This portable rig was built to perform ballistic testing on a variety of lawnmower decks. The build specification called for the decks to withstand impact shocks from projectiles traveling at speeds approximately 125 ft/sec. This condition was modeled by a ½" diameter ball-bearing launched through a steel tube by the quick-exhaust of accumulated air pressure. To operate the tester, a mower deck is mounted on an adjustable support post in the enclosed test chamber, and a bearing is loaded into the firing chamber. An operator uses a remote pendant to initiate the test sequence, and after sufficient air-pressure is accumulated the firing valve is triggered to launch the bearing.

Key Features:

• Shatter-proof mower deck test chamber
• Quick-change tooling for various mower-deck mounting
• Adjustable projectile speed via configurable trigger pressure
• Projectile speed verified with a digital gun chronograph

Photos:
Click to enlarge