Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer

[RM model Mack]

Whenever a cool new tire comes along it fuels my desire to build something new. In this case the tire is the 2.2 RC4WD Mud Basher...love 'em!
Tractor is going to be used for grooming and grading "roads" and baseball infields. When snow melts will post a video of operation. Here is where the build is at this point in time:

Unlocked AX10 axles on leafs, 2.2 Mud Bashers and a Bruder Grader Cab/Cowl

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0285_zpsqbxhdnob.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0285_zpsqbxhdnob.jpg.html)


http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0287_zpsjqzve6zf.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0287_zpsjqzve6zf.jpg.html)

Disruptor trans and 2.18:1 Disruptor transfer case are narrow and fit nicely in between the rails:

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0280_zpsi1yuzoq2.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0280_zpsi1yuzoq2.jpg.html)

Next is the road groomer using lots of bolts for scarifiers. Also has a bar in the back for levelling, then followed by more bolts for a finished look. Not sure how well it will groom but dying to find out.

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0284_zpsytcnxm3s.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0284_zpsytcnxm3s.jpg.html)

[Supermario]

Great looking start to the build. I like the use of the grader cab reversed on the engine cowl, it doesn't look out of place to me.
What do you plan on using to add weight to the groomer? As it sits I don't think you'll get much penetration and probably just skip along.

[RM model Mack]

Thanks.
To be effective, the groomer will indeed need some weight. Plenty of room to place lead strips here and there. Also, the depth the teeth can penetrate are limited by the side skirts...

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0293_zpsjm0ja3sa.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0293_zpsjm0ja3sa.jpg.html)

Deep dish OEM Wheely King mags don't seem appropriate so some Hummer wheels are cut and glued into the lips. The holes will be covered with center caps later...

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0288_zps12rzspca.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0288_zps12rzspca.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0289_zps8jjntvea.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0289_zps8jjntvea.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0290_zps4mhlysvj.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0290_zps4mhlysvj.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0294_zpsdsfvlup0.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0294_zpsdsfvlup0.jpg.html)

[RM model Mack]

more done today...

The rear axle has bosses for the servo plate...

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0302_zpsw3jvi5ws.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0302_zpsw3jvi5ws.jpg.html)

So used them to mount an scx10 battery plate. 2 out of 3 holes lined up and also added another:

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0308_zpss8jxcdeu.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0308_zpss8jxcdeu.jpg.html)

Finished mocking up a lift system for the implement. It doesn't look scale but it does keeps it straight and steady. Also lifts up nicely past the fulcrum point to relieve stress on the servo while in the up position. Plus the servo can exert down pressure to help the implement dig in more than it would on its own:

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0297_zpsknhkruej.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0297_zpsknhkruej.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0300_zpslxnxp7d8.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0300_zpslxnxp7d8.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0310_zps81qrftip.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0310_zps81qrftip.jpg.html)

[RM model Mack]

Added some Gearhead beadlock bolts today. Center caps to follow.

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0333_zps00occew3.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0333_zps00occew3.jpg.html)

And fabbed an ESC/receiver box behind the cab (needs lots of sanding work)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0337_zpsw4u6xoxr.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0337_zpsw4u6xoxr.jpg.html)

[RM model Mack]

first coat of Old Caterpillar Yellow

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0377_zps3ygxfjwv.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0377_zps3ygxfjwv.jpg.html)

Added a plow for next winter. The lift mechanism is next.

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0374_zpse7mxctyw.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0374_zpse7mxctyw.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0372_zpsb9w5f61b.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0372_zpsb9w5f61b.jpg.html)

[djcrabtree]

I like the creativity of this build and has given me a few ideas for a custom build. Keep the updates coming and can't wait for a video.

[RM model Mack]

Thank you very much!

Finished painting the groomer

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0386_zpsamjehptg.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0386_zpsamjehptg.jpg.html)

Chassis is ready for painting this weekend

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0388_zpsygyfeto9.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0388_zpsygyfeto9.jpg.html)

[Lmackattack]

looking good. a suggestion is to add as much weight as you can so the blade and spikes dont dig in and stop it. Also rethink those plastic drive shafts. My experience with them in my Mack 6 wheel end dump lasted less than 1 battery. Just speaking from my experince. I have the Disruptor trans and I twisted it in half when I loaded my truck up and went off roading with it.

keep the pics coming!

[RM model Mack]

Thanks for the advice.

I did add two lead strips to each wheel and also a lead piece that once served as soft jaw for a vice. Its pretty heavy now.

The shafts will be replaced as they break or upgraded as funds allow.

Your Disruptor trans twisted in half???? (I might need to rethink the trans now!)

[RM model Mack]

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0392_zps3kyu0fsa.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0392_zps3kyu0fsa.jpg.html)

[Lmackattack]

Thanks for the advice.

I did add two lead strips to each wheel and also a lead piece that once served as soft jaw for a vice. Its pretty heavy now.

The shafts will be replaced as they break or upgraded as funds allow.

