Hydraulic Bending

[dieselman321]

I bought a JD bender and am wanting to convert it to hydraulics.

I was browsing around and saw this build thread. It looked like a pretty easy way to go.

Would there be an issue with mounting the cylinder that way, compared to at an angle like most builds?

Such as:

I'm thinking the cylinders are typically mounted angled to the arm to maximize leverage at the start of a bend. Mounting the cylinder more or less inline with the arm would reduce leverage at the beginning of the bend, but ultimately the leverage would be the same towards the end of the stroke. Also, I would think either one could bend to about 100*-110* without repinning. What do you guys think?


Thanks

 

[R5P7Duster]

That ram doesn't need any leverage it's more than you'll ever need. I'm thinking the ram is mounted at an angle for clearance issues if it's mounted parallel like the picture above your range is limited. IMHO the lower pic will have a better range of motion, it has nothing to do with leverage.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[dieselman321]

Great. Thanks for the advice! I sure appreciate it.

 

[mikegt4]

These 2 web sites have lots of bender/hydraulic threads.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/55-shop-tools/
http://www.offroadfabnet.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=95

 

[454ragtop]

I converted one very similar to your second pic for a friend of mine. I'll try to remember to get a pic. Also converted to an electric over hydraulic pump, works slick.

 

[Popeye.]

If I was going to convert my JD2 bender to hydraulic I'd probably buy this ram mount. I've purchased a lot from SWAG over the years and have always been impressed.

http://www.swagoffroad.com/SWAG-Formed-Tubing-Bender-AirHydraulic-Ram-Mount_p_53.html

 

[astroracer]

I went air over hyd with mine. A custom stand turns it vertical and, without all of the hydraulic pumps hoses and tanks it is Very compact and portable.

Here is a post after I built the stand.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3148261&postcount=53
This is the thread it's in. it's a little pissy in the beginning, just scroll past that stuff.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161977&highlight=bender+stand
Mark