Hammer mobility kit (rolling carriage) for A3-31

[Tom Hassad]

Hi - I have reached out to hammer to figure out the part number for the rolling carriage. I found one in their website but it does not look exactly like the one featured in their official YT video on how to install the kit. The wheels are covered with metal whereas in the video the wheels are bare.

Also - It appears the cost is $261 so after tax and deliver I am estimating $300 - which seems like robbery compared to the parts that comprise the kit - that in no way costs more than $40 in material to make.

So my question is what is the correct part number for that and correct price or is there a non-brand solution to moving the J/P. I even looked into a car jack but it is very hard to find one that fits under 5 inches of clearance in the bottom opening at the base. Any other ideas besides the pallet jack idea (even that is expensive and defeats the purpose of making room in the shop by moving the planer out of the way when not needed). Thanks - Tom.

[Erik Loza]

Tom, the correct PN's for the A3-31 mobility kit are 503-134 (axle kit) and 500-149 (lifting bar). My recollection is that the wheels are exposed. Your pricing sounds correct but I can't discuss numbers here due to TOS. I would call the rep who sold you your machine to confirm. Hope this helps.

Erik

[ChrisA Edwards]

I went with a Bora PortaMate 3500. Amazon ($150) https://www.amazon.com/Bora-Portamate-PM-3500-Industrial-Strength-Universal/dp/B010HWCWOW/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n2_0?cv_ct_cx=portamate+3500&dchild=1&keywords=portamate+3500&pd_rd_i=B010HWCWOW&pd_rd_r=fdd43f9d-30ec-49c5-b99f-495d3637e41d&pd_rd_w=lH58p&pd_rd_wg=Js0DQ&pf_rd_p=1da5beeb-8f71-435c-b5c5-3279a6171294&pf_rd_r=6TMXX7XF0X0MMEYTWP9E&psc=1&qid=1592002724&sr=1-2-70f7c15d-07d8-466a-b325-4be35d7258cc



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhJdhiH71JA

It has two fixed wheels and two swivel casters.

On my Hammer F3 Shaper I used the PortaMate 3550, which has 4 swivel casters. I can push this is any direction, spin it 360 degrees on the spot.

[Jamie Buxton]

... that in no way costs more than $40 in material to make...is there a non-brand solution to moving the J/P...

There, you've answered your own question. Pull together your $40 worth of parts, lift their design, and make your own.

[Andy D Jones]

When I asked about add-on's to get with my A3-41, they actually recommended the PM-3550 mobile base for my needs, since the machine needs to roll lengthwise in and out of it's "parking spot" in my garage shop.

The Hammer mobility kit only allows you to roll the machine broadside and steer (which would be fine if you park it parallel to the wall or similar.) The 3550 has four swivel casters and 4 pop-down feet, so it will roll in any direction.

The 3500 probably would have worked fine (I could put the fixed wheels on one end, so it would roll lengthwise and steer), but I went with the 3550 anyway.

-- Andy - Arlington TX

[Cliff Polubinsky]

Tom,

I put my A3 31 on the Shopfox heavy duty mobile base. It comes with 2 swivel casters and 2 fixed. Amazon has the swivel casters the base uses and I bought a pair to replace the fixed casters. Drilled new holes so the new casters had clearance and now I can roll the machine in any direction.

Cliff

[John Gornall]

I also put my A3 31 on a Shopfox HD base, the model with cast iron wheels. The fixed casters can be oriented on either axis. Placed them the long way for the trip down the drive way into the shop then changed them to short way to move in and out from the wall. Then moved to a new shop and back to long axis to suit. Works well.

[Bob Hinden]

I have the Hammer mobility kit on my A3-41. I found a used one between them I ordered the J/P and it arrived. The hammer solution works fine for me, but I don't move the J/P very often.

I installed it right after getting it off of the pallet, using a pallet jack that I rented. The challenge for the hammer or other solutions is how to raise the J/P enough to install the mobility solution.

BTW, I really like my A3-41.

[Rod Sheridan]

Drill your own axle holes in the plane you want...Rod.

[Joshua Bass]

Felder pricing is confusing. Highway robbery on many of their accessories. I kind of regret buying my Hammer machine. I've had some issue with it that should not be there for the price I paid.

