Orbot rust

[FloorCareMD]

Picked up a used Orbot. Was very clean and real good shape except for the deck, which was rusted. Was told it was even powder coated a while back.
So, I took a careful look at my Orbot and it too was beginning to rust on the blue deck.

Then I did a web search for used Orbots for sale. Most of the ones listed show some rust on the deck just below the spray tips along the rim.

We are fabricating new decks to replace the rusted steel ones out of 6061 .250" aluminum so this will never happen again.
Also replacing all hardware (motor mount, handle bolts, etc..) with stainless steel. I want these to last and look good for a long time.

Anyone else have this issue?

 

[FloorCareMD]

Finished (except for final polishing) Came out real nice. Going to do other too. I should just build a custom machine from scratch.
Fabricated new spray tip mounting brackets out of aluminum too, Replaced all hardware underneath with stainless.

 

[ebarnett]

Nice work mike. Nothing in our society is built to last anymore unless you do it yourself.

 

[Mike Krall]

Looks awesome Mike! Isn't that machine $2-3k?

What machines do you have in your fabrication shop?

 

[FloorCareMD]

They are expensive. You would think they would use better materials. If I were building it I would make the handle bar assemby out of aluminum instead of steel painted to look like aluminum.

I use my Leatherman.

 

[keep it clean]

Awsome work mike! What did that plate run ya?
Do you plan on anodizing or clear coating the aluminum?

 

[FloorCareMD]

Was under a hundred bucks.This is a commercial machine only. Other getting done with stainless.

 

[Qwikdry]

Finished (except for final polishing) Came out real nice. Going to do other too. I should just build a custom machine from scratch.
Fabricated new spray tip mounting brackets out of aluminum too, Replaced all hardware underneath with stainless.
View attachment 62700 View attachment 62701 View attachment 62702

really cool mike! that looks really nice! is the aluminum stronger than the original?

 

[FloorCareMD]

really cool mike! that looks really nice! is the aluminum stronger than the original?

6061 aluminum ( 1/4" ) is very strong. Plenty strong enough for this application. Ford is now using aluminum on their F-150's. Polishes nice too.

 

[FloorCareMD]

Wasn't going to have it sandblasted and powder coated again. Next will be an all aluminum handle assembly.

 

[Pioneer Floorcare LLC]

Aluminum loves to crack under vibration, particularly 6xxx series

 

[FloorCareMD]

Doubt that. I have owned about forty propane buffers with aluminum decks. Never had one crack. Aluminum fishing boat with outboard motor attached to aluminum mount too

 

[FloorCareMD]

Have over an acre or so on the machine since the new deck was installed.

 

[FloorCareMD]

But if it does crack, will easily replace it with stainless.

 

[Common janitor]

Aluminum loves to crack under vibration, particularly 6xxx series

Not saying you're wrong BUT ...... That's the same stuff that's used in the M 16 receivers . Upper and lower . Yikes !! Talk about vibration !! LOL !!
All the Best, Ed

 

[Pioneer Floorcare LLC]

I have welded up thousands of vibration and flex cracks in aluminum. This is probably plenty thick enough to have a plenty long service life.

 

[Sir James]

Picked up a used Orbot. Was very clean and real good shape except for the deck, which was rusted. Was told it was even powder coated a while back.
So, I took a careful look at my Orbot and it too was beginning to rust on the blue deck.

Then I did a web search for used Orbots for sale. Most of the ones listed show some rust on the deck just below the spray tips along the rim.

We are fabricating new decks to replace the rusted steel ones out of 6061 .250" aluminum so this will never happen again.
Also replacing all hardware (motor mount, handle bolts, etc..) with stainless steel. I want these to last and look good for a long time.

Anyone else have this issue?
View attachment 62659

I bought an Orbot 5 or 6 years ago, within 6 months the deck was peeling. Still under warranty so they sent me a new deck. I like what you did to yours. Looks good

 

[FloorCareMD]

HOS needs to use better quality materials. Great machine/design, just poor choice of materials. Using painted steel for the spray jet mounts and handlebar was not a good choice

 

[Derek.]

for the amount of $ it costs for it, and OTHER op machines, they should be a LOT better quality materials...

 

[Johnny Bravo]

bump