CAT 374D L [Archive] - RC Truck and Construction

Hemi1966

04-19-2012, 09:33 PM

My next project is going to be Cat 374D excavator in 1:14 scale:)
We shall see how it turns out since I have never build anything on tracks.
I was not able to find tracks that are wide enough, so I try to do my own.
Here´s a picture of the original and a few track links I made.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/WindowsPhotoGalleryWallpaper.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4395.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4393.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4397.jpg

Espeefan

04-19-2012, 09:52 PM

After seeing what you accomplished with your grader, this should be easy! Wow. Your sample track pads look great. See, you've already got it figured out!

RCKiwi

04-19-2012, 11:46 PM

Awesome, another master piece in the making no doubt! Where do you source the bolts that are holding the cleats on? Here in NZ, I'm struggling to find anything approaching these small sizes, even in M3.

Glenn

Hemi1966

04-20-2012, 01:15 AM

Glenn: I get small bolts from Knupfer Germany: http://www.knupfershop.de/shop/index.php?cp_sid=241609841b19a&cp_tpl=main

Here's the drive sprockets:

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4400.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4402.jpg

Azonic

04-20-2012, 01:44 AM

Ohh man, i didnt think you would start this one so quickly, its all good for me! :)

Those track pads looks amazing, what material are they?

Cant wait to see more of this one, with your skills it will be a 1:14 replica!

ihbuilder

04-20-2012, 03:56 AM

looks like another great build so far , Ari . seeing those pads , makes me want to continue with what I all ready have programed for my TD40B . the links will take me 40 Hrs alone on the VMC just on 1 side of them .

RCP57

04-20-2012, 03:56 AM

Looks fantastic Ari! This will look sweet beside your grader! How long does it take to machine a pad and link?

Reg

Hemi1966

04-20-2012, 06:03 AM

How long does it take to machine a pad and link?

Reg

It takes about 25 minutes to make one link pair and pad:eek: I have only made two of them, and it just hit me that making the rest 100 pcs will take very long time :eek::eek:

RCP57

04-20-2012, 06:32 AM

It takes about 25 minutes to make one link pair and pad:eek: I have only made two of them, and it just hit me that making the rest 100 pcs will take very long time :eek::eek:

HAHA, It took hours to do the tracks on my Volvo and that was just a little tig welding and cutting and drilling. The end result of my effort works but doesn't look that scale:(. You may be there for what seems like forever but it will look perfect when it is finished. As a mechanic friend of my Dads always says "time, patients and perseverance"!

Reg

modelman

04-20-2012, 07:20 AM

Very nice start on a great project-have you decided how you will hold the drive pins in the track links?

Hemi1966

04-20-2012, 09:04 AM

Does any of you guys have an idea how is the Variable Gauge Undercarriage actually made in 374.
I do understand that it's a way to narrow the machine when transporting it on public roads, but can't figure out how is the "sliding mechanism" done.

9W Monighan

04-20-2012, 10:34 AM

I never saw one closeup of this modern of a machine but on some of the old Bucyrus-Erie machines they would telescope in and out and some had hydraulic rams to do this.
http://imageshack.us/a/img441/350/dscn1367p.jpg

pugs

04-20-2012, 11:09 AM

Mechanical ones have a sliding pad front and back in the track assembly, with the beam of the turntable having extra long arms.

So far best pics I can find are here at 1:08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmQXDLOO7wo

trilliwilli

04-20-2012, 12:50 PM

I have some pictures taken from the dutch forum from someone that build a Liebherr 974.
It's a digger in the same 75 ton class as your Caterpillar.

Normally the tracks can slide seperate left and right, but he build them sliding at the same time. It's not a problem, if you slew the uppercarriage to one side, the weight is to one side and you can slide the tracks in and out without any problems, or lift the machine with the boom.

This Liebherr is build suberbly,build from steel and weighs 50 kilogram, runs on 60 bar and is completely hydraulic ( also slewing and driving), except for the tracks sliding in and out. It has two radial piston pumps with a variable slideplate, so it has load sensing.

The pictures of the under carriage:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/pict1409jx2Kopie.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/pict1366ha4Kopie.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/img0296rfeKopie.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/pict1527jn5Kopie.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/pict1522xm9Kopie.jpg

I made some pictures of this machine at the Modelshow Europe:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/Modelshow%20Europe2011/HerschaaldekopievanP3192646.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/Modelshow%20Europe2011/HerschaaldekopievanP3192645.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/Modelshow%20Europe2012/P1000645Kopie.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/Modelshow%20Europe2012/P1000620Kopie.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/Modelshow%20Europe2012/P1000621Kopie.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/Modelshow%20Europe2012/P1000622Kopie.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/Modelshow%20Europe2012/P1000623Kopie.jpg

Here some films for a general impression:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2X3OKDglAU&feature=fvst

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqcYgRmKZCk&feature=related

He went to some shows in Germany and they call it "the mother of all diggers"
I can not tell you any more details, I don't know the builder, but this digger is famous. I hope this info helps.

Hemi1966

04-20-2012, 09:12 PM

Thanks guys for your help, but it appears that Cat did this little different.
For me it appears that the track housing slides under the x-frame and there's some guide rollers on the side:confused: (some of it can be seen on the pugs video link)
In the first picture you can see that the 374 is narrowed for transport, and in the second it's wider.
It's a little bit confusing cause there's seems to be some differences between the 374, but if I understand correctly the Variable Gauge Undercarriage is standard in all 374.
There are plenty of pictures of the 374 in action but naturally the undercarriage is often so dirty you can't see too many details on them.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/Image4.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/Image3.jpg

trilliwilli

04-21-2012, 12:00 AM

It looks like it's a sliding plate, but there is a great possiblity that in wide spread the plates are bolted on. That's not oncommon on these heavy machines, so the narrow position is only for transport, and the excavator cannot be used in this position.

You should considder this option then as useful or not, if you are going to use the excavator for what it is build, namely excavating, I think it's an option that is sensitive to malfunction. If you are going to dig in the sand of course, because that kills the undercarriage.You are building some strong tracks, they will hold for shure.

Here's a picture where you can see the undercarriage is on the tracks and not beside:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/Caterpillar974.jpg

Transport in wide configuration:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/Caterpillar974-2.jpg

This one looks like a one piece undercarriage, not so strange:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/Caterpillar974-3.jpg

If a machine is running on closed ground for it's whole life, why have an extentable that's more fragile and sensitive to malfunctions. And in the wide configuration you can still transport the machine, it's not a machine that is running jobs for a few days and then transported again.

