RC Snow shovel (starter issue)

[TommySr]

Even with 10 12v car batteries I need to run a small engine turning a alternator to supply
enough energy to play in the snow for a few hours.

I found a small briggs engine (6hp) that seemed perfect for the job, it had a 12vdc starter motor
, set operating speed (3200rpm) , .5Amp alternator, and automatic choke that made interfacing it
to my RC controller very straight forward(for remote start/stop).

But.. the starter motor failed after just 20 starts. I was not all that shocked when I seen the starter
motor they use, very small gearmotor, something I would use on a printer(not a 6hp gas engine)
I was shocked when I seen the replacement cost $150.00usd(crap!).

it went down hill from there...

I got a new replacement starter motor that is even smaller then the one that came with it, and
this new one can't even spin the engine.

 

[ground_zero298]

Love it!

 

[TommySr]

Because it's winter I was hoping $150.00(new starter motor) would make the problem go way..
but it looks like I have no options but to install a bigger starter motor.

Love it!

ground_zero298, it's very easy to operate by cameras.

and can lift 500lb.

 

[WickedFog]

Now that is awesome!

 

[watertrucker]

Sweet project. I know some Briggs engines have a compression release to make starting easier. Not sure about the 6 HP. Saw a video recently from YouTube channel “Ellis Mowers” where he was working on a compression release on a Briggs engine. Just a thought.

 

[TommySr]

have a compression release​

watertrucker, I believe the main issue is the alternator/v-belt pully is adding more load then the
small gearmotor they use can deal with.

the motor on the left is 20yrs old and still works.

 

[Xraycer]

Oh, Man, I need one of these!

 

[WickedFog]

Oh, Man, I need one of these!

Would be great if you could program a race track into it and it went out and built it for you

 

[Xraycer]

Would be great if you could program a race track into it and it went out and built it for you

Mind.......blown!

 

[TommySr]

Would be great if you could program a race track into it and it went out and built it for you

WickedFog, for off-roading it needs to be in a 4-wheel drive mode.

 

[TommySr]

not the nicest looking job, but it works!