[Erik Loza]

Felder pricing is confusing. Highway robbery on many of their accessories. I kind of regret buying my Hammer machine. I've had some issue with it that should not be there for the price I paid.

Joshua, I can't comment on what customers perceive as worth or not worth in terms of value but if you're having mechanical issues with your Hammer machine and there's anything I can do to help facilitate getting them solved, PM me.

Erik

[Ben Rivel]

Yea I ended up building my own mobile base for my A3-31 and N4400. There was no way I was going with their lifting bar BS, that solution is a pain to use IMO and way overpriced.

[Jeff Monson]

Build your own or as Rod stated, drill holes for axles in the opposite plane. I built my own when I owned a A3-31. On my AD741 I went with great lakes casters, that is a nice option also.

[Mark Klika]

Hey Erik,
I'm new to this group. I was doing some research on the A3-31 and came across this thread. Do you know the name and number of the Felder rep that covers central PA?
For whatever reason, I can't seem to figure out how to send you a private msg.

Mark

[Erik Loza]

Hey Erik,
I'm new to this group. I was doing some research on the A3-31 and came across this thread. Do you know the name and number of the Felder rep that covers central PA?
For whatever reason, I can't seem to figure out how to send you a private msg.

Mark

Mark, email me: e-dot-loza-at-felder (hyphen sign) group-dot-com and I'll connect you with him. Thanks,

E.

[ChrisA Edwards]

At Felder, probably David Brooks 1-866-792-5288 x208

[Mark Carlson]

I passed on the mobility kit and went with heavy duty leveling casters. Most times the casters are not engaged, and I'm able to level the machine on an uneven floor and get some added height.

[Steve Wurster]

Jumping in here: I've dealt with Dale Doubet in Delaware for both of my larger purchases (Hammer A3-31, Hammer K3).

[Jim Becker]

Hey Erik,

For whatever reason, I can't seem to figure out how to send you a private msg.



Mark, private messages as well as access to the classifieds, photos, and some other features come with Contributor status. Click on the "Donate" link at the top of the page and become a Contributor. It's a $6 per year minimum donation which helps support the cost of keeping the forum online.

Meantime, you're in good hands with Erik pointing the way.

Jim
Forum Moderator

[Mark Klika]

Will do Jim, and thanks. 6 dollars? That's a bargain!

[Jeff Beck]

The rep for central PA is Dale Doubet. I've copied and pasted his info.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=9744ad38d9&attid=0.5&permmsgid=msg-f:1670942100215547636&th=173060fcb397c6f4&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_Bkb6DYM-cbLgRVhLNDftrN_Pb8PeDivR0o8fB-OlX0PlXVgzRs7TDOslD5gOJvFFfet-MWn1c2etRiqh8s4MmC0FSMWaSELylHV5YYR87v9LV_g2rCSKHf Qs&disp=emb

[Robert Kendall]

Hi Chris out of curiosity why did you not for for four swiveling casters for the a3-31? I’ve trying to understand if there is a reason it’s a bad idea.

[ChrisA Edwards]

I didn't think I needed the 4 swivel version for the A3-31.

Later I used the 4 swivel version on my Hammer F3 Shaper and wished I had done the same for the A3-31

Skip to 1:35 in this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euye-nhP-2M

[Robert Kendall]

Thanks Chris four wheels it is then!

[Julie Moriarty]

Thanks Chris four wheels it is then!

I have a Bora mobile base on my A3-31. It was two swivel wheels. On my Harvey Alpha cabinet saw I went with four swivel wheels, plus two more swivels for the router table extension. Problem is those pieces of equipment are in the garage, the floor of which is pitched fro drainage.

I can easily maneuver the A3-31 but that cabinet saw setup, with six swivel wheels on a slightly pitched floor is a bear. It goes where it wants and steering it can be a chore.

[Christopher Charles]

I just got the Bora 3550 for a MM combo and it is a bit tricky on my uneven floors but doesn’t need the skooching needed by my shopfox with two fixed wheels, so I’m happy.

[Mike Wilkins]

I opted for the Hammer mobile base with lifting bar for my A3-41 and as you know it only works broad-side for direction of travel. No problem for me as I rarely have a need to access the back side.
As for my Hammer F3 shaper, I utilized a Grizzly heavy duty mobile base with 4 swiveling and locking casters; courtesy of Sawmill Creek free stuff drawings. Thanks guys.