CAT 963 Full Hydraulic Build

[rockNmayhem]

Well many of you guys may remember the Cat tracked loader that Brian had built. I recently acquired it and have started to do some fiddling with it. When I received it the genius people at the post office couldn't read every single side of the box that said which way was up and the model was left upside down to let all the hydraulic fluid leak out. Brian did and excellent job of packing it but there was still a good amount of leakage. Anyways I started to tear into it like a kid at christmas and found all the inner workings were in tact and about ready to go. First things first I cleaned it up and got all the fluid off of the electronics and dried everything out for the night and then broke into it again the next day.

Well in the process a couple of lines were pulled off so I got them back on and fired up the motor with my new esc installed and decided to see what this loader could do. Well to my surprise the bucket worked flawlessly dumping but was a little slow going up so I bled it both directions and it helped it out. Next was onto the arm rams. Now here is where I started to hit a problem.

I began lifting the arm and it got almost all the way up then stalled. I figured I had some air in them as well so I cracked the return lines at the time and got the arms all the way up. I rehooked up the lines and started to send the arm down when all of a sudden I realized it had stopped and all the fluid was pouring out the front seal of the right arm. :eek: I couldn't believe it. I didn't have that much pressure behind it and it started leaking. So I tinkered with the pressure and no matter how low I set it through my esc I still had a leak. :(

Well anyways after spending a few days thinking about it I decided instead of contacting the original mfg of the hydraulic cylinders I would just take time and build my own. So now that we are caught up to today I finally got some time to start on my own setup. Anyways here are a few pics of todays progress on one of the arm cylinders. Now I'm not sure how many seals other models have in their cylinders but I decided to go with four simply to have insurance that I would have no leaks.

I started out by simply making the new cylinder cap and creating o-ring grooves by building multiple layers with offsetting sizes to press fit in and seal up tight on the shaft.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1266.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1269.jpg

I then took a small c-clamp and mounted it into a small vise and used it as a small arbor press. I am pressing all five pieces together to build the cap in this picture.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1270.jpg

Once all the pieces were pressed together I installed the two o-rings in the end cap. There is an inner oil seal and an outer dust seal just inside the front face to keep debris out of the cylinder itself and to help protect the shaft a bit better.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1271.jpg

I then turned out a shaft for the cylinder and over sized it by just a few thousandths so I was guaranteed a good seal.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1268.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1272.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1273.jpg

Once I polished up the ram itself and threaded both ends I started making the inner sealing rings and mounted the assembly up to the ram.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1275.jpg

My final part for today was cutting the body of the cylinder and honing and polishing the inside so I get a good seal all the way and make sure that the ram slides smoothly while still sealing both directions. I added a little oil to both sides of the ram and pulled it both directions to find out that my seals were holding up and I had no leaks.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1276.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1277.jpg

Now all I have left to do is build the back cap and assemble the cylinder and hook lines to it. I hope to be able to run these rams up to the 165psi I was getting out of the pump without having anything blow out.:confused:

Hope you guys like the progress so far and I hope to have some more updates soon. I really plan on having this done and running good by St. Louis so if all goes well I believe that it may be possible to have it working by next weekend.:D

Thanks for looking.

Tyler

[dabears]

Looks good! Wish I had the tools and equipment to make stuff like that!

[rockNmayhem]

Got a little time to work on the loader lastnight so here are some new pics. I cut the back out to make room for a cooling fan to keep the pump and electronics cool inside the closed model. I also got the front trimmed out some more to stuff as much in the small space as I can. This little guy will be loaded when it's all done.

Heres some of my latest pics.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/100_2799.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/100_2800.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/100_2801.jpg

And here are a couple of the hydraulics that are gonna be powering this little machine.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/100_2802.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/100_2803.jpg

Hope you guys like the progress.

Tyler

[Brian in PA]

looks great Tyler!! Your making me wish I wouldn't have sold it!;);) nice job on the cylinder mods.

[rockNmayhem]

Hey Brian, I thank you for selling it and I'll keep it in good hands. Maybe if I ever get up to Indy or you make it to St. Louis you will get to operate it. I'm really hoping right now that I can get the new seals in that I need and get these cylinders done by next week and get it fully operational before St. Louis.

Tyler

[doodlebug]

Hey Tyler, any info on the hydraulic pump? Keep up the great work!

Cheer's, Neil.

[rockNmayhem]

Hey Tyler, any info on the hydraulic pump? Keep up the great work!

Cheer's, Neil.

Hey Neil, the pump is made my a guy in spain. I haven't run it yet to get the cylinders to work but hopefully when my new ones are done I will be able to get some pressure readings off of it and let you know what kind of power output it has.

Now that I've got my radio setup to where the pump only runs when I actuate the servo's for the valves I'm not too worried about prolonged wear on the motor or excessive heat.

I can currently run the loader around on the floor with just the track drives and when I want to operate the pump I flip a switch and start toggling the right stick for the hydraulics and the pump runs.

I'm hoping to see about 140-160psi out of the pump at full power but that will be dictated a little later once everything is built.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

One thing I would like some input on is what should I use for hydraulic fluid?

I know the manufacturer of the pump and hydraulics recommends using antifreeze with this system but that is what was run in it before and it really made everything sticky and gummed up so I will not be going back with it for those two reasons alone.

