I'm working on a DIY Argentine grill project and want to create a lifting mechanism for the grill grates with a turning wheel mounted on the front instead of the usual side-mounted setup.
Most designs I've seen use a side-mounted crank or lever system, but I’m aiming for a more streamlined front-facing wheel for better accessibility and aesthetics.
Questions:
What type of mechanism should I use to achieve this? (e.g., pulleys, chains, gear systems?)
What materials would work best for durability in a high-heat environment?
Are there any potential challenges or tips for making the wheel operate smoothly while lifting and lowering the grates?
Any example setups, diagrams, or resources you'd recommend to learn more about this?
I’d appreciate any advice, photos, or links to tutorials from those who have experience with Argentine grills or similar lifting systems.o
by turboman105
4 Comments
I have two thoughts…when they are side mounted, all you are doing is rotating the main axel and it takes up the cable on either side, right?
I think based on your drawing above, you’d just need to find a gear box that was able to withstand some heat to make it shift 90º?
My next question is, if you are going to go through some of the trouble of mounting it forward facing, make sure you make it easily accessible. This almost looks like it’s hanging out right on top of your heat source…
These companies look like they have a gearbox as well as putting the wheel a bit away from heat source
[https://norcalovenworks.com/commercial-grills/](https://norcalovenworks.com/commercial-grills/)
[https://wildwoodovens.com/product/parrilla-672-c/](https://wildwoodovens.com/product/parrilla-672-c/)
The Yoder set up seems interesting because it keeps the classic wheel on the end of the axel design, but leads it a bit forward, and using an oversize wheel to make it easy to grab and pull on. Might be worth looking at, as well
[https://www.yodersmokers.com/grills/36-el-dorado/](https://www.yodersmokers.com/grills/36-el-dorado/)
Worm wheel on main axel holding the chains and the worm connected to the turning handle. Pretty simple but probably needs to be custom fabricated for you. That said, there E options you can get on amazon. It will be pretty robust if metal and should need minimal lubrication, just a spritz every now and then of silicone spray.
I would use two 45 degree gears to change the direction of the turn as opposed to a worm gear. Definitely don’t put the control wheel or gears over your heat source.
For this project, and generally, I would advise not to overcomplicate it. Consider just turning the shaft directly, instead of adding in an extra gearbox.