Your Disruptor trans twisted in half???? (I might need to rethink the trans now!)

Sorry ....i did not write that correctly....the combo of heavy loads and a big reduction with the disruptor twisted my plastic driveshaft In half. The disruptor is a beast.

[RM model Mack]

OK, cool. New shafts being ordered asap.

[RM model Mack]

Center caps from the road wheels of a Heng Long Bulldog tank fit perfectly and will be tacked on with a tiny dab of CA after wheels are installed.

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0409_zpspgtwwu7o.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0409_zpspgtwwu7o.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0411_zps7zndsy3z.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0411_zps7zndsy3z.jpg.html)

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Very Nice work!

[kroll62]

Great looking model so far. Having worked for Case/New Hollands prototype test facility, I love the fact that you are going for a prototype look to it.

[RM model Mack]

Thank you fellas!

Got a lot of painting done this weekend...

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0421_zpslysnzesg.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0421_zpslysnzesg.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0417_zpshxtwalej.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0417_zpshxtwalej.jpg.html)

Awaiting delivery of a stronger servo for the groomer and then it's test time outside.

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0420_zpsehp619sw.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0420_zpsehp619sw.jpg.html)

[RM model Mack]

I would like to have multiple groomer designs to play with so made another tonight.

This one is much simpler and lighter than the one above and will (presumably) require less h.p. to pull. (?)

It is loosely based on the Lucas Scraper design which seems to work really well in the videos.

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/Lucas%20Scraper_zps0zcpl4kv.png (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/Lucas%20Scraper_zps0zcpl4kv.png.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0441_zpsande8cwh.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0441_zpsande8cwh.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0440_zpssgqqod6j.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0440_zpssgqqod6j.jpg.html)

[RM model Mack]

And leftover from the Bruder Grader is the blade assembly with some added- on side extensions. It's all plastic (except for the steel wear bar) so it probably won't last long but it'll be fun testing.

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0442_zpsmgj3yesf.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0442_zpsmgj3yesf.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0446_zps4f3s4dir.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0446_zps4f3s4dir.jpg.html)


http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0445_zpsdbqcv6wr.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0445_zpsdbqcv6wr.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0444_zps7seugqrr.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0444_zps7seugqrr.jpg.html)

[Lmackattack]

You know what might look cool with this Tractor is a big water tank body.

Have it so you can groom and then spray water behind the fresh groomed road?

[RM model Mack]

oops

[RM model Mack]

Awesome idea! I do have a tank/pump setup from an abandoned tracked brush fire vehicle project and will try to retrofit them.

On a side note...

The XL 2.2 tires have created some issues in the form of...
1. inner tire rub on the leaf springs at full steering lock (even at 55% EPA)
2. too tall gearing. The disruptor trans has the smallest pinion in it, so no further reduction options available

so here it is on 1.9 mud bashers. These slow the tractor down a lot and eliminate rubbing even at 120% EPA. Looks more scale now too I think but I'm open to opinions (1.9 vs 2.2)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0448_zps1pniidtx.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0448_zps1pniidtx.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0451_zpsgr0lm9bo.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0451_zpsgr0lm9bo.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0449_zpsor0nd9wx.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0449_zpsor0nd9wx.jpg.html)

[Lmackattack]

I think the small tires look just as good. The real test will be what tires give better traction for when it's grooming? I suspect the smaller tires would. as far as gearing. What turn motor is in it. You might go to a higher turn to slow it down?

[RM model Mack]

Ok good to hear. Will stick to 1.9's for now and do some 1.9/2.2 comparison testing as soon as it dries out. Lots of rain in NJ today.

Its a 35 turn motor. I have a 55 and will try it.

[RM model Mack]

Painted land leveler implement and the 1.9 wheels. Also added a fuel tank

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0473_zpsczdc4lsa.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0473_zpsczdc4lsa.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0470_zps40l6hfp3.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0470_zps40l6hfp3.jpg.html)

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/IMG_0477_zpsplienv1s.jpg (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/IMG_0477_zpsplienv1s.jpg.html)

[RM model Mack]

Did some testing in the backyard test facility today.

The 1.9's sunk and dug in immediately so went back to 2.2's. These solved the traction issue and the gearing is OK.

Some videos of the first runs...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk7sHrLft6M

This design seems to do a better job in the loose stuff (paver base)...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWDPGXH2aS4

[kroll62]

It looks like it runs pretty well. The implements you made work nicely too. Great work. Do you have any other implements planned or in the works

[RM model Mack]

Thanks Kroll.

I would like to try a 4 or 6 bottom plow and perhaps a harrow like this one from bruder:

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/tdipaul/bruder%20harrow_zpsnjpjtwxk.png (http://s724.photobucket.com/user/tdipaul/media/bruder%20harrow_zpsnjpjtwxk.png.html)

[NYHowie]

Appears to work quite well. Great job, awesome build.

[RM model Mack]

Thanks.

Making some adjustments and trying again soon with a better radio system and at a larger area (a baseball field).

Will post it up after.