??? Automating Existing Landing Gear???

Tom Robertson · Oct 29, 2004

I have seen a few post regarding automated landing gear, as new equipment, but have heard that existing landing gear can be raised and lowered using either an air wrench or an electric drill.
I would like to do this for my drivers on each of my trucks but don't want to spend a fortune on each truck accomplishing this.
I've heard that by removing the crank and having a ?nut? ?socket? ?bit? welded onto the crank, that an ?electic drill? or ?air wrench? can be used to raise and lower the gear.
Does anyone have the particulars... what size ?nut? etc is used?
Is there a particular drill or air wrench speed that is best for this? How much torque is needed?
Would really like to hear for those of you who have this system working on the application you are using... If you are not using this setup, please don't reply with guesses.
thanks to all that take the time to respond.
Tom Robertson

redytrk · Oct 29, 2004

Am I missing something here.What is the dificulty with putting down a landing gear once or twice a day? I could see it if we made 20 stops a day.Next we will be whining that we have to get out of the truck and go to the dock guy for his signature.
Tom I can just hear some driver telling you how he cant make that delivery because his automatic landing gear is not working.
I am sure you would tear your hair out,after making this investment.
You are to be comended for trying hard to come up with ideas to attract drivers.
Having said all that I wouldnt give up my TV remote for anything.

Tom Robertson · Oct 29, 2004

redytrk....
I had a laugh at your post...about the whining.
Of course nothing is wrong with a little manual labor but there are times when dock space is minimal and cranking down the landing gear can be difficult in limited space.
I also have a driver or two that would appreciate not having to stand in puddles while accomplishing this task...
I'm sure they could also roll down an window, or adjust a mirror, or scrape the ice off a mirror.... but they don't have to do any of the above either... power windows, doorlocks, power heated mirrors, generators... etc.
Yeah I know I spoil them... but they deserve to be spoiled.
You guys have a difficult job and there is no reason an owner should not show his appreciation in ways that make your job more enjoyable.

Tom Robertson

Glen Rice · Oct 29, 2004

Hi group. My recommendation would be to steer clear of using an electric drill to operate the landing gear outside...reason being, liability. Standing in a pool of water and operating an electric drill sounds a little like using a Tazer on yourself. Seriously, there are air operated devices out there that mount over the landing gear cover...not to expensive and works off of truck air..much safer. Any trailer shop can supply you the parts and install or take the parts to go and do it yourself. Good luck sparky!

Broompilot · Oct 29, 2004

O.K. I am spoiled I will admit it. If the auto gear breaks it can be done manual. Holland Hitch should have a web site to help you.

Sincerely,

Spoiled

davekc · Oct 29, 2004

Holland would be my recommendation. They have trailer shops in just about every state.
Davekc

LDB · Oct 30, 2004

I like the idea and want to do this to my truck. It is not because I'm too lazy to crank the gear. It is to speed up the process. Even with a load bar across the back to block access to the box, some forklift operators will take it down and be pulling into the box before I have the gear completely down. It's only happened a couple of times but I don't want my air suspension dying an early death if I can do something relatively inexpensive to prevent it. The fact it gets me out of puddles or rain or whatever sooner is just a bonus for me.

Leo
truck 767

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

davekc · Oct 30, 2004

The electric ones are around 500. If you run it on a seperate battery add another 200.
Davekc

LDB · Oct 30, 2004

>The electric ones are around 500. If you run it on a
>seperate battery add another 200.
>Davekc

Much cheaper than a new air suspension system I suspect. Does anyone have the url to Holland?

Leo
truck 767

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

davekc · Oct 30, 2004

Sorry,
I forgot to add it.
This should get you there http://www.thehollandgroupinc.com
Davekc

X1_SRH · Oct 30, 2004

Now we're talking. I like the Idea of truck air being used to raise and lower the gear. I still have flesh missing from my knuckles from cranking the gear in those wonderful "tight" spots. This is an idea that can prevent tetanus also. (just kidding) but I never remember busting my knuckles on anything that wasn't rusty. - X

davekc · Oct 30, 2004

This might be worth adding for the new folks ect.
When presented with a tight space for putting landing gear down here are some suggestions.
Crank your gear down until it is only 2 inches from the ground. Then, back into your space. At that point you can either crank it a few times and you are there or, release some air out of your suspension so it rests on your landing gear.
If you don't want all the weight on your landing gear (shouldn't hurt it) you can turn truck off and stop any air bleeding through suspension. This way you can have as much or as little air in your air bags as you want.
Why kill yourself if you don't have to.
Remember as well that 53' trailers support a third of their weight loaded on the landing gear when a tractor is not attached.
Hope this saves the knuckles

Davekc

LDB · Oct 30, 2004

>This might be worth adding for the new folks ect.
>When presented with a tight space for putting landing gear
>down here are some suggestions.
>Crank your gear down until it is only 2 inches from the
>ground. Then, back into your space.
>Davekc

That is good if it is flat however even a moderate amount of slope will be a problem with the gear only 2" off the deck unless it is very very close to the wheels. My gear is about 18" behind the wheels and needs a lot of clearance unless it's a flat area.

Leo
truck 767

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

davekc · Oct 30, 2004

LBD
Most dock are either flat or will decend in a downward slope.
If it is a downward slope, stop before your decline and lower to the correct height. Even with landing gear towards the rear ect, the travel distance from the ground to the bottom of your landing gear will remain the same. It won't matter whether the landing gear is right behind the drives or all the way to the back of the box. That travel distance will remain the same. Even with a truck like mine and I have a long overhang on the back.
Davekc

ATeam · Oct 31, 2004

>The electric ones are around 500. If you run it on a
>seperate battery add another 200.
>Davekc

Please elaborate. Where do you find electric operated landing gear for $500? What are the landing gear specs? You might have saves me some money! Please provide additional info. Thank you.

davekc · Oct 31, 2004

It is a motor that attaches to the existing gear assembly. You must already have an existing setup. If not, then you are looking at 12 to 1500. When purchased, they have a replacement shaft, the sealed motor, and an optional hand crank.(it can be manually cranked if needed) I think they only come with 10 feet of wiring so if you want the switch in the cab you would need a longer harness. I bought this in Houston and I believe they got all of there stuff straight from Holland.
Davekc

LDB · Oct 31, 2004

Dave,

I've been to more than one dock that slopes up or has lumber you back up on. I agree with you regarding flat and downward sloping docks but people need to know not to do it that way if the slope is upward.

Where in Houston did you get your electric gear? I could get mine done the next time I'm home.

Leo
truck 767

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

davekc · Oct 31, 2004

It would be harder to do an upward slope. If you can make a quess as to where your landing gear would be you can lower to the desired level and then let the air out of your suspension. Most places you go will be either flat or will project downward.
Davekc

Tom Robertson · Nov 1, 2004

ok dave! back at you~ glad you have the product... but I called three different Holland locations... all acted as if I were a little insane (perhaps insight on their part)
So the question for all of us that have replied is
Where di you get yours? Is there a brand name on it?
Help us out here.
I only have a few trucks so the $500 per truck is do-able and really want this product for my drivers
thanks
Tom Robertson

LDB · Nov 1, 2004

What is the name of the place in Houston where you got yours done? Do you have a model number handy so I can ask for the right thing? Thanks.

Leo
truck 767

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.