non-OEM parts?

[shermbb]

Has anyone tried to use non-OEM replacement parts?  I am frustrated that my power supply has gone bad for the second time in two years.  I am more frustrated that the replacement cost is $210.  Further, one of my front wheels is failing, and the replacement cost is $95/wheel! 

My power supply may be under additional stress since I have the LB3500.  I worry that the power supply may not have been designed with the extra batteries in mind.  If so, I am upset at the idea of spending $200/year for a replacement power supply.  Throw in preventative-maintenance motor brushes, new wheels every other year, new Lithium batteries every few years (I assume), the occasional replacement motor, and we are approaching the cost of using a lawn service.

I am wondering if there is a non-OEM power supply that could be found that can last longer, and/or is cheaper.  Also, there is nothing seemingly special about the front wheels that justifies the crazy cost.

Has anyone tried a non-OEM power supply or front wheels?

[Jerry]

I don't have the part number handy but you can find the exact same power supplies for $80.00. They are just Mean Well power supplies. Just put the Mean Well part # in google (If I remember correctly the lead acid power supply part # is a lot easier to find and that is just an easy adjustment to change the voltage to charge lithium batteries). Also I am sure you know that you have a year warranty on any replacement parts through Kyoda but if you are out of warranty and buy from a different supplier I think Mean Well has a 1 year warranty on the products themselves

[jzawacki]

Jerry, I hear you there..  If you find a replacement, let us know.. I'll also add it to my lawnbott wiki.  The problem is, finding direct replacements is hard.  For example, with the blade motor, the specs are on a sticker on the motor (for my LB3200), but the motor is huge compared to other motors with the same specs.  If I do end up getting another encoder with the "brush kit", then it should be easy to make an adapter and modify the encoder to work with any motor.  It is only 4 bolts holding the blade motor in.

[someguy]

I believe that Paradise Robotics (this forum's owner) sells a non-OEM power supply. 

BTW:   if the problem that you are having with your power supply is the fan, I've replaced my fan quite easily.

someguy

[AGR]

What's wrong with the front wheel? I h ave a 3200, so maybe its not the same, but on that unit, I find you have to take them off, take them apart and re-grease the barrings. Maybe just greasing or replacing the barrings is better than buying new ones.

[shermbb]

For some reason I did not even think to google the model number on the side!  You fellows are right, there are a couple of internet suppliers that sell the exact same power supply for $60-$70.  For now, I am thankful that Vishal's manager was sympathetic and was willing to send a replacement since mine had been replaced only 13 months ago.

Regarding my wheels, I'm not sure why they failed. However, the chances of finding a swivel axle of the right proportions is close to nil-so I suppose that I have no choice but to buy new ones. Does anyone know if the newer wheels will plug/play with the old bodies?   

[RobotLady]

FYI - not sure which model you have, but new front wheels are $63.50 each for the LB32XX and LB2XXX, Deluxe, Evolution, Professional models.  I can check for the LB35XX; just let me know if you need it.