On Jul 15, 10:37*pm, "Stu Fields" wrote:
...
Would have to analyze the tracker. *We get a lot of dirt blowing that would
raise hell with gear drives. *There is obviously a trade off between
increased production and increased system cost. *The tracker will cost more
in maintenance??? *Right now we have no moving parts.

What sort of drive mechanism should a DIYer look for that has proven
to last?

The only similar experience I have is with a 1950's antenna rotator,
which is weatherproof, reliable and easy to maintain but not very
powerful.

I have several hand-powered rope and pulley systems around the house
that have held up well to the weather. Some use home-made imitations
of (expensive) marine hardware, mainly in brass and stainless with
polyester rope or steel cable. The rope stretches enough to absorb the
shock of falling branches well. Only ice storms jam them, and only
until the sun comes back out.

The most exposed ones are the clotheslines which extend back 50 feet
under tall trees. Cheap clothesline rope and pulleys last for many
years despite ice storms and branches.

jsw