Hemi1966

04-21-2012, 12:41 AM

Thanks William, you are probably right about that it's bolted on when digging:)
It's true that excavator this big does not change job site so often that the bolting it solid is not too big of an issue.
Actually this information made my life easier:D, that is if I make it permanently wide.

ihbuilder

04-21-2012, 12:51 AM

Ari , in my research on the 385 CL , IIRC , I read that the track frames are just either bolted wide or narrow depending on application .

trilliwilli

04-21-2012, 03:12 AM

Hi Ari,

If Steve found the info on the 385 it's probably the same for the 374.
To give you an idea, I have some pictures of a Sennebogen lattice boom crane.

This one has a sliding track, but it's also constructed to use for a longer time.

Here you see it in transport situation, and the slides are sticking out a bit:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/Sennebogen2011.jpg

But when it is in use some additional steel blocks are screwed to the side to make the carriage wider. These blocks weigh a few hundred kilo's and there are I believe 9 strong bolts. This is not a daily exercise, but when you move the crane every few months, it's happening maybe 3 or 4 times a year, something you can overcome.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/6100-12.jpg

A closup from the block:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/Sennebogen12911.jpg

And sometimes they don't even bother to take them off!!
If you already have a permit for the transport, better give the dimensions with the blocks:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/img_2524-800x60080.jpg

Just to give you an impression how it's done with a crane. This same type is also delivered with removable tracks, they can lift themselves up and take the tracks completely off:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv49/trilliwilli/mbf/mammoet5500_19.jpg

This all is off course different from an excavator, but you see what type of solutions there are for transporting large equipment.

Hemi1966

04-21-2012, 07:45 AM

Thanks guys for your effort, I learn something new again:)

Today I got the drive hubs and covers done:

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4408.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4418.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4410.jpg

steamer

04-21-2012, 07:46 AM

Ari, go to page 7 of this document. It has a very good picture of the car body. You'll see extra bolt holes to move the track in and out.
Rob

http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?imageId=C616591

ihbuilder

04-21-2012, 11:16 AM

Looks great , Ari . Are you using 2mm bolts ? I'm trying to figure bolt size for my TD40

Hemi1966

04-21-2012, 08:43 PM

Looks great , Ari . Are you using 2mm bolts ? I'm trying to figure bolt size for my TD40

Those are 3mm bolts.

Azonic

04-22-2012, 06:11 AM

Amazing! Will be a great build to follow!

Snochaser

04-22-2012, 08:35 AM

Ari, you are blazing into another build! I'm sure this will be another jaw dropping piece of art. Keep up the speedy pace and great work.

Ben

ihbuilder

04-22-2012, 10:44 AM

Those are 3mm bolts.

Thanks Ari , I 'll be watching ;)

Vanisle

04-22-2012, 12:03 PM

After seeing the work on your grader, I am sure this will be an amazing build. I am in awe at what some people can accomplish in a scale model.

D8R

04-25-2012, 05:59 AM

You have already come a long way with this build, guess you have a lot of drawings ready now in computer to be machined. There have been discussion about having a seperate heading for questions about those CNC machines, I think that would be very useful when it becomes more popular with CAD/CNC production. I would like to have one but one thing that has scared me so far is how programming is done. Doing a drawing in a CAD programme is a start, but how do you translate it into actions in the CNC machine? Is it easy? I think it would be very interesting to see the different steps from first drawing to part ready. This , maybee, takes away the affraidness.
Thanks for sharing another fantastic build, Ari! Hat off from me.
Dan

Espeefan

04-26-2012, 09:21 AM

I like where this thread and project is going. Not only for the beautiful parts you machine, but because of the technical talk that is also included. The hows and whys, of the way these real 1:1 machines work. All of this information together makes for a very enjoyable thread!

Hemi1966

05-01-2012, 08:09 AM

I machined the stick side panels.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CNC/IMG_4474.jpg

I also made a video of making it.
I speed it up it a little so, somebody might even watch it to the end:)
For some reason parts of the video has no sound:o

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CNC/th_CAT374Dstickpanel.jpg (http://s327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CNC/?action=view&current=CAT374Dstickpanel.mp4)

Madda

05-01-2012, 08:37 AM

Good video, good build!

How much do you think your builds cost to you when have everything done? I mean the grader and now this one.

Keep posting updates and CNC videos :p

Azonic

05-01-2012, 09:29 AM

Very nice to see the machine work as well, keep it coming, this will be an outstanding build!

Ultrashort

05-01-2012, 11:16 AM

Hello Ari !

Nice, another well started / build model from you !

Short info to the Liebherr 974 from the dutch: It should be Stefanf s Liebherr. I think It is the only one in Europe with selfbuild hydromotors and functional hydraulik sensloading.
In one of our german forums is a build thread of it.

The futureprojekt of Premacon (german manufactor also know before as liebherrmodelle.de) a hydraulikhammer (deliverable maybe end of 2012) you have shown it at your second video is also a develpment from stefan !

He is a great builder (10*) !

Greets Ultrshort

RCP57

05-01-2012, 11:46 AM

Nice work Ari! I like the CNC video... Keep em comin!:D

Reg

elliot330

05-02-2012, 12:48 AM

Ari... another project. Fantastic start as well.

I'm really interested on the CNC video, more of these would be nice.

Also, not that I'll ever be able to do it, but how long does it take to draw a part like this in the software program that you use?

Do you have the complete machine drawn in CAD, or do you just look at the drawings and design that part?

Keep the updates coming, please!

Elliot

mazdaparts

05-02-2012, 07:45 PM

Good video, good build!

How much do you think your builds cost to you when have everything done? I mean the grader and now this one.

Keep posting updates and CNC videos :p

You don't ask questions like this. His wife or girlfriend could wander onto the site and then start to wonder if what he told her it cost was true or not. I once read a sig that said "My biggest fear is that my wife will sell my toys for what I told her I paid for them."

K-Man

05-03-2012, 10:02 PM

LOL!! Yes, I think we all have a little of that fear in us. Plus, I don't know if you can put a price on the many trials an errors that we put into our toys.

