Motors for wheelbarrow

[p0werl0ver]

Hello
i*m new to the forums and I come up with a special application.
So I would like to know if I can use the brushless bike motors for application in a wheelbarrow.
I would like to construct it, as I want to put much load on it (e.g. 150-250kgs /400lbs) and for some members of my family they couldn't push it otherwise.

Now the main difference is, that the maximum speed would be only 7km/h and I would like to see a lot of torque.
Are the suitable motors for this application or suitable gears?

Thank you so much for your ideas,
p0werl0ver

 

[dogman dan]

There are very small diameter wheel motors, suitable for a wheelbarrow. Golden motor is where I have seen some, but no doubt there are others.

You will need a motor with a lower rpm, than typical of a scooter hub motor.

Another possibility, use scooter non hub motor and wheel, but change the gearing.

 

[Harold in CR]

I ran across some wheelbarrow motors on Alibaba a long while back. Might try a search there and get some specs you can use ?

1 minute search. Also, check the right side bar for more examples.
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/48v500w-electric-wheelbarrow-wheel-hub-motor_1963862607.html?spm=a2700.7724838.0.0.8ai3Yb&s=p

 

[Drunkskunk]

A hub motor would be unsuitable. They aren't built for the super low RPM, super high torque that you would need.

You would need something more like a Mobility chair motor setup. something geared for low speeds with high torque at low RPM.

There are kits for what you want to do, though not cheap. you could use this for a pattern to source your own parts and build it your self. : http://www.haulzall.com/build-a-hauler-umk200-with-drive-tires.html

 

[teklektik]

A hub motor would be unsuitable. They aren't built for the super low RPM, super high torque that you would need.

+1

There's wheelbarrows and there's wheelbarrows - so without more to go on, there's not much to be said. If you want something for light yard work on the flat, this should not be too difficult. Serious hauling on uneven ground and up inclines will be much more challenging.

I have an older model DR Powerwagon I got off eBay that is super. Electric start, sips gas, 400lb capacity and will just about climb trees. Frankly, I would never consider electric for my application.

If you are sold on electric and the cost of batteries, etc - you might look on eBay for mobility chair drives or a whole used chair. There's always stuff there and for a modestly powered hauler you could get drive and possibly controls, etc. without confronting the price of new parts.

 

[The fingers]

A dual wheel or track drive could help prevent it from tipping or sinking down into loose soil.. :wink:

 

[p0werl0ver]

Thank you very much for your replies.
In the other forum posts (search) I could not find the information I need.

To specify my application:
I would like to transport wood with it. So the power I need is right in the middle between light yard work and hauling. Maybe 100-200kg
I might also think not only of a wheelbarrow with one tire, but of one with 3 tires.
Or alternatively of a "track waggon"?

So I need a motor to drive these wheels.
A second question is how one would steer. I think it is umcomplicated for a track waggon / trailer , but more complicated for a 3-tire wheelbarrow.


I like the haulzall kit very much. Can you help me to find parts? I tried on ebay and aliexpress but probably I used the wrong search strings
easpecially on Aliexpress often relevant motor parameters are missing.

Thank you for your help
p0werl0ver

 

[Drunkskunk]

I'd try recreating the haulzilla out of gocart parts. using a narrow axle and hubs, with a chain drive to a motor. https://www.gokartsupply.com/axles.htm

However, since you showed that green wagon as a possibility, that might be easier, cheaper, and more fun. Take that wagon for example. Either remove all the wheels and axles, or just make your own box top /dump bed out of wood. Then raid Craigslist or a thrift store for one of these:

They can be found with dead batteries and missing chargers for as low as $50, but $200-$350 is more common. Strip the seat and body work off, bolt on the box, and you have a powered cargo box, that can also haul you around when you're board/tired/lazy/drunk.

 

[teklektik]

With no idea of your budget or fabrication skills, it's a little difficult to give suggestions since the range of solutions is so broad...

For similar but non-Haulz-all drive components search for 'electric transaxle'. The trick will be getting a unit in the speed range you want with shafts that will fit readily available wheels wherever you live.

• BTW - go to your ES profile and fill in your location so folks can help you better...

You seem to have backed off your requirements to only 100kg which is a whole other scale of solution. This frankly isn't a very big load, but if the distance is short it may work for you.

Taking a quick look at ready-made solutions that will likely cost less than parts to build your own:
For instance, here's a smaller 200lb capacity ready-made unit by Power Assist Wheelbarrow available from several suppliers (Amazon, Harbor Freight, etc). Acme Tools has them for under $450. This is a light-duty finished solution that may be taxed by your application. They also make a 300lb capacity unit (see Amazon) that might be a better fit. Amazon has user reviews which seem happy with the drive system and product in general but complain about cheap hand grips and QC - but that's to be expected from what is likely a Chinese import or part fabrication with corners cut to make this low price range. Those matters all seem easily addressed and you can always upgrade the battery size if necessary. Here's the manual for the small 200lb model so you can see some construction details:
View attachment 44009.PAW.Manual.pdf



As far as drive and steering are concerned:
There is no point in re-inventing the wheel (as it were). Several Haulz-All models and the DR PowerWagons use two front drive wheels, a large swivel castor in the rear, and two fixed handles to steer. You can run backwards by walking alongside and guiding the device with one hand on a single handle. Easy.

Here's a manual for the older PowerWagon that I have. It details the construction and calls out some thoughts on use. You may wish to purchase a part or two from them for your effort - like the big swivel wheel.
View attachment Power wagon II manual.pdf



Anyhow, just some thoughts and manuals to maybe give you some options and construction ideas...