DIY and Large Projects

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Comment by Chief Walks on July 31, 2019 at 7:45am

Portable DIY Air Compressor
Rural ingenuity at its finest with a riding mower converted into a portable DIY air compressor.

“I can drive it around anywhere on my farm where I need air, or drive it onto a trailer and operate air tools away from home,” says Shane Myrick, Pleasanton, Kansas.

Myrick does custom welding out of his shop and uses an air storage tank to power all air tools inside the shop. “I can roll the self-propelled compressor outside the shop, start it up, and use it to fill the tank. The tank can hold enough air to run my air tools for two to three days,” says Myrick. “By moving the compressor outside, I don’t have to listen to it run or breathe diesel fumes as I work inside.”

He started with a Sears Craftsman riding mower equipped with a belt-driven transmission, and stripped it down to the frame, keeping the transmission, steering system, wheels, and axles. He remounted the steering wheel on the right side of the frame and mounted a small gearshift lever beside it. Then he attached a pulley to the starter motor off a Briggs & Stratton welder and bolted the motor under the frame. The push-button-operated, battery-powered motor is used to belt-drive the transmission. A metal rod runs from the motor to the transmission and is used to make the machine go forward or backward.

He bought a 2-cycle compressor powered by a 13-hp Kubota diesel engine and mounted them onto the frame, along with a hose reel.

“It works great and is easy to operate,” says Myrick. “I push the button on the starter motor to engage it and put the transmission in gear. Then I walk alongside the compressor, keeping my left hand on the steering wheel and my right hand on the button. When I let go of the button, the machine stops moving.”

Comment by Chief Walks on July 31, 2019 at 6:26am

Comment by ERIC SHARP on July 24, 2019 at 1:05pm

This is very helpful Thank you Brother Chief Walks

Comment by Chief Walks on July 20, 2019 at 8:55am

Comment by Chief Walks on July 20, 2019 at 8:47am

Comment by Chief Walks on July 20, 2019 at 8:38am

Comment by Chief Walks on July 20, 2019 at 8:33am

Comment by Chief Walks on July 20, 2019 at 8:27am

Comment by Chief Walks on July 17, 2019 at 9:28am

Comment by Chief Walks on July 16, 2019 at 6:44am

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