Hemi1966

05-04-2012, 09:23 AM

You are right about that guys, I too have to lower the cost of some parts if my wife happens to ask it:o.
You might thing that when you build something from scratch it's much cheaper, but if you count even some amount per hour, you'll end up high numbers.
So it's very difficult to give any estimate of what these things cost. I'm thinking that this is a hobby that I like and if somebody is ready to pay you some money of something you build that's a bonus :)

JAMMER

05-04-2012, 10:08 AM

Do not misjudge your wife's judgment because look who she married. Ed

elliot330

05-04-2012, 10:28 AM

I'm thinking that this is a hobby that I like and if somebody is ready to pay you some money of something you build that's a bonus :)

Ari, with comments like that, you'll have a list as long as your arm... and I'm at the front! :D

Hemi1966

05-05-2012, 10:00 AM

Got some boom parts done today:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4477.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_4481.jpg

Madda

05-28-2012, 11:06 AM

Do you have any other drawings than that you get from the CAT site? They use there only the same 320 drawings and just different dimensions. I was looking for 390dl drawings and found that only in asian sites are the real drawings.

Hemi1966

05-28-2012, 11:29 AM

I only have this from Caterpillar Japanise site: http://japan.cat.com/cda/files/2850741/1/374DL.pdf

Hemi1966

06-02-2012, 03:52 AM

Slow progress here, got the stick cylinder brackets done.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0043.jpg
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0047.jpg

Azonic

06-02-2012, 05:15 AM

Looks so nice, keep it coming! :)

Lil Giants

06-02-2012, 01:02 PM

Time to shelf this project for the summer and make more grader videos. :)

Hemi1966

06-10-2012, 08:17 AM

Got the bucket linkages and boom base done:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0065.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0082.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0069.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0076-1.jpg

Madda

06-10-2012, 08:47 AM

Hemi1966

06-10-2012, 11:32 AM

Good job!

Are you making every part individually in CAD and hoping that everything fits together well or you make a assembly before cutting and check design mistakes? Could you post a picture of it?

You said that you didn't find tracks wide enough, what is the width of yours then?

I don't have any separate CAD program, so I only have CAM "drawings" for CNC machine. I'm unable to make any sub assembly CAD drawings to check everything before, all though I do draw many parts on paper to check what I can.

The tracks that I'm planning to use are 64 mm wide.

RCP57

06-10-2012, 01:14 PM

I don't have any separate CAD program, so I only have CAM "drawings" for CNC machine. I'm unable to make any sub assembly CAD drawings to check everything before, all though I do draw many parts on paper to check what I can.

The tracks that I'm planning to use are 64 mm wide.

Whatever you're doin Ari, keep it up cause it looks great!

I need to start saving for that cnc conversion... and some schooling:o

Reg

Hemi1966

06-16-2012, 11:47 AM

Today I made the other bucket linkage:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0088.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0095.jpg

Azonic

06-16-2012, 04:38 PM

Beautiful!

izzzul

06-16-2012, 08:04 PM

Amazing work here!!

B-Train Hauler

06-17-2012, 12:20 AM

Love that precision and finishing touch. Great job and engeneering! A "must follow" one!

Kingston_99

06-17-2012, 03:31 AM

sweet build. love watching these builds like this.

Madda

06-17-2012, 12:25 PM

Was it made from one piece or several put together? Very good job indeed!

I was wondering that have you tried this CAD program: http://www.ptc.com/products/creo-elements-direct/modeling-express/
It has got free trial with some limited functions but you can do pretty easily great stuff and also assemblies. I have been working with Solidworks but I can say that this is for a free copy very good, not so advanced but still great.

What CAM program are you using?

Hemi1966

06-24-2012, 08:29 AM

I started to make the bucket for the 374. It's going to be an extreme duty (XD) bucket as Cat calls it. It will have alot of wear plates and four teeth.
It's 140 mm wide in 1:14 scale and in real life almost 2 meters wide.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0108.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0109.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0114.jpg

dabears

06-24-2012, 10:32 AM

WOW thats impressive!! Looks great so far!

Kingston_99

06-25-2012, 08:16 AM

going to be a big digger if that a 1/10 scale :eek:

Hemi1966

06-26-2012, 07:05 AM

Some progress with the bucket:)
In the first photo you'll see the original bucket that I'm trying to imitate

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/374D-5.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0130.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0127.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0132.jpg

elliot330

06-26-2012, 07:10 AM

that's a pretty serious bucket... and your version seems to mirror it pretty well.

Good work.

Hemi1966

06-27-2012, 03:54 AM

The bucket got teeth:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0143.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0145.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0153.jpg

fhhhstix

06-27-2012, 06:02 PM

Are those going to be the actual teeth or are you using them as adapter so you can use different styles of teeth?

Travis

Hemi1966

06-28-2012, 03:19 AM

Are those going to be the actual teeth or are you using them as adapter so you can use different styles of teeth?

Travis

I'm afraid those are the teeth, I didn't go so far that I make separate tips for them:o

Hemi1966

06-28-2012, 09:58 AM

The bucket is almost done. I still must braze some of the seams with Durafix.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0184.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0195.jpg

Madda

06-28-2012, 12:23 PM

Wow, how long did it take to make these bucket teeth?

Could you post some pictures or videos how did you make them?

Hofabooz

06-28-2012, 12:49 PM

He

Thats looking realy good will cut int the gount very well from the look of those teeth.

Regards

Mark

Hemi1966

06-28-2012, 01:43 PM

Wow, how long did it take to make these bucket teeth?

Could you post some pictures or videos how did you make them?

Here's some pictures of the teeth. Making them took about a day :eek:
Unfortunately no videos.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0137.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0140.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0142.jpg

fhhhstix

06-28-2012, 06:36 PM

I'm afraid those are the teeth, I didn't go so far that I make separate tips for them:o

They look good, I was just asking because if those were going to be adapters you definitely had my attention as to how you were going to make teeth to go over them.

You are doing an amazing job on this just as you did on the grader and I really enjoy seeing what you machine out next.

Travis

pigeonfarmboy

06-29-2012, 04:48 PM

That bucket is so awesome! Now make another for my 850D!

Hemi1966

06-30-2012, 07:55 AM

I started to build the upper frame. First I made the center assembly.
In the last picture you can get some idea of the size of this thing by comparing it to the 5 inch floor boards.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/upperframecenter.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0204.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0215.jpg

Hofabooz

06-30-2012, 12:08 PM

Hi

Looking great the size of it is big.
Thanks for posting pics of your build.
Hope all goes well and look forward to see progress.

