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mazdaparts
11-22-2011, 12:44 AM
Figured its about time I posted this up since its about done. My son got a JD tractor for his 4th birthday. He ran the wheels off of it, literally. Its a cheaper plastic model and he had the axle housings worn out and the hinge was almost broke. I have made 2 other attempts at converting it and I failed. Like they say "3rd time is the charm". Here it is after a little surgery
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/14b75708.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/07e7d6d3.jpg

Tire and wheel selection and comparison to stock
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/4d35f584.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/71d7c5b5.jpg

Here is the chassis. I used some 1/8th inch thick plastic from an old sign and some aluminum.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/fa896e70.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/91899945.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/d5005c95.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/d23c7644.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/93140dc0.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/33e5465b.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/032a4a6f.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/c2e68fc6.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/4fbc7641.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/be5aea57.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/cdf4dd47.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/2fbef564.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/e51ced43.jpg

Specs: Losi MRC tranny and motor. Maxx diffs in pvc housings. Maxx driveshafts. HPI mud thrasher tires and wheels.

I have to figure out the steering, battery configuration, hook up the electronics, cut and attach some panels, and attach the drawbar.

Future plans are to make a wagon to pull or a disc or chisel plow of some sort. Hopefully it will be running by next weekend if there aren't to many honey-do's.

Let me know what you think.

Brel
11-22-2011, 02:23 AM
nice work

Espeefan
11-22-2011, 12:58 PM
Pretty cool! Way to breath some real life back into a worn out toy. Your son is going to beg for his tractor back, though.

I'd be curious to see more details on your PVC axles, and how you mount the pinion and ring gear inside of them. Kind of cool that you'll be able to tune the differentials for a limited slip action. I had thought about running some 1/8 scale buggy differentials in my tractor build.

Tamiya Cowboy
11-22-2011, 01:07 PM
This looks great Mazda!! Cant wait to see more..

Nate I bought a tractor off him last year with the same rear end he just sticks the Maxx diff inside then run drive shafts in the tubs works great and strong as all get out!!

mazdaparts
11-22-2011, 10:29 PM
Small update but no pics yet. I got the steering working.
Paul: Thanks for the kind words. Have you done anything with that tractor yet?
Espeefan: Here is a few pics of the pvc diff housing from the previous tractor build. Its just pvc adapters and pipe and lots of dremeling.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/IMG_2368.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/IMG_2367.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/IMG_2369.jpg

Grainfarmer
11-23-2011, 12:22 PM
Great job! Good idea with these housings...

mazdaparts
11-24-2011, 12:09 AM
How about a video or two? The first was shot by me with my phone while driving. The second was shot by my 7 year old son. I think he did a much better job than me.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/th_6e93b624.jpg (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/?action=view&current=6e93b624.mp4)
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/th_8a7dba82.jpg (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/?action=view&current=8a7dba82.mp4)

Claus
11-24-2011, 12:13 AM
Nice smooth running rig.

Espeefan
11-24-2011, 01:03 AM
It's got a really nice turning radius too. How much do you think it weighs at this point?

mazdaparts
11-24-2011, 01:28 AM
Not sure on the weight. As it is running now maybe 3-4 pounds. The body should add another pound. I want to add weight were I can. Might make a set of front weights, but that will be down the road. I would like to break the tires off the wheel (factory glue) and load up with bb's or steel shot. Its got hair as Freddy would say. I held on to the back of it on carpet and it just spins all 4 effortlessly. More weight will be a good thing for pulling.

Claus
11-24-2011, 01:39 AM
I have bought some of these lead weights;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RC-Truck-and-Tractor-Pulling-Puller-Lead-Weights-32-/290390656516?pt=Radio_Control_Vehicles&hash=item439ca1c604

as I would also like to have a 4WD tractor some day. They are larger than typical 1/16 suitcase weights and weigh 1/4# each. They would look right at home on a large 4WD tractor.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/TD%2025/001.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/TD%2025/002.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/TD%2025/004.jpg

Tamiya Cowboy
11-24-2011, 09:53 PM
Really looks to run great and turn great.. I have gotten the tractor running and did some more plastic work on it just need to tear it down and paint it..

mazdaparts
11-24-2011, 11:50 PM
Claus: Those weights look great. I have access to automotive wheel balancing weights. Stick on and the clip on. I plan on using stick ons where I can out of sight and if needed I may look into those. They look awesome.

Paul: How about some pics Paul. I'd like to see what you did with it.

mazdaparts
11-28-2011, 08:24 PM
Got some more work done on the tractor. I found out there is not any foams in the tires. I added some bb's to the tires just to see what happens. Turns out 15oz. in each tire is too much for the steering servo in its current setup. It took the tractor minus the body to just over 6lbs. So I took the bb's out and installed the body. With the body it is almost 7lbs. The servo is still not happy. It turns while moving. It could be the servo it is old and possibly wore out. I have a newer one that I will be trying. Here are some pics with the body mounted and a pic with the proud owner of the tractor.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/da6e8079.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/85ed453e.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/42fef7b9.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/5b5d4669.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/mazdaparts/Tractor/4df7382e.jpg

Tamiya Cowboy
11-28-2011, 10:24 PM
That looks Great!! If you need 4 more WK wheels and Tires to go dual on it I have some..

Themonty73
12-01-2011, 11:39 AM
Hi Mazaparts,

Can i ask what motor and gear box you put in your tractor as i'm looking to convert a bruder claas xerion to rc but not sure what motor to get to make it travel slow enough to look realistic.

Many thanks M

mazdaparts
12-02-2011, 12:19 AM
The motor and transmission is from a Losi Mini Rock Crawler. It is a little fast right now but I have some info that might change that. I just have to get to the hobby shop and get some parts. You can put up to a 66t spur and 10t pinion. Should slow it down pretty good.

Themonty73
12-02-2011, 10:31 AM
Hi Mazdaparts,

Thank you for the information, its been a great help.

Cheers