Hydraulic vs. Electric Lift

[drglinski]

I love narrow frame tractors. That being said, I wish IH had come up with the ported hydraulic pump before the w/f tractors because the e lifts aren't that great also from what I've heard. I'd rather have hydraulic, but good luck finding a whole one that works good for less than $300. I'm also bummed that they can't be added to a 147 as easy as other tractor frames, (so when the E lift goes bad, either mod the tractor to accept the hydraulic unit or add an armstrong lift) and that either the engine or the drive shaft has to be pulled to install another belt if/when the belt goes bad.

[DoubleO7]

Does the 147 14hp already have the drive cup with integrated pulley?
Or does one from a 12hp need to be installed?

[steved]

Wow, that was a lot of good advice. I guess I'll be keeping my eyes open for a good hydraulic lift! Thanks!

[BillMorgan147]

I used the electric-hydraulic system from a car convertible top. These parts are from a Dodge K-car, but it think similar or even the same parts are used in other makes and models.

The reservoir, pump, motor section is shown in one picture. I only used one of the two cylinders from the car. Mounting the cylinder was a bit of a hassle since it mounts at the rod end, and doesn't have the typical mounting on the cylinder end like most hydraulic cylinders.

[Justin Witt]

I'd say it depends on what you plan on doing with it. A hydraulic will last a lot longer and probably be better. On the other hand, an electric actuator is a lot cheaper and they can lift within the same range as a hydraulic, and you don't need to deal with hoses and leaks. But you need a good charging system if you use it a lot. Personally I'd go for the actuator just because its cheaper, easier to install, they do lift about the same, some can lift a few hundred lbs., and they won't leak. But just my opinion.

[RV-ERR]

STEVED-- I use my 147 electric lift to move my trailers the 18' NITRO bass boat is the heaviest it lifts it alright, the lift makes it very convenient just back up raise lift stay on the seat and go, it works great with lawn sweeper also, adjust sweeper with the flick of the switch.wish my 108 had one!! CURT

[bschmittling]

Originally Posted by steved

I have been thinking of replacing the spring assist on my 105 with a hydraulic or electric lift. I've been reading about both of them on the forum. Can anyone give me the pro's or con's of each one? Thanks!

Have you considered using dual spring lifts? I have the Brinley and IH spring lifts on my 124 and it will lift a cultivator with 50lbs of weight with no problem and very little strain on my part. The dual spring lifts make a world of difference.

[TheSaturnV]

Originally Posted by RV-ERR

STEVED-- it works great with lawn sweeper also, adjust sweeper with the flick of the switch.wish my 108 had one!! CURT

OH I hadn't even thought of that!!!



Love this forum...

[TheSaturnV]

Originally Posted by Justin Witt

I'd say it depends on what you plan on doing with it. .

Agreed.

The electric lifts aren't quite as worthless as some folks say. You can simply adapt a modern actuator, some of which are rated up to 1,000lbs. That will lift a deck, box blade or tiller just fine.

Here's the deal with the E-lifts. Make sure you find out/observe what the travel time is. Using a box blade or front dozer will get annoying in a hurry if you get mixed up with a lift that is too slow.

[DoubleO7]

With any hydraulic set up, you can get quite creative and have all sorts of hydraulic actuated features on your tractor.
All utilizing the same hyd. power unit.
Electric actuators are needed for each different function and can get expensive if your needing more than two or so.