Thanks

Regards

Mark

doodlebug

06-30-2012, 01:44 PM

Ooh, that's purdy! Nice work.
Cheer's, Neil.

fhhhstix

06-30-2012, 05:11 PM

Looks fantastic Ari I am really liking this build.

Travis

Espeefan

07-03-2012, 11:30 AM

I'm flat out speechless! I don't know what to say. I'm not sure there is a word in the human vocabulary that really does this build justice.

Hemi1966

07-08-2012, 06:15 AM

This weekend I made the base for the upper frame. :)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0252.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0247.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0238.jpg

Azonic

07-08-2012, 07:24 AM

Outstanding work! How many kilos does it weight?

Hemi1966

07-08-2012, 08:03 AM

Outstanding work! How many kilos does it weight?
So far it weighs 5 kilos. I'm trying to make the undercarriage and upper frame as heavy as possible to keep it steady while digging.

ihbuilder

07-08-2012, 10:46 AM

looks great so far Ari :eek: It's making me want to jump on my 385CL thats on the drawing board :eek:

Hemi1966

07-22-2012, 05:05 AM

I started to make the undercarriage. First parts are the inner plates. In the pictures you can see the drive mechanism. There will be more support bearings for the axles.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0254.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0263.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0262.jpg

Azonic

07-22-2012, 06:04 AM

Looks great, nice work as always!

Stefan

07-22-2012, 07:32 AM

Very nice parts, Ari! The pace of your build is amazing.

Stefan

9W Monighan

07-22-2012, 08:45 AM

Wow,coming along nicely. The wear plates and teeth on the bucket turned out very nice.

SmallHaul

07-22-2012, 09:44 AM

You do fantastic work! The bucket looks incredible.

Hemi1966

07-25-2012, 04:04 AM

Got the chain drive housing done :)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0286.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0280.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0275.jpg

Madda

07-25-2012, 05:16 AM

Where did you get that chain from?

Great job man, very tight fit there :o

Hemi1966

07-25-2012, 08:59 AM

Where did you get that chain from?

Great job man, very tight fit there :o

chain and sprockets are from here: http://www.conrad.com/Chain.htm?websale7=conrad-int&pi=237167&ireusocl=1

Azonic

07-25-2012, 09:24 AM

So clean, will look great assambled!

rc_farmer

07-25-2012, 11:10 AM

Another fine job you are doing there........Conrad has alot of nice building stuff, but they dont ship to the U.S. of A

Stefan

07-25-2012, 02:51 PM

Impressing as always! But it looks like you let the chain actually slide against the housing walls? Never seen that before. Don´t you think that will create noise and an aluminum slurry?

Hemi1966

07-26-2012, 12:11 PM

Impressing as always! But it looks like you let the chain actually slide against the housing walls? Never seen that before. Don´t you think that will create noise and an aluminum slurry?

Yep, your right about that Stefan. Due a small design error:mad: I made the housing little too small, but it doesn't keep any noise and hopefully with some grease inside it don't eat it self thru the housing:)

Stefan

07-26-2012, 01:56 PM

I see, its a bug and not a feature :D Well, in any case, the chain plates might dig in a millimeter or so (actually half a millimeter if you have the 6 mm pitched chains), but then the rollers start rolling on the land between the grooves and the wear rate should decrease.

Hemi1966

07-29-2012, 05:00 AM

Some progress with the undercarriage. The drive end is pretty much done but the front idler still needs to be done.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0300.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0303.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0306.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0312.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/th_MVI_0302.jpg (http://s327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/?action=view&current=MVI_0302.mp4)

RCP57

07-29-2012, 10:05 AM

Sweet! You'll be digging in no time!

dabears

07-29-2012, 01:10 PM

WOW awesome work!

Madda

07-29-2012, 02:15 PM

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0312.jpg

Great work! Really impressive!

Do you have any more pictures of that motor cover or whatever is that called? You bent that radius or milled?

Hemi1966

07-31-2012, 11:43 AM

Great work! Really impressive!

Do you have any more pictures of that motor cover or whatever is that called? You bent that radius or milled?

That's actually a U-profile that's machined that way.

Got the idler wheel and track tension mechanism done:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0326.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0320.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0317.jpg

Hemi1966

08-01-2012, 10:04 AM

Some progress:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0354.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0341.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0344.jpg

RCP57

08-01-2012, 10:14 AM

Lookin good Ari, at the rate you're going you'll have this done in a couple months.:cool:

Reg

Hofabooz

08-01-2012, 01:25 PM

Hi Ari

Great work and it is giving us all ideas.
Keep the update coming and thanks for sharing.

Regards

Mark

Hemi1966

08-05-2012, 05:05 AM

I started to make the lower carrier rollers. First I made the brackets (32 pcs) and now I should made the rollers (16 pcs) I wish I had a cnc lathe;)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0384.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0375.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0380.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0378.jpg

Madda

08-05-2012, 05:17 AM

Are you making these rollers with mill or lathe? I know that feeling when you have to make manually same thing for numerous times. I once drilled manually over 1500 holes...

But the build is still very cool and yet fast.

What size screws are you using there?

Hemi1966

08-05-2012, 06:22 AM

Madda, those rollers will be made with lathe.
The screws are M2 steel ones. It was a quite job to make threads for all the 64 holes with three separate taps:eek:. The 2 mm tap doesn't take much to brake.

Hemi1966

08-08-2012, 12:27 PM

Finally got all of the carrier rollers done including the upper ones:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0391.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0397.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0401.jpg

CAT315C

08-08-2012, 12:35 PM

Hemmi1966,

A beautiful project, congratulations!!

You're doing all of it aluminum?

Thank you,

Carlos

Hemi1966

08-08-2012, 12:59 PM

Hemmi1966,

A beautiful project, congratulations!!

You're doing all of it aluminum?

Thank you,

Carlos

Pretty much yes, of course all axles and pins are steel. Also the upper frame swing bearing mechanism will be made out of steel. There will also be some brass parts in the upper frame.

Radio Control Trucker

08-08-2012, 03:19 PM

This is one awesome build, Ari. :eek: It's going to be heavy and durable in the end. :p

Great work. Another beautiful job. :D:D

- RCT

Azonic

08-08-2012, 07:32 PM

Wow, looks amazing, always a plasure to watch your updates!

