[Woodsmith]

A query I have is finding a source for a forklift motor. Other than purchasing a wrecked forklift I have seen information about picking them up from servicing and repair places. However if a motor is being thrown out then surely it is not going to be worth salvaging for using in an electric car conversion. If it won't work in a forklift any more then to me it follows that it is only suitable as scrap. Please any advice gratefully received.

I have a local motor service place near me and they have quite a few motors 'in stock'.

Often a dead motor is brought in and found uneconomical to repair or the turn over time is too long and so a new or recon motor is sold in exchange. The dead one is then repaired when work is quiet and place on the shelf for sale. Occasionally they have also repaired motors and the customer never returns for it, some are even paid for and abandoned.

So it is worth asking and you should get a rebuilt motor with a warrenty on the work.

However, the other way is to find a fork lift breaker. They will often remove running motors and sell them with no more warrenty then that it spins on 12V. You may then, if is is rough, be taking it back to the repair shop to have it rebuilt anyway. But you could also be lucky and get a really good one that require only a clean and new brushes and bearings.

 

[Woodsmith]

I am going to make this thread a 'sticky'.

Please post concise useful hints and tips, maybe with helpful images, here to help members and keep the 'is this one any good (with photos)' and the 'chat' about them in the other sticky thread please.

Thank you.