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Forum Index : Windmills : 2 Week hunt for Smart Drives!

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keaton85
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Joined: 11/03/2010
Location: United States
Posts: 2

Posted: 11:49am 11 Mar 2010

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I live in the states but have been in NZ for the best 5 months traveling. Now I have two weeks left to find these suckers! Ive been going over ways to build a wind generator back home and the smart drive is pretty impossible to find in my area.

SO, I want to collect as many drives as a can to bring with me back to the states. They will probably be my cary on items in a box haha! So anyone wanna give me a quick run down of what I should pay and not pay? also good places to look?

Most likly I will be getting broken machines, stripping them then bring the rest to the dump...

Gizmo

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Joined: 05/06/2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 5124

Posted: 12:32pm 11 Mar 2010

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Hi keaton85

First place to try would be the local recycling center or rubbish dump. Look for the white good section, washing machines. If its a F&P and its got Smartdrive on it, then there is a good chance it will have the motor. Take a 10mm socket and rachet, big adjustable spanner and a hammer and chissle can come in handy if the big nut is a bit tight. You'll also need a phillips screwdriver to remove the seal cover. This page might help, dont forget the bit about removing the agitator and seal. http://www.thebackshed.com/windmill/FPdiss.asp

Its also worth checking out the local white good repairer. Sometimes they keep old washing machines out the back for spare parts.

Dont pay any more than $30 to $50 for a complete set, thats the stator, hub, shaft, etc, as much as you can carry. Some of us even grab the bearing casing, though it needs a serious tool to remove. A timber saw can cut the bearing assemble out of the plastic drum, but a chain saw is quicker.

Glenn

The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now.
JAQ

dwyer
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Joined: 19/09/2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 574

Posted: 01:32pm 11 Mar 2010

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Hi Glenn just to remind that you got wrong 10 mm socket will not fit need 3/8" socket to remove four bolts on the stator bearing casing and wire cutter awell so if if you unable to get one try contact www.ecoinn.co.nz +64 (6) 752-2765.671 Kent Rd
New Plymouth, Taranaki 4371, New Zealand
but make sure you get every correct parts right before heading back home and not much cheaper than find from the rubbish tip
Ian dwyer

keaton85
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Joined: 11/03/2010
Location: United States
Posts: 2

Posted: 07:07pm 11 Mar 2010

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Ive seen their site but $200 for a smart drive is way out of my price range. I will me looking on trademe and buying broken F&P machines along with going to the dump to pick out what I can. already tried the dump where I'm staying and there was nothing. We will see how it goes, I really just want to get 1 or 2 for a dual turbine. Although, if I picked up more then I would have some on hand for future projects! Wish me luck! Thanks for the advice...

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