Hofabooz

08-09-2012, 03:46 PM

Hi

Most excelent work realy look forwards to your updates.
Thanks for sharing and good luck with the build

Regards

Mark

Hemi1966

08-11-2012, 12:48 PM

I started to build the undercarriage x-frame:) It will be possible to narrow the undercarriage for transport like in the real thing, just have to unscrew 48 bolts:p
I also found a nice picture of 374 beeing transported on a low loader:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0420.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0424.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/6238444855_7929d4a68c_o.jpg

Madda

08-11-2012, 02:49 PM

The pace you are building at is just amazing!

How many hours a day do you spend on that beast?

Hemi1966

08-11-2012, 03:33 PM

The pace you are building at is just amazing!

How many hours a day do you spend on that beast?

Too many:D
I'm on my annual leave, so I can spend more time with it :)

MitzuRazing

08-11-2012, 06:42 PM

Awesome work! And the pace is not compareable :D
Cnc is cool :cool:

plow jockey

08-11-2012, 08:15 PM

Wow !! Your work is amazing. Excellent work !!

Hemi1966

08-18-2012, 12:04 PM

Got the x-frame top piece and the underside corner support pieces done. I also made the boom tip reinforcement plates:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0469.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0466.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0479.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0475.jpg

RCP57

08-18-2012, 03:33 PM

When I look at your update pictures I start dropping F bombs... In a good way of course. There's just not that many polite ways to describe what you're doing!

Nice work Ari!!!!!!!!!!

carp

08-18-2012, 04:39 PM

looks really nice, how much does your undercarriage weigh?

Hemi1966

08-19-2012, 02:46 AM

looks really nice, how much does your undercarriage weigh?

Thanks again guys for the compliments:)

The undercarriage weight is now about 7 kg, that's without the tracks so it probably will be 10 kg when finished.

Madda

08-19-2012, 06:00 AM

Hemi1966

08-19-2012, 06:26 AM

Great!

How are going to solve the problem what comes when you need to connect drive motors with the ESC? I mean that the swinging is going to twist the wires.

First tesdrive shouldn't be too far heh?

I'm going to use slip ring like these: http://www.hzqs.com/english/src.html

And what comes to the undercarriage test drive the only thing that's missing are the tracks:(

Madda

08-19-2012, 07:33 AM

Yeah slip ring is one of the easiest and best solutions. Some guys make their own custom solutions so I thought I would ask.

Have you started making the tracks? It is probably one of the most pain job to do.

Are you going to use Sabertooth ESC? If not then I recommend it, best solution for tracked vehicles, I'm very pleased with mine.

speedy8305

08-22-2012, 11:47 PM

love the Detail work looks exactly like the real thing look forward to seeing the finishe product

speedy8305

08-25-2012, 05:40 PM

Hemi1966

08-26-2012, 10:40 AM

hey guys the 374 does not have a sliding under carriage I am a heavy equipment technician and CAT is the majority of the equipment I work on it has a fixed undercarriage but all in all I think the model looks great and the site is great as well you guys are very talented

I think you are wrong about that, if you look at the picture of 374 on a low loader couple of pages back, you can see how the x-frame is sticking out on the side and the tracks are much narrower than normal. Also the Cat 374 brochure talks about the variable gauge undercarriage. But I also believe that not all of the 374 are equipped with the variable gauge undercarriage.

Here's some progress I've made. Got the swing bearing done:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0498.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0504.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0513.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0518.jpg

ihbuilder

08-26-2012, 10:50 AM

looks great Ari :) now where did you find that gear ? I've been looking forever for the right size .

Hemi1966

08-26-2012, 11:02 AM

looks great Ari :) now where did you find that gear ? I've been looking forever for the right size .

Got the gear from HPC gears: http://www.hpcgears.com/

ihbuilder

08-26-2012, 12:08 PM

Got the gear from HPC gears: http://www.hpcgears.com/

thank you Ari :):):D:D

CAT315C

08-26-2012, 12:23 PM

If you write for HPC, they will send a Catalogue (book) with all their products and the references thereof.

I requested the book and I was sent.

Carlos.

Lil Giants

08-26-2012, 01:21 PM

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0518.jpg

hmm... so what is the length from center pivot to the bucket teeth in this picture (or what its reach @ ground level)?

The 374 is progressing beautifully Ari... but have you been spending any time with the grader outside this summer? Need more eye candy of that machine in motion, plz! :confused: :p

elliot330

08-26-2012, 03:44 PM

RCP57

08-26-2012, 04:36 PM

Looks to me like you're just stalling off on building those track pads:p.

Looks great!

rc4ever

08-27-2012, 02:24 AM

What a great model!!!:) I'm just speechless!!! I've learned a lottt from y'all. My MASTERS!!!!:)

Hemi1966

08-27-2012, 10:15 AM

Once again Ari, you've excelled yourself. It looks stunning - When you taking orders :D

Technical question from a dumb *** ( me )

Shouldn't the super structure sit on a thrust bearing or can the bearing you fitted take the heavy load from above, ie side load??

It's not a dumb question Elliot, I was thinking that myself but I think they will hold. If necesary I can attach bronce ring under the upper structure that will rotate over the ring gear. Those thrust bearings tends to be too high and they

CAT315C

08-27-2012, 11:26 AM

Has bearings and ball dual layers also have roller bearings that may come to serve for the application.

Carlos

Hemi1966

08-27-2012, 11:29 AM

hmm... so what is the length from center pivot to the bucket teeth in this picture (or what its reach @ ground level)?

The 374 is progressing beautifully Ari... but have you been spending any time with the grader outside this summer? Need more eye candy of that machine in motion, plz! :confused: :p

The length from center pivot to the bucket teeth is 95 cm.

And what comes to the grader I have used it few times but didn't have my camera with me:(

Jared

08-27-2012, 11:52 PM

Wow this is great! I was real interested to see how you did the swing. I think the dual ball bearings will be fine. My milling machine has a similar arrangement for the spindle bearings to keep the spindle from moving up and down and it can spin 3250 rpm.

doodlebug

08-28-2012, 11:18 PM

Great job so far,
I don't think you will have any trouble, with your swing bearing setup!

Cheer's, Neil.

