Fantail steam launches

[PAR]

Those Harbor Freight engines are about as poorly built as you'll find. That one you linked to is about $150 and you might get 1,000 continuous hours out of it if you're lucky (which isn't much). Though it's rated a 6 HP, I seriously doubt it'll pull that much. It's a slow turning, long stoke upgrade from the 3.5 HP of the same family line.

I'm not sure what you what as far as an engine, but if you're going with low HP, low displacement, you'll need to spin up the little engine to have sufficient gearing room to pull what ever you're looking to pull (1,000 pounds). The other option is a bigger displacement engine with lower RPM capability, but swinging a fat torque curve.

Gearing is pretty simple to figure out, easy math. You could get a pocket watch motor to pull a half ton with enough gears, but there is a point of diminishing returns, with friction, heat build up, weight, practicality, etc.

I think you'll want a fair bit more then 6 HP, if you expect some life span out of this engine, tractor package. Harbor Freight sells a 12 or 13 HP engine for about twice the 6 HP. It's better to ask an engine to work at 60% of capacity most of the time and 90% some of the time, then ask a smaller engine to work 80% most of the time and 100% some times. Naturally the little engine will die much quicker.

I'm an ale and amber kind of guy Richard.

Originally Posted by PAR

I'm an ale and amber kind of guy Richard.

Maybe... Haha.. but you are a reliable source of some background info, and you can express them much easier than I could. And that is the value Mike is looking for, I guess.
So, continue to share the burden please.
Focusing on a real task, I assume, is worth if we have a final decision wether to build a boat, a steam engine, a launch, a plane or a tractor.

Regards
Richard

Originally Posted by confused

I mean, will it have enough power to actually haul stuff, it will only have 1 forward gear, and that will be a VERY low gear to give it a lot of torque. I need to know if my tracto rcan haul at least 1/2 ton.
please an thank you
tractordiver

Never............ and you did´nt specify it should,...! .. but PAR handled that subject already above.

[confused]

I think that I shall build a tractor. it will be cheaper, halfway legal, and safe(r) than any of the above you list. I already built a steam engine by the way
might be able to get my dad to let me borrow about 100 dollars. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96145

[PAR]

A small tractor is a fun build. Think about what it does, it's a work machine, so torque and the ability to pull power through different routes is important. Typical routes are hydraulic rams and PTO's for rotary, engine supplied torque. The transmission and final drive assembly (rear) are the keys to a good tractor, plus chassis strength.

[confused]

it will have a steel frame, my dad has a welder so it will be no problem to give it a steel chassis.
thanks.
How about this engine? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=97964
I need to find a place where I can buy gears.
With low gearing, that engine should have no trouble pulling 1/2 a ton.

[confused]

Ok. what brand of engine would you recommend?
http://www.enginads.com/classifieds/...ct/19739/cat/4

Originally Posted by confused

Ok. what brand of engine would you recommend?

I would recommend the engine already installed in an old tractor. It will be easier to find such a old artefact in the next village, than to find all the stuff you need to build a real vessel from scrap. Think about a gearbox, bell housing, axles, clutch, steering gear, tank, fuel supply, wheels, tyres, all on top of just the engine! What a task.........................
If I was asked to do that, I would calculate at least one year to get it done! But I have some advantage over you, I have two fully equipped shipyards disposable, one fully equipped blacksmith and metal working shop (my son), my pocket money is a bit higher amount than yours, my knowledge is at least a bit better than yours !
You got it?
Try to find such old tractor and disassemble, study, experiment, improve, and assemble again, its sheer fun (apart from dirty fingers). You will get a deeper insight in some very complex coherences by discovering how some things do actually work together, than if you get stuck in your own homebuilt without a clue why it does NOT function.
Regards
Richard

[confused]

I think I found my tractor.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vinta...1%7C240%3A1318

[PAR]

Just to move the weight of that old rig, you'll need a lot more then 2.5 HP, unless you burden the engine with a 12 speed gear box, which will likely need at more then 2.5 HP just to spin it. That old tractor probably needs 5 HP, just to spin the gears in the pumpkin. Of course you'll have to haul it home from Massachusetts too. Work with what's there instead of repowering and finding yourself lacking in the umph department.

[confused]

here is a twin cylinder engine for only 90$. I got the idea looking at it.
Will someone please tell me if it will work as just a motor powered by compressed air instead of an air compresser pump?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93785
thanks,
me

Originally Posted by confused

here is a twin cylinder engine for only 90$. I got the idea looking at it.
Will someone please tell me if it will work as just a motor powered by compressed air instead of an air compresser pump?
thanks,
me

It is possible to run some compressors in a reverse mode, this one looks quite simple so it should work. But where to get the air from? Is your "gas station tyre refill hose" a very long one?
And btw what sort of shop is that? The NCO* ?

Regards
Richard
* NCO = National Crap Outlet

[confused]

Ok. NCO. haha. I get the idea, but where the 'ell am I supposed to buy stuff from?
I don't want to have to pay for shipping!
and I was thinking of putting the tank ON the vehicle
me
thanks

[confused]

all I need the tractor to REALLY pull is a small trailer, 8ft long, 4ft wide.
You think 13 hp is good?

[confused]

maybe 6 hp? the tractor I designed is failproof. it is impossible for it NOT to work.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...7914_200377914
this engine has a bigger cc than other 6 hp engines. even bigger than some 6.5hp engines!