[QUOTE=frodus;5342]Contactor option is not really an option, you’ll be replacing contactors left and right. they’re not made to switch under heavy loads, which you will do with a skid steer.
Also, its a pretty specialized design, there just aren’t many vehicles that need to go front and back quickly like a skid steer.
You could forgo reversing quickly and just use forward only steering… and only switch to reverse if you need it… but there IS a delay, you can’t just jam it into reverse.
What kind of power levels/size of vehicle are we talking?[/QUOTE]
I think having them have to stop before reversing would be totally fine for my application. As this would be normal operation mode, probably build in an ■■■■■ switch so it wouldn’t even do it.
I am looking at more of a ZTR mower application with 2 small motors in the rear for each wheel separate controllers allowing for no steering linkage and ability to use casters over a deck. (Another DC Motor running 1-1 ratio with just a contactor/solenoid)
I am looking at a weight of ~50-150 lbs before motors batteries, rider, etc. I think I can do >500lbs without rider probably 700 loaded, but geared way down should be able to run on 500W Motor per wheel or even 350W. This would Leave me enough power to run for an hour I figure.
Anyway I want to do this really cheap with chinese DC brushed Motors for now what controllers should I look at for cheap easy to reverse action.
I am hoping I can wire up a switch that reverses the polarity when pressing a lever past a “center” point and up to that point it is a rheostat that is higher speed the further from the “center” it gets. I think I can engineer it with relays and some crazy levering system.
Anyway Frodus you are pretty local I would love to swing by and check out your shop sometime I hear you have an E-motorbike you are working on I have one for a someday project sitting outside…
I am up in portland most thursdays…