Hemi1966

09-02-2012, 09:49 AM

I couldn't make any more excuses not to start making the tracks:o so I started with the track links. I managed to make about 100 which is half of them. And there's still few a stages to do before they are ready. It's going to take some effort before tracks are finished:eek::eek:

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0532.jpg

ihbuilder

09-02-2012, 11:13 AM

fun , is it not :eek: ? I'm getting ready to run 400+ of those in aluminum:eek: then 160 in steel . I'm just trying to get the track pitch right for the 400+

Hemi1966

09-16-2012, 05:33 AM

Finally got all track links done. I had to make a fixture for machining the other side and also for reaming the track pin holes.
It's hard to believe that I used almost 2 meters of 100x6 mm plate for the 200 links. I use to thing that factory made tracks are expensive but as I proceed with these they begin to feel cheaper and cheaper...

I also started to make the track pads but didn't got very far before I broke my last 3mm radius cutter:mad:

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0553.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0546.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0549.jpg

Hemi1966

09-22-2012, 09:34 AM

Got some track pads done today:)
I decited to make them wider than I originally thought. The machine looks much better with little wider tracks, they are now 80mm wide.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0554_zps3cdb82c1.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0557_zps815d009e.jpg

RCP57

09-22-2012, 04:02 PM

Ari, could you make me 156 of those for my Volvo?

Thanks in advance, Reg

Oh, I will also need the links as well! HAHA! Just kidding...

They look awesome!

ihbuilder

09-22-2012, 04:23 PM

Ari, could you make me 156 of those for my Volvo?

Thanks in advance, Reg

Oh, I will also need the links as well! HAHA! Just kidding...

They look awesome!

watch out Ari :eek: ^ this is why mine arn't posted :p:p great work as always ;)

Bigrigger

09-22-2012, 04:55 PM

Nice progress, I can't wait to see this thing finished! :D

Azonic

09-22-2012, 05:29 PM

Very nice, this will be good!!

Hemi1966

09-23-2012, 01:31 AM

Guy's, if I ever get the tracks done and they even work I'll be very happy. But I think I wont even dream of tracks for very long time after they are finished, hopefully I don't get any nightmares of them:)

But seriously I wish there was an "easy" way to cast the pads and links together, but I have never done anything like that so not sure will that be any easier:(

ihbuilder

09-23-2012, 08:52 AM

Not sure if it will be easier , Ari . I have a place down the road from me that does precision casting . they make a mold for the lost wax . A $200,000.00 + machine would be easier ;) but not on the pocket :eek: Just a 4th axis in my VMC would do it . but then you'd have chatter with the stick out . There's just no easy or cheap way :(

RCP57

09-23-2012, 09:20 AM

"Chatter with the stick out" are you talking about a bunch of old women at Chip n Dales?

Anyway, I think the only easy way to build tracks is to order an excavator kit from someone and assemble it.lol You guys are doing a fantastic job machining all those individual parts. I only wish that I had CNC so that I could share your misery!

D8R

09-23-2012, 04:14 PM

Nice looking tracks, Ari.
Tracks are like tires, hardest part to get good looking. there´s a possibility to cast/make chains and pads together, I can´t remember a english name for it but then you need a $4000 mold. With this you can make very many but then you have to be a manufactor for all rest of parts needed. We have company here in sweden making this for toy manufactors like Märklin.
looking forward to the rest coming together.
Dan

Hemi1966

09-29-2012, 12:08 PM

Got short section of track test fitted:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0588.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0590.jpg

Stefan

09-29-2012, 02:18 PM

Looks very nice, Ari!
Stefan

justin

09-29-2012, 05:00 PM

Looks great

speedy8305

09-29-2012, 09:24 PM

That looks good keep up the good work

Hemi1966

09-30-2012, 10:21 AM

Still missing one-third of the first track :eek::eek:

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0604.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0592.jpg

Lil Giants

09-30-2012, 02:49 PM

All this aluminum in the drivetrain.. not concerned at all with excessive friction of the parts sticking to each other?

.. oh what am I saying :confused: you'll never use it anyway once it's finished. :p

gonna be winter soon, how about some more grader vids before freeze up?! :)

dabears

09-30-2012, 04:10 PM

Looking good! Tracks look real nice!

aussie mack

09-30-2012, 10:58 PM

very very nice ..... thats gonna take a while to mke those track links lol :D

Pedrocrisostomo

10-02-2012, 08:27 AM

patience will make for a better result. great job!

Hemi1966

10-06-2012, 11:01 AM

Got the first track done:):)
Now I should make the other:mad::mad:

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0636-1.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0644.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/th_Track.jpg (http://s327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/?action=view&current=Track.mp4)

RCP57

10-06-2012, 11:13 AM

That looks so awesome!

ihbuilder

10-06-2012, 11:26 AM

great job , Ari :cool:

rc_farmer

10-06-2012, 11:50 AM

If i live close by U, U would have to make me go home at night, casue i would pick ur brain to no-end......

Keep up the good work my friend!

Straywolf

10-06-2012, 12:47 PM

Man this is one Great build!!!! I can't wait to see the finished excavator and video of it running.

Oh by the way when do you start mass producing this wonderful build? :D

Mike

speedy8305

10-06-2012, 02:01 PM

that is F-in awesome cant wait for the next update

sandfarmer

10-06-2012, 05:29 PM

Thanks for the update, coming along nicely!

Hemi1966

10-21-2012, 08:58 AM

Finally got the tracks done:eek::eek:
They look little too wide to my eye so I probably will cut about 10mm off of them.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0661.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0669.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0664.jpg

RCP57

10-21-2012, 09:30 AM

How wide did you say they were? Maybe you should just give these ones to me and make yourself a new narrower set...Oh, I may need you to make just a few extras though to fit my Volvo....:p

They look great to me... Maybe your machine is set up to run on softer ground that's all...:cool:

Reg

Goose19

10-21-2012, 10:27 AM

Amazing build!

you are going to need a serious trailer made up to haul this thing around!

speedy8305

10-21-2012, 01:22 PM

I love this Build Very Detailed great work cant wait to see the finished product

SmallHaul

10-21-2012, 01:23 PM

Amazing work, top notch!

JensR

10-22-2012, 05:38 PM

Ari, you are a crazy crazy man! :D

plow jockey

10-22-2012, 06:46 PM

An outstanding build,top notch.The details are amazing.A true craftsman!!

rockNmayhem

10-22-2012, 08:09 PM

The whole chassis and tracks coming together looks absolutely amazing. Keep up the great work and I'm anxiously awaiting the next update.

