2008 Floatette

From at least 1991 to 2008, we have been using a 1984 Honda ATV TRX250 for both as a Rose Parade satellite float and each year as the main drive for Burbank On Parade floats.  The ATV is air-cooled (which is no longer allowed in the Rose Parade), high centered,  not designed to carry or pull a lot of weight and doesn't like to go slow.  Also over the last several years it has been increasingly difficult to maintain.

 

On Saturday, January 26, 2008 a Floatette Committee group was formed to look at options in creating a new small floatette that meets Rose Parade standards, but can also be used each year for Burbank On Parade and any other parades that may come up.

 

Out of that meeting it was decided to acquire a used street sweeper or forklift, scrap the frame, use the engine, steering, brakes, hydraulics and build a new chassis that would sit low and make a good parade frame to build on.

On February 18, 2008 we meet with Johnson Lift/Hyster in City of Industry and they donated a working, used 2002 S50XM Hyster forklift, which they delivered to us on February 27, 2008.

On March 1, 2008 while testing the forklift, it started to sputter.  After further investigation, a bad gasket was found and gunk had built up inside the engine.  The engine was removed from the forklift to be torn down and rebuilt.

In February 2016 over a few weekends, the new chassis construction was started.  The basic box frame was welded together along with the installation of the rear axle.

In February 2017 work resumed starting with finalizing the hydraulic tank design and dimensions, installation of the steering wheel, gas and brake peddles and driver's seat. 

On June 10, 2017 the new Floatette drove for the first time.  While this does not mark the end of this project, it is a major milestone.

In April 2018 work on two battery boxes was started and were installed on May 5, 2018.  New matching plates were created and holes drilled on the frame in May 2018.

 

Pictures of Build Process