Adding wheels to a generator

[crokett]

My generator doesn't have wheels on it. I have a pair of large wheels from an old push mower. They still have the brackets that used to attach them to the mower deck. If I just drill holes through the brackets and the tube steel frame on the generator to bolt them to it will that be strong enough? Or should I use something like a u-bolt?

[MikeMcCoy]

David - I used some all thread through bushings on a similar idea and it worked just fine. I didn't allow any provisions for turning since I was in a hurry (pre Hurricane Ivan) and just attached a rope that would allow me to lift a bit as I turned corners. Low tech but it got the job done.

[ironhat]

You should be OK with Mike's plan, David, if you only use the generator on an occassional basis. More frequent use will probably stress the square tubing (my assumption on the frame construstion) at the point where the bushing pierces it. If you have ready access to a welder you can simply gusset the area with a strap of steel over and under the weakened area. Mike, thanks for solving what my brain had been trying to complicate for a couple of months!

[Uncle Cracker]

I wouldn't worry about weakening the frame with a couple of screw holes, but larger holes, like for an axle or something like that, would probably not be a good idea. Use through holes and nuts/bolts, rather than sheet metal screws. It's stronger. A couple light tack welds might work, too, but really honking on the welder might muck up the tubes also.

[cabinetman]

My first generator was a jobsite type model, 4500W, with 3 sprung pods, and a "T" handle. It was very heavy. Wound up putting lawn mower type wheels on it. I had a machine shop make a cross bar from 1/2" x 2" steel with drilled/90 deg ends, and using wheels that had bushings. I washered both sides of the bolt to provide unfettered rotation. I also added a removable handle on the back.

Positioning the axle line at the rear of the weight allowed it to rest on the front pod. With all the vibration, I used lock nuts on both the mounting bracket and on the wheel axles.
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[crokett]

The frame on this is tube steel. There are already holes at various points on it, just not where I need them to be. I would use through bolts. The lock nuts is a good suggestion, maybe some loctite for good measure. My dad has a welder and I considered it but was thinking it would munge the frame up. I will look at bolting it on with the existing brackets. I have some all-thread but did not want to drill a hole that large through the frame.