! But I do stand corrected. Good advise to get proven plans..... I think I covered the "wet" parts, wait until he factors in the cost of the steel & machining.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,498 #5 Posted July 19, 2023 13 minutes ago, ri702bill said: Neither did I !!! But I do stand corrected. Good advise to get proven plans..... I think I covered the "wet" parts, wait until he factors in the cost of the steel & machining.... Yeah, it can get pretty expensive and especially now. I built that hoe way back in 08 and it was still $2500 and I didn't have to buy very much steel. (Just bought a 36" L x 1 1/2 x 3/16 angle steel for $44 last week. WooHoo) Build it over time and peck away at it is how I did it. Lots of welding, drilling and grinding consumables too. Here are some free loader plans but they're pretty basic. Maybe enough to get started and haven't looked at them in years 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ilovemy1974b80 28 #6 Posted July 19, 2023 I am planning to buy the plans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ranger 1,780 #7 Posted July 19, 2023 Be careful with anything hydraulic that doesn’t allow the ram / cylinder to bottom out before the linkage reaches the end of it’s travel, stops etc, the only thing helping prevent things from bending / breaking if the control is still being operated, i.e, lever pulled, will be the system’s relief valve. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,935 #8 Posted July 19, 2023 I have built three and prefer the 2 inch bore x 16 inch long cylinders using 1 inch rods. This cylinder when used with a 4 gpm @ 3000 rpm pump gives plenty of power and controllable speed, in and out. As far as valving goes. I like the JOY stick but would stay away from the ones that re-gen on the tilt. The re-gen re-circles the oil and allows more speed in dumping and is not necessary on a small home machine. The PF plans are good but are generic and there is some adjusting needed for the machine the build is going on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