Tyler

Trixx

10-23-2012, 03:48 PM

tmac

10-23-2012, 06:17 PM

Looks great !

Hemi1966

10-24-2012, 12:46 PM

Really a nice build, What CAM program and what controler program(as mach3) do you use?
I have to get more time on my cnc and cam/cad, it´s wery inspiring to watch your builds.

How many small bolts are going to be needed in total? 2000+

I'm using CAD/CAM program called Pcdreh http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?client=tmpg&depth=1&hl=en&langpair=pl|en&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&u=http://www.marcosta.pl/oferta/oprogramowanie/pcdreh&usg=ALkJrhhGRQgFLUN2szyK9ynVGrk827i-aw

tc1cat

10-24-2012, 01:12 PM

While your tracks might not be prototypical, they look great on the suspension. Larger footprint will help when you get it in the dirt:D Your work is just amazing:eek:

Dieselholic

10-24-2012, 01:18 PM

I think the width looks good on there

doodlebug

10-24-2012, 01:36 PM

Leave the track pads alone! Unless you want the narrow quarry look.
Great start!

Cheer's, Neil.

Madda

10-24-2012, 01:44 PM

You can't change Ari's mind, he's a perfectionist!

Great job on the tracks, I have made some tracks too in my life and I know how long these little a**holes take time.

Oh and spend less time in forum and more in garage, everybody want to see new updates :p

Hemi1966

10-27-2012, 07:03 AM

I was able to do some test runs with the undercarriage:)

http://youtu.be/bjVBu86-agE

Snochaser

10-27-2012, 07:27 AM

Absolutely awesome. Great job. Can't wait to get mine. :)

rockNmayhem

10-27-2012, 10:52 AM

Wow that looks amazing. The tracks seem very smooth and track great. I can't wait to see the rest of the machine come together.

Tyler

ihbuilder

10-28-2012, 09:54 AM

great job , Ari ;) If your around 64.25 mm you should be good for the wide shoes .

Hemi1966

10-28-2012, 11:00 AM

I did some work with the stick today:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0684.jpg

speedy8305

10-28-2012, 01:41 PM

I must say that is looking awesome cant wait to see the finished product will be something to see

Jw.

10-28-2012, 05:11 PM

Awesome work on the stick and your undercarriage! Speaking of track pads. How long are your track pads?

great job , Ari ;) If your around 64.25 mm you should be good for the wide shoes .
64.25mm sounds good. That's after the 900mm(35inch) track pads scaled down? That's what I'm doing and added just a little more. The track pads I made are 66.00mm wide and 19.70mm long. After the 900mm pads for my 390.

Do you know the actual size of a 900mm width track pad for a 374? Length wise? Is it the same between 374 and 390?

Thanks
Jeff

plow jockey

10-28-2012, 06:33 PM

Outstanding job!!

Hemi1966

10-29-2012, 12:27 PM

Awesome work on the stick and your undercarriage! Speaking of track pads. How long are your track pads?

64.25mm sounds good. That's after the 900mm(35inch) track pads scaled down? That's what I'm doing and added just a little more. The track pads I made are 66.00mm wide and 19.70mm long. After the 900mm pads for my 390.

Do you know the actual size of a 900mm width track pad for a 374? Length wise? Is it the same between 374 and 390?

Thanks
Jeff

I made mine wider, they are actually 80mm wide:eek:. I don't like the look of an large excavator that has narrow tracks:)
But seriously, I might cut them shorter later.
I've seen pictures of 374 that has maybe over 1 meter wide pads

I don't know the exact lenght of the pad, but mine are 20mm long.

9W Monighan

10-29-2012, 01:06 PM

Everything is looking like it's coming together nicely. As far as the track width; It would depend on what the machine is going to be working on. Narrow tracks shorter frames for hard rock where no flotation is needed.

ihbuilder

10-29-2012, 01:13 PM

I Know the 385 ( which I'm building (2)) are 900mm (36")and 750mm (30") I'm making my shoes @ 64.25mm x about 19-20 mm .75" . I read somewhere that the 390 is just a renumbered 385 with a few added HP , etc

Hemi1966

11-10-2012, 08:31 AM

I started to make the cylinders:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0695.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0701.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0706.jpg

Azonic

11-10-2012, 08:56 AM

That looks very nice!

I would go for a little narrower track pads, other then that its a piece of art!

Hemi1966

11-10-2012, 09:25 AM

That looks very nice!

I would go for a little narrower track pads, other then that its a piece of art!

I've come to that conclusion too, I will make them slightly narrower:)

Azonic

11-10-2012, 11:32 AM

I've come to that conclusion too, I will make them slightly narrower:)

Yea, to bad you have to go thru all those pads again! :) Will be worth it though i think!

speedy8305

11-10-2012, 11:48 AM

This machine is freakin awesome very very good skill you have I work on These machines and watching this build is great

kerst

11-10-2012, 03:15 PM

Looks beautiful!

Kerst

Lil Giants

11-10-2012, 09:16 PM

Beautiful job of the cyls Ari. Is that stainless steel for the pushrod?

Hemi1966

11-11-2012, 04:10 AM

Beautiful job of the cyls Ari. Is that stainless steel for the pushrod?

Yep, it's 1.4305 grade stainless.

Hemi1966

11-17-2012, 05:30 AM

Got the rest of the cylinders done:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0716.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0719.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0729.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0730.jpg

D8R

11-18-2012, 06:16 AM

Ari, nice looking cylinders. Du you solder the ends or are they glued to the tubing?
What pressure will you use in the system?
Dan

Hemi1966

11-18-2012, 09:21 AM

Ari, nice looking cylinders. Du you solder the ends or are they glued to the tubing?
What pressure will you use in the system?
Dan
The pressure will probably be 20 bar or more, depending when my cylinders start to leak:o
Cylinders will be silver brazed, here's one that's been brazed:

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0737.jpg

mog

11-18-2012, 09:27 AM

Lil Giants

11-18-2012, 06:06 PM

So what's the bore of the cyls and what size (ID) plumbing do you intend to use?

Hemi1966

11-19-2012, 11:04 AM

wow you just keep out doing your self. what will hold the stick cylinder on a snap ring on the out side? are the bolts for the hose adapters end real or just on there and brazed on? thanks for showing us your work.

The stick cylinder and all the others will be attach with flanged pins that are bolted to stick.
Those M1.2 bolts are just for decoration, those hose adapters are brazed.

