Hydraulic Power Cart
 

If any one is interested, I put together a hydraulic power cart last week for my 337A - and it worked like a charm! I was originally going to buy an adapter from Aviation Enterprises so I could use a drill, but decided on this solution instead. Pump was purchased from Northern Tool, and the various other items from them and other web-based providers. Used old hoses removed from aircraft.

Make easy work out of doing the gear swings and enables you to watch the pressure at which everything should be happening inside your powerpack. Hook it in right at the firewall as it basically simulates the pump.

If anyone is interested - I can make a better drawing of it (or pictures) and can share if you request.
Jeff

Very nice!

Hyd power cart
 

Very cool. Drawing and pump part numbers would be cool

+1 on the request for drawing and part numbers!

Thanks!

Had to laugh when I saw this post. I think we even used the same utility cart. Here's my take on solving the same problem, built 15 or 20 years ago.

Hydraulic Power Cart
 

FYI. REF: Steve G. commit about the home made mule, I used his a few times to do the gear swings. The only problem, which I'd like to know about the other members mule, is at the high pressure at the end of the gear cycle the electric motor would bog down and trip the circuit breaker. Steve uses, I think, half horse. Did the other member use a bigger electric motor??
BILLS

I used a 2HP, 120V motor. It's more than sufficient to operate the gear thru its cycle but has trouble building sufficient pressure to return the gear handle to the neutral position. I suppose a 5HP, 240V motor such as might be found on an air compressor would be a better choice. More grunt, less current draw but significantly higher cost. Or design a geared drive rather than direct drive, but again at higher cost and complexity. I can't help with the weak 15amp circuit breaker.

Drawing and parts list
 

For those that requested, I will put together a readable drawing with parts list soon.
Jeff

UM......yeah.......I'll take that list please.
Keith 817-991-4318

Maybe simpler
 

Some years back
an A&P removed hydraulic pump from the engine, leaving hoses connected.

Then used hand held battery drill to spin it.
Worked like a charm

It's a good system, still being used today by a few of us out there. No risk of contamination or air in the system when using a mule. Here's a quick video of the operation, most you have probably seen it but it's worth posting again.


https://youtu.be/w67UYBa48Lg

As promised
 

All who asked, here is a schematic and parts list for the hydraulic unit/cart I built for my C337A. You can PM me if you have any questions.
Jeff

Thank you Jeff!

when using a drill to power an aircraft hydraulic pump, what type of adapter is used to connect the two?

It's a female attachment that matches the hydraulic pump. Available from Griswold Aviation in Marshall Michigan