Went ahead a loaded up a few thousand pounds to test out the lift cylinder and to check for flexing or missing or bad welds. The hydraulic system lifted this load without any change in motor rpm on idle.
The frame and mounts did not move or flex. The carriage moves smoothly up and down. The lift cylinder has safeties in it that will not allow it to move unless it has hydraulic pressure... If you blow a hose or turn off the machine you cannot lower or raise the lift...
Also checking cylinder lift speed, and general function.
This brings me up to current progress on the rig work.
Next will be:
1. Mounting the drill motor and hydraulic lines.
2. Building a housing to protect the motor from up and down stress.
3. I need to build a drill stem guide and table, with hydraulic clamp.
4. To build a lower mast lock which will allow me to trim it into level with the cylinder and then lock the mast level to the lower portion of the frame assembly. I do not want to rely on the hydraulic cylinder to hold it on level while drilling.
5. I need to build an auger end for the drill. Size not sure about.
6. I need to build a mast head and guide for the winch line.
7. I need to plumb in for the hydraulic clamp..
Then further testing to check down pressure and drill speeds. I am considering installing pressure gauges to monitor the down force and drill turn force.