Hemi1966

11-19-2012, 11:07 AM

So what's the bore of the cyls and what size (ID) plumbing do you intend to use?

Cylinder bore is 18 mm and hose ID is 3 mm.

Hemi1966

11-24-2012, 09:37 AM

Made some plumbing today:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0766.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0761.jpg

Madda

11-24-2012, 09:41 AM

Very neat!

What do you use for brazing?

Hemi1966

11-24-2012, 09:48 AM

Very neat!

What do you use for brazing?

Mostly silver.

rockNmayhem

11-24-2012, 12:40 PM

That brass and soldering work is phenominal!!! I sure wish I could solder that clean in that small of a fitting with brass. Can't wait to see this machine operating.

Keep it up.

Tyler

tracksntreadslou

11-24-2012, 01:40 PM

Ari every time I look at this thread my Jaw drops ..You are really setting the Bar really high now ..Hats off so far a perfect peice of art

Hemi1966

12-07-2012, 11:51 PM

Got the boom boxed, and cylinders finished. Now I should get my hydraulic pump up and running to see if there's any leaks on the cylinder tubing.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0782.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0786.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0785.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0784.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0791.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0792.jpg

Azonic

12-08-2012, 01:25 AM

Stunning!! Cant say more then that it looks fantastic, great job on the cylinders, hope they are leak free! :)

RCP57

12-08-2012, 05:09 AM

Beautiful job Ari! I'm sure that with your skills there will be no leaks:).

Hemi1966

12-09-2012, 01:45 AM

I machined the tracks narrower, they are now 72 mm wide which is around 1 meter wide in full scale.
For my eyes they look more realistic now.
Here's a picture of the left track still wide.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0801.jpg

Azonic

12-09-2012, 01:56 AM

Spot on! That looks so much better!

Hemi1966

12-09-2012, 03:13 AM

Here's both tracks done :)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0812.jpg

aussie mack

12-09-2012, 03:21 AM

looks great hemi loving the detail ur putting into it

D8R

12-12-2012, 10:00 AM

Ari, looks better with the narrower tracks, the bigger machine, the narrower tracks it looks like.
This pic from a Swedish forum
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/gulalastbilen/374D-4.jpg

What size is the L-connector on right side, M5?

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0791.jpg

Like your small connections (brazed) to cylinders, wish I had thought a little more about how to make those earlier. What´s the size of cylinders (good to know if I will build another hydaulic model, easier to find brass tubings).
Dan

super2222

12-12-2012, 04:29 PM

nice work
i would like to have more information on how did you do the track pad
Steve

dabears

12-12-2012, 05:38 PM

Man thats looking killer!!! One of the best ive seen!! Keep up the awesome work!

Hemi1966

12-14-2012, 07:18 AM

What size is the L-connector on right side, M5?

Yes, those are M5

What´s the size of cylinders (good to know if I will build another hydaulic model, easier to find brass tubings).
Dan

ID is 18 mm.

Finster

12-14-2012, 06:54 PM

That's a really super job you've done on this model. It's almost a shame to put it in the dirt...

D8R

12-16-2012, 02:49 AM

Did read thru whole tread again, had missed that some pic was a video. Realy liked those showing how your mill is working. Trying to learn as much as possible about this before deciding what to buy.
The bucket is impressive with all those extra parts. Looks from pic that you use aluminum EN755, is that the best for milling? Have found a local supplier where I live, hope that it´s possible to buy shorter pieces than 6m. Will do the shoes for keeping track right in alu.
Looking forward to more milling videos!
Dan

Hemi1966

12-22-2012, 01:23 AM

I attached the swing motor and the worm gear assembly:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0817.jpg

Hemi1966

12-23-2012, 06:41 AM

I made some upper structure parts:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0825.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0819.jpg

9W Monighan

12-23-2012, 06:59 AM

Nice work as usual Ari ! I haven't bee paying attention lately on your build. I refreshed my memory and looked back and see you did narrow the track pads. By the way; The plumbing on your cylinders is outstanding.

Espeefan

12-23-2012, 10:53 PM

Wow. It's been a while since I checked out this thread! Amazing progress and workmanship. It's a beautiful model already, even in a half completed state. Incredible. Some people just have greater brain power then others, I am sure. You are very talented!

ihbuilder

12-24-2012, 06:23 AM

Great job so far Ari . ? , Did you use a spring type tube bender or something else ? I'm looking around for something .

Hemi1966

12-24-2012, 06:50 AM

I use this Robbe made tube bender: http://www.hobbydirekt.de/product_info.php?language=en&products_id=159332

ihbuilder

12-24-2012, 07:07 AM

that's a nice 1 :)

RCLogger

12-24-2012, 03:43 PM

WOW Ari
When I look at your builds it is hard to believe, you do great work... Keep the photo's and information coming.

WELL DONE ! !

greg

Hemi1966

12-25-2012, 12:23 AM

Been working on the counter weight, so many different corners...:mad::mad:

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0841.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0839.jpg

Hemi1966

12-26-2012, 12:31 AM

Here's how I made the side steps:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0860.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0862.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0864.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0868.jpg

D8R

12-26-2012, 12:48 AM

Nice steps. When cutting the bending lines, how deep do you go? 1/2 thickness?
Dan

Hemi1966

12-26-2012, 02:59 AM

Nice steps. When cutting the bending lines, how deep do you go? 1/2 thickness?
Dan

Yes, about half way.

Hemi1966

12-29-2012, 12:13 AM

I've been working on the upper body frame structure and now it's at the stage that I should start making the body panels:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0869.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0874.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0891.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0882.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0894.jpg

Azonic

12-29-2012, 02:14 AM

The alu-master himself! :) Looks amazing Ari!

Espeefan

12-29-2012, 08:26 AM

Hemi1966

12-30-2012, 04:26 AM

It's just amazing what you can build! Are you basing some of your dimensions off the smaller diecast mode, sitting next to the big model? I like how you make your steps. Maybe that is something I can try sometime. What kind of endmill do you use to cut the relief for the bends? Is it just a small square edged endmill?

I use that Norscot diecast model to take some measurements, they are actually pretty accurate.
For the relief grooves I use this tool:
http://www.cut-tools.de/cnc8fold-tool-p-3805.html

I got some body panels done today:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0901.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k471/Hemi1966/CAT%20374D%20L/IMG_0915.jpg