Me on one of our first Conversions

My great friend Ron is a farmer that can never stop improving his methods and equipment. We have talked about so many ideas and he seems to have innovation for whatever he looks at. After Ron did a few test runs and wanted to firm up his Conversion, he called me in on the project and applied for a grant to fund the project and publication of it. We were curious and excited to put some ideas to his real farm test bed. The idea of our collaboration making a public statement of encouragement to the world and the bigger scheme of life had something to do with it I’m sure. Our world is dying a cruel death to the poor habits we’re all so accustomed to. So back to the grant. It stipulated that we publish our plans and findings so others could do the same. We took so much time getting the written part done we could have added years of experience to the list of goodies in the payout side. Dead batteries from improper care and other things just don’t have to be on your list of lessons learned the expensive way.

I could write a book about the parts and pieces and why things evolved the way they did but, you can just look at the parts list to get some idea. We provide a mounting for the controller and the contractor. We made a super tough cover for the motor so the drips from overcharged batteries won’t ruin your motor and you can’t back over something and crush it either. We tried on numerous occasions to stress the belt and spin the tires or stall the motor. Usually we were spinning our wheels. We were afraid something was going to break and give our kit a bad rap. After all our abuse and testing, the belt was fine and it has been years since Ron has opened the case up to even look at our original belt. We have been upgrading things as time goes on just to make it cooler looking and help keep costs down.

We used to sell the battery platform but it’s just too easy for you to make. And we’re not really a fabrication shop. We deal with close tolerance stuff so welding should be left to somebody who wants to do it. I don’t. It was also adding $250.00 to the Kit cost. Not cool!

So the bottom line is. We now sell the Kit which includes; the Bell Housing Adapter Plate, Motor Plate, stub shaft and Pulleys with the bearings and Pilot bearing to support the Pilot shaft and clutch disk, the screws and spacers and goodies to mount the controller and contactor and Motor Cover. (If you want a complete Parts list for the kit I can email it to you.) The Kit sells now for $500.00 plus shipping and I can send you more info if you like.

I have prints that you can print out if you want to take them to your local shop and get the parts made yourself. You can just email me at electricG@niekampinc.com and request them. But I have made over 65 kits at this time (12/09) so I think the price is competitive and reasonable for what you get. I strongly believe in open sourcing. If you can make things cheaper and maintain my level of quality, maybe I’ll be buying from you. I love to open source stuff for the common good. Keeps the heart healthy and big business out of it.
Also putting together an Extender that we installed on Ron’s “G’s”. That wasn’t offered to too many, but seems to be back by popular demand. It extends the wheel base by about 6 3/4 ” and gives a little more room to raise the implements. Its going to sell for $150.00 as a kit item with Grade 5 Bolts to put it together. (or I’ll give you the plans. at electricG@niekampinc.com just request them.)

I’ve got some photos from a few installs and I’ll try to post them here as I get the hang of it. See the Photos Page.

!Update! The conversion made it to the Old Allis News for the Fall 2008 Edition. Call them if you want a copy, (715-268-4632). There are some photos of other conversions and such, but Ron and our kit is noted and info is given. I’ve already begun getting calls from CA and TX about kits for collectors and users there. Better make more!!