RSS Feeds
Reinventing the wheel...barrow
David Bak, Editor-in-Chief, Global Design News -- Design News, May 20, 2001
Skutskär, Sweden —Wheelbarrows have been reducing workloads for centuries. Why not add power and make them even more efficient? That's what Slitvargen Sweden has done with their Easy-Bear-O powered wheelbarrow. With a 0.18/0.11m3 dry and wet capacity, the motorized wheelbarrow easily climbs planked staircases or steep inclines with a maximum load of 200 kg. It plows through rough terrain or mud, and easily negotiates tight spaces.
Key to Easy-Bear-O's operation: a heavy-duty Bodine Electric permanent magnet 24V dc gearmotor. To get its cargo moving effortlessly, the motor features a high starting torque. High efficiency also means more than enough power for a full day's work. And at the day's end, the fully depleted twin 12V dry cell batteries recharge in only two-and-one-half hours. Other motor features include:
-
Hardened steel helical gearing for high output-to-size ratio.
-
Helical pinion accurately cut on the motor shaft for maximum strength.
-
Needle bearing output shaft for increased radial load capacity and long life.
-
Double-helix Viton? seals to prevent leakage.
-
Vented gear housing for extended seal life.
-
Sealed ball bearings for extended motor life.
-
Permanently lubricated gearing utilizing semi-fluid grease for long life.
Easy-Bear-O's power is put to the ground via a single wheel with deep tread tire, while dynamic braking facilitates downhill trips. A switch on the handlebar gives forward or reverse motion, and a twist grip controls acceleration. Last but not least, the motorized wheelbarrow quickly disassembles for transport or storage.
For more information about Easy-Bear-O from Sltivargen Sweden: Enter 539
For more information about motors from Bodine Electric: Enter 540
