repurposed 444

[voltswagon]

Hi all,

Several years ago, I was inspired by a pic of a 444 in a local (Maine)sell/swap publication. Thanks to this forum, I was able to locate a chassis and misc. parts to get me started. since the project is beginning to take shape, I thought perhaps some of you would be interested.

Think electric wheel chair for motors and controls. A 24v, 2Kw lithium battery will provide the juice. Controls will be hardwired on a long pigtail. With a 3' x 5' flat platform on top, it should be able to haul fire wood and and maple sap.........at walking speed thru the woods. I'll post more pics as work progresses.

Of course, this is totally untested but fairly inexpensive. And something to do during the virus pandemic.

[voltswagon]

Two trial runs showed promise and problems. Good news is it works as hoped. Wires to motors will need to be reversed since on the wheelchair, motors were mounted ahead of the axle. Makes a difference since the speed, and power, is very limited in reverse. I want to connect a sled and the easiest place will be at the rear.

It is getting slightly smaller drive sprockets for more power, less speed. And a chain guard. Perhaps the chain(s) guard isn't necessary? Anyone run into issues with foreign objects getting in the chain drive? Pic is the 2nd trial run with an amp meter attached. Draws about 25 amps. Safety equip, fuses, will also be added!

2021_01_14b.jpg (128.87KiB)Viewed 5809 times

[husskifan]

WHAT MATERIAL ARE THE SPROCKETS MADE FROM?LOOKING GOOD!

[voltswagon]

Front sprockets are made from hdpe plastic........same as the grousers. I cut them out of 1" thick sheet, bolted 2 together and finished shaping them with a coarse sander on an angle grinder. A labor of love but more accessible to me than casting aluminum.