Hydraulic mast.

[VK3LU]

Hi all,
Has there ever been a hydraulically operated mast. That is with mains pressure water?
I reckon it could be a good thing. Raise and lower it at the turn of a tap. No need for air compressors etc.
I was thinking along the lines of telescoping aluminium tubing.
Or will someone say "Tell him he's dreaming"

Cheers
Nev

[VK4KHZ]

There certainly was....I recall the advertisements back in the late 70's/early 80's in both ARA and CBA magazines.
I will see if I can find the advert but it was as you described, a hydraulic mast which extended with mains pressure water.

[VK4WDM]

Yes, I remember them too, I think there was a commercial design here in VK.

73

Wayne VK4WDM

[VK3LL]

See if you can track down Greg Whiter VK4IG. He is the Australian agent for Clark Masts and if anyone knows where to get a water operated mast it will be Greg.

Here is his website: http://www.portablemasts.com.au/

Cheers,
Ralph VK3LL

[VK3LU]

Thanks all.
I will check out 4IG's website but I suspect they will be rather expensive
Just a thought.

Cheers
Nev

[VK3XL]

Another hydraulic issue hey Nev.....I'm off to the fridge to solve it.

[VK3LU]

Mike,
All your talk of hydraulic problems got me thinking. Years ago there were water operated rotary clothes lines...turn on the tap and up they went.
A water operated mast of 30 to 40 feet could be handy. Probably rather expensive.
Talk tonight.

Cheers

Nev

[VK3XL]

I do recall hearing about someone around here having a hydraulic mast that was powered from the water tap but that would have been 25 or 30 years ago. I have an idea that it was a Hills product but I could be mistaken. Catch you on 80 tonight where I will have to solve some more hydraulic issues no doubt.

[VK4TI]

There was a small company making water driven masts in Brisbane not long after I got on air three or more decades ago , kinda expensive as I recall , not hard to make but air is a better medium imho
Simple enough to make a basic trebuchet with limit stops , cheap effective

[VK3DXE]

All this talk of hydraulic issues. Wasn't that why they invented Viagra?

[VK3LU]

Viagra just opened up the plumbing a bit!!

Nev

[VK6ZFG]

Probably need to use glycol to avoid corrosion!