My Forken-something

[MetroMPG]

This is very exciting to watch . Old memories.

Anyway: one thing you might want to check out is whether or not the motor(s) have drive end (vs. commutator end) bearings. I have seen a few pump type motors which rely on the pump itself to hold & center the motor shaft. That would complicate things a bit, trying to use that type of motor in another application.

Another suggestion: if you have high res pics of the motors, sign up on the EVDL and ask Jim Husted nicely if he'll look at them for you. He's a professional forklift motor rebuilder and will more than likely be able to tell you exactly what you've got & what it would be suitable for.

If you get close ups of the brushes & commutator, he'll be able to give you a remote health assessment too.

My thoughts: buy it, ship it, strip it, flip it (to the junk man)!

[MetroMPG]

Oh, and have you looked @ the controller yet? What type is it? Any specs?

[bennelson]

I contacted Jim through the DIY Electric Car forum, haven't heard back from him yet, but I am hoping to get some good advice from him. I did get a couple of photos that show the brushes.

I couldn't see the controller on the forklift, it is built-in under the dash or something. The motors had a nice flip-open door for easy access and viewing.

I am guessing I will do something like you did, mess around with the controller and then replace it later with something better when I can afford to.

[WaxyChicken]

I'm so totally engrossed in this. Waiting for the next post is like waiting for the next season of Heroes to start!

[WaxyChicken]

Is your build thread for build AND discussion or build only?

well, either way -
Your researcher's response says the motor would only be good for a lightweight vehicle? Is that the same motor that is used to move that 4+ ton forklift?

[bennelson]

Well, that forklift wasn't designed to go 50 miles an hour.

At lower voltage and gearing, that motor should run forever.

Once I get the forklift, I can take the motor apart and really inspect it well. Then I can also take some good photos of the inside and have some other motor guys take a look and offer advice.

Feel free to discuss on my "build thread", just try to keep it relevant to that particular vehicle.

-Ben