Loadrunner (Wheelbarrow)

Introduction

Over the years our customers have used ebike hub motors for interesting non-ebike applications, especially around material handling and robotics. Those systems need lower speeds than ebike hubs, so in 2019 we started sourcing and comparing various models of low RPM motors with integrated rims. The hands-down winner in performance was a unique wheelbarrow motor based around the Bafang G311 geared motor core but with an impressive 29:1 gear reduction ratio.  

We've now created an electronics package around this motor with our Loadrunner Conversion kit. This setup makes it simple to convert almost any wheelbarrow with square handles into an electric hauling MACHINE with just a quick 10 minute retrofit.  The motor can move 200lb loads up grades that would tire you out even with an empty bucket.  Almost anyone who uses a wheelbarrow will find it useful, but it's especially invaluable for

• Construction Jobsites (moving concrete, pavers, rocks, waste)
• Rural Property Owners (firewood, debris)
• Lanscapers  

Features

This wheelbarrow motor differs from many of the other versions we've seen which are just like a regular bike or scooter hub in a smaller diameter rim, instead it was optimally engineered for this one application. 

30:1 Gear Ratio

The internal motor inside these hubs is the same as the inrunner motor in our G310/G311 ebike hub motors, but with almost 3 times more gear reduction. That means it can deliver 3 times the same wheel torque as the ebike motor and has an impressive efficiency in high torque and low speed applications. That's the one operationg regime where conventional hub motors tend to suffer. 

Steel Gears

These high torque levels put a correspondingly high stress on any internal gearing, and in this motor uses a 2 stage all steel gear reduction rather than nylon gears more typically used. This means that you can on gear longevity, but it also brings with it a higher noise level than you might be used. 

Flexible Batteries

The system works with any pair of Makita, Milwaukee, or Dewalt 18V power tool batteries if you've already got a set. Or it can work with our stackable 36V LiGo battery modules if you want the battery pack included. 

Standard Tire

The motor shell is sized to fit a 16-4.0 tire size, which is the most common standard used in conventional wheelbarrows and is a readily available size. We sell the motor either without a tire, with a standard tread that is good for both dirt and pavement, and also with a deep agricultural tread that is especially useful for very soft and muddy terrain. 

Thermistor

The motors also include a 10K thermistor inside the Z910 motor cable that allows the system to monitor core motor temperature and rollback power if the motor before the motor overheats when used in demanding applications.

Regenerative Braking

Unlike most other cheap electric wheelbarrows 

Broad Compatibility

Finally, we produce a pair of 90 degree mounting brackets and torque plate that allows this motor to bolt onto just about any wooden handled wheelbarrow, making for a straithforward upgrade of a regular wheelbarrow to have electric assit.  

Wheelbarrow Kit Versions

For those wanting to use these systems on a conventional wheelbarrow, we offer several kit flavours with hardware that is somwhat customized for wheelbarrow installation. 

• Barebones Kit: This option has a simple thumb throttle with an on/off switch and voltage display. You simply apply as much throttle as you like. The downside is that it has no regenerative braking. 
• Superharness Kit: The kit with a superharness and display allows you to set different speed limit setpoints, and also supports the use of bidirectional throttles or analog ebrake levers for variable regenerative braking control .
• CA3 Kit: Finally, the system can also work with our V3 Cycle Analyst. While a bit overkill for most yard applications, this is the only way to have variable speed limit regen control and also stats on the energy consumption rate and such. 

These kits can all be used with just about any 24V, 36V, or 48V battery pack. We used to pair them with one or two of our LiGo battery modules which were a perfect size to fit discretely, but with those out of production we leave the battery up to you. Ebike batteries work great but are usually way more capacity and range than required. You can also run them just fine off many cordless powertool batteries if you source a battery receiver. 

Other Uses

There are countless other applications for a high torque motor in a 16" wheel size that is optimized for low speed applications up to 10 kph. We've had customers use them for towing small airplanes around the hangar, for moving people on stretchers, for agricultural robotics, for rope pulling winches, for moving carts filled with heavy equipment, and many more creative endeavors.  

Specifications

The 

For a more detailed understanding we recommend using our motor simulator or trip simulator applications to properly predict the capability of this motor in any specific usage scenario.

CAD Models

Wheelbarrow Kit 3D CAD Files

Loaderunner Control Box Dimensions [PDF] (51.19 kB)

Wheelbarrow Motor Dimensional Diagram [PDF] (68.88 kB)

Wheelbarrow 3D CAD [IGS] (3.39 MB)

Assembled Wheelbarrow Motor with Brackets [3D .STEP] (15.44 MB)

User Manual

We have not yet written a user manual for the wheelbarrow kits. However, installation and operation is simple and well covered in the videos. 

Videos

Availability:

The wheelbarrow motors are available by themselves or as full kits from Grin's online store.