Work Car 1008 (Tamper "Big Joe") - Official Work Thread

[Dave Buczkowski]

Thanks Mike. I'm embarrassed that I questioned you. Now, about the comfort of the operator...

[Dave Crow]

You want more than ONE cup holder?

[Dave Buczkowski]

I like to take care of my crew so I like them to have cool liquids and a place to put them so they won't fall off.

[Duncan Mackiewicz]

Dave,
How about mounting a small warming oven to keep coffee, muffins and donuts warm for those early starts on the work weekends? Wouldn't want the tamper crew to be cold or hungry.
Duncan

[Dave Buczkowski]

I believe Mike mounted a metal box to the re-routed exhaust for that purpose. Adds flavor too.

[Mike Fox]

Dave, no seat as of yet. James wants to use it this weekend so the recliner option may be out. Coffee cup holder works good as long as that person doesn't leave.

[Skip Breyfogle]

And while we are on the subject of "Big Joe", I would suggest that we encourage everyone in the tamper crew to wear double hearing protection - that is foam ear plugs and good quality muffs.  (I believe the foam plugs are in a box behind the driver's seat, but there were no ear muffs.)  Over the winter I have inquired about current practice at my former place of employment - double hearing protection is required in any area where the sound level is as intense as it is near "Big Joe".

[Mike Fox]

Any hearing protection is better than no hearing protection when around Big Joe. I forget the threshold in decibles when needing to use double hearing protection, but this is probably close. Means I just need to put a louder horn on.

[Ken Fleming]

Six hearing protection head phones and 50 pairs of ear plugs are on their way to the General Storekeeper (James Patton).

[James Patten]

$2/hr for head phone rental and $3/day for ear plug rental 

[Ed Lecuyer]

Do you get a discount if you rent a used set of ear plugs?

[Steve Smith]

No, but you do get a free ear infection. 

[Gordon Cook]

The CEO of Row-Mow Mfg. (and Mechanique Extraordinaire) modestly did not mention the most important improvement to date on Big Joe: A plush, genuine faux leather, double wide seat mounted at an appropriately lofty height for the Supreme High Commander to direct Big Joe  in comfort and safety. There's even room within for a beverage cooler !

Rumor has it that a full width cab, stereo, and A/C are next.

[Mike Fox]

As Stewart stated in today's work thread, I re-installed the hydraulic drive motor today. It still weeps oil around the shaft, because I wasn't able to get a new seal. I have ordered a new motor and will be here Wednesday. I do not plan on installing it until after work weekend unless the tamper is unused for a half hour or so Saturday morning.

The hydraulic brake idea hit me this morning on the ride down. I don't know why we didn't think of it before. Simple. But not very effective when the hydraulic unit is not running.



So Dave, here is your task training. I took photos for visual aid.


Brake off. Handle is forward.




Brake on, handle pulls toward the operator.




Of note, if the brake is on, the drive motor will not move. I would suggest not using the brake unless needed, and not to rely on it while the machine is not in use.

Also this brake should not be used to stop the machine like a regular brake would be. Doing so could do damage to the drive components.

I am designing some Fairmont style wood block brakes for a better fix than my current brake set up.

Also, the top rack was re-installed. I am planning a revamp on this also. Ut still brushes against the other side harder than I wouls like to see. A little tweeking will take care of this at some point.

[Dave Buczkowski]

Mike,
I understand how to use the brake but it's not clear when I can use it. Don't use it unless I need to, don't use it when I'm not using it and don't use it like a regular brake. Hmmmm.
Dave