Scratch build track loader project

[rcguyfarms]

Missing a not having a loader any more, I have begun to build a track loader. I will be using the cab and hood off a bruder model and rest will be out of steel. I have no plans to run a hydro system, instead I will use Firgelli mini actuators. I saved some parts I built for the wedico loader and will use them on this build. I am starting with the track system first. I purchased the pads and roller chain from Izzy a long time ago. Don't mind the bunched up roller chain, I will cut it to length after I make the front wheel mounts.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/rcguy_18/100_1110.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/rcguy_18/100_1104.jpg

[dirtpusher9]

Should be a nice project, Scott. What motors are you using? How are you making your tracks?

[rcguyfarms]

track loader is drivable now. Next I will work on the loader arms and bucket

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgPq2bVT9j0

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/rcguy_18/100_1118.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/rcguy_18/100_1125.jpg

[modelman]

Nice work! Looks like you are off to a great start!!:cool:

[FreddyGearDrive]

Lookin real good so far!Can't wait to see how the actuators work out for you.
FGD

[Brian in PA]

looks cool Scott! What are you using for tracks? They look great.

Brian

[rcguyfarms]

ansi roller chain #35 and pads made by IZZY. These were left over parts from his dozer build

[Izzy]

Real good Scott - I ended up grinding the ears off my front idlers - mostly due to dirt and compost rather than the rubber....also light to no spring tension on your tracks...

Chris

[Lil Giants]

About a day before you posted this build thread I was thinking of contacting you to see if you still had your old set of loader arms for a conversion to my Stahl track loader... you must have seen the same idea from Brel's thread too, huh? :D

Did you sell all the longer arms you had made earlier? Mike Craig still have the pattern?

[rcguyfarms]

Joe I sold the wedico loader with thew long arms on it. I do still have the auto cad file I made the long arms with.

[rcguyfarms]

Got the loader geometry figure out after messing with all day. I ordered some higher reduction motors to replace the fergilli motors. It will lift a load of rubber, but is lacking some power currently.

http://youtu.be/MH4OzBUVByw

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/rcguy_18/100_1129.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/rcguy_18/100_1132.jpg

[mazdaparts]

Very nice. I like the quik-tach bucket. Opens up the possibilities for lots of different attachments.

[td9clyde]

awsome work !!

[pumptech]

Awesome job on the loader so far,luv the quick attachment:cool:

[Lil Giants]

So these would be the longer arms that you custom made? Do you have a pattern for the stock length?

The electric acuators seem a little slow currently and now you're gonna add more reduction yet?

You put this all together quite quickly. :D

[rcguyfarms]

So these would be the longer arms that you custom made? Do you have a pattern for the stock length?

The electric acuators seem a little slow currently and now you're gonna add more reduction yet?

You put this all together quite quickly. :D

new design off the old autocad file I have on wedico loader arms. No pattern off the stall track loader. The actuators are faster then u think, they straining under load of lifting just rubber. I found some new gear reduction motors for under $10 a piece and figured I would give that try first. I hope the reduction will fix the issue otherwise I will have pony up for hydro cylinders. Come on joe u should know from the past how fast I build, but I still have detailing to do. I wanted to see if the idea would work.

[Lil Giants]

You misunderstand, I would like the stock length wdc 966 loader arms to modify my Stahl t/l. I would like to modify my track loader similar to Brel's with longer tracks so it isn't so tippy.

[rcguyfarms]

ok

[rcguyfarms]

I switched to one of my computer radios with higher EPA. That made a difference and the Firgelli's work much better now. No need for more reduction motors. I did find a couple of attachments for the quick attach I made any years ago. I have a set of forks bucket and material handing arm. I am open for other attachment ideas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvINn-25JTY

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/rcguy_18/100_1149.jpg

[Snochaser]

Very nice job, Scott!!. The operation of it looks great. I look forward to more of your progress.

Ben

[hvy 1ton]

Landfill bucket and and demo bucket.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/5813247225_dce2df11fc.jpg

http://www.petersonholding.com/about/Demo_Buckets.php

[rcguyfarms]

I am waiting on finding an cheap working oven to bake powder coat to finish up the loader. For mean time I have started another scratch build.

[rcguyfarms]

The Firgelli's on arms wore out with about 10 hrs of run time. Time for me spend the bucks and get a leimbach hydro system in it. I checked with a supplier Brian in PA got for his bruder loader project. I had no luck getting the seller to understand what I wanted for cylinders. For now it sits but I did get the cab installed now.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/rcguy_18/100_1243.jpg

[rcguyfarms]

Project is waiting on leimbach hydros. I got word back from Firgelli and learned they have more powerful actuators. i ended spending the 200 bucks to try the bigger actuators. They arrived today and what a difference in the power. So I have scraped the need for hydros and staying with Firgellis now. I am using a pair of L16 150:1 50mm 12v with limit switch. Quick video of new actuators.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kk2WppHHXE

[JensR]

Glad the experiment worked!
Fingers crossed that the bigger ones will stand up to the use!

[Espeefan]

Boy, those bigger actuators have some good snot to them! I know the Fergelli actuators aren't to cheap. About much savings can be gained by running them vs. hydraulics? If you were doing it over again, would have just gone straight for the hydraulics? Seems when you do something new one else has, a guy can spend a lot of money on experimenting. Cool build. One of these little loaders would be fun to operate.