I'm thinking I will probably just buy a quart of iso 32 hydraulic fluid due to the sheer fact that it is considered a 10wt oil and is should flow nicely and lubricate everything very well.

I was wondering what most of the hydraulic guys use around here and if I'm on the right track.

I also know I have some Lucas brand synthetic fork oil that is used for motorcycles at work and thought maybe that would be the way to go but I have no idea of it's properties or how it breaks down under high pressure and being forced through the hydraulic system and small valve ports.

Any advice or help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Tyler

[carp]

i use this http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_22 0545_langId_-1_categoryId_255207#tab1

works well enough
[edit] its iso32

[doodlebug]

10wt should be just fine, that's what my full size Cat equipment run's.
Cheer's, Neil.

[Supermario]

Working on micro hydraulics looks so cool! I've worked on massive shovels and loaders which have huge cylinders, I wish at home , I could build and work on what you have :). ..... I guess I can leave my 2 1/4 wrench at work for this stuff eh?

I have no kids, no college fund to worry bout. My plan was retire at 55 .......:eek: now I got the RC truck bug and because of my career, it's only a matter of time before I have a shovel, dozer or loader of my own :D
My new plan is retire ?........someday....:). Lol

Mario

[doodlebug]

Working on micro hydraulics looks so cool! I've worked on massive shovels and loaders which have huge cylinders, I wish at home , I could build and work on what you have :). ..... I guess I can leave my 2 1/4 wrench at work for this stuff eh?

I have no kids, no college fund to worry bout. My plan was retire at 55 .......:eek: now I got the RC truck bug and because of my career, it's only a matter of time before I have a shovel, dozer or loader of my own :D
My new plan is retire ?........someday....:). Lol

Mario

Re-Tire-Ment, I go to the tire store, I buy New, I buy Used, I get flat's fixed, I buy recap's!:p Retirement:eek::eek::eek: It's a proven system:D:D:D
Cheer's, Neil.

[rockNmayhem]

It's time for an daily update with some progress. I got my new seals in today and decided I would spend some time assembling one of the cylinders and getting it built. I got everything buttoned up on it and stuck it in the loader just to see what I had and here are some pics of the results. Now only one more identical to this one and then on to the bucket ram then hopefully they all hold good pressure and operate smoothly and handle the pressure better than the original ones that came with this unit.

Anyways here are a few teaser pics from tonights progress.

Fully collapsed:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1289.jpg

Fully extended:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1290.jpg

And here are a few close ups of the attachment points.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1291.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1292.jpg

I hope I can get the other one built sometime this weekend and have the model back together next week.

Lemme know what you guys think.

Tyler

[Brian in PA]

:eek::eek: Looks great Tyler! Maybe you should start building cylinder kits?

[dabears]

They look great!

[RCP57]

They look great! If it works well you've come up with an easy way to make cylinders without a lot of tooling! What did you use for tubing and are the end caps soldered on?

Thanks, Reg

[Snochaser]

Nice Job as usual Tyler. Making it look easy.

[rockNmayhem]

:eek::eek: Looks great Tyler! Maybe you should start building cylinder kits?

Brian if these cylinders hold up and work out I may just be able to replicate some of them for others if there was enought intrest.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

They look great!

Nice Job as usual Tyler. Making it look easy.

Thanks for the compliments guys. It keeps me goin even when these things take forever to build.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

They look great! If it works well you've come up with an easy way to make cylinders without a lot of tooling! What did you use for tubing and are the end caps soldered on?

Thanks, Reg

Everything on these cylinders are out of aluminum and the final product is pressed together for a tight seal. I have nothing soldered on but we will see how they hold up against the pressure that the pump is puttin out.

Thanks for the compliment.

Tyler

[pumptech]

Looking good Tyler ,awesome job on the cylinders ,hope it works out for you.:)

[Lil Giants]

Everything on these cylinders are out of aluminum and the final product is pressed together for a tight seal. I have nothing soldered on but we will see how they hold up against the pressure that the pump is puttin out.

Tyler

It's gonna be a heck of mess, not if, but when it blows apart! :eek: :D

Red lock tite might hold it all together for a while.

The Leimbach cyl ends are screwed on & glued.

You might want to try the cyls in a tuppaware container to contain the fluid explosion! ;)

[ihbuilder]

Joe is right Ty . Trust me ;) I tried it :o I was lucky to do an air test of about 60 PSI 1st . otherwise they look good .

[rockNmayhem]

It's gonna be a heck of mess, not if, but when it blows apart! :eek: :D

Red lock tite might hold it all together for a while.

The Leimbach cyl ends are screwed on & glued.

You might want to try the cyls in a tuppaware container to contain the fluid explosion! ;)

Joe is right Ty . Trust me ;) I tried it :o I was lucky to do an air test of about 60 PSI 1st . otherwise they look good .

Ok, coming from you two I know I have a problem already. I am going to design cylinder number three now and make some ends that will thread on so I don't have to worry. I'd rather do it right the first time then clean up a mess. I'll get to cracking on some new cylinders later and make them threaded. I hooked up air to the cylinder and I was able to push it to 100lbs of pressure but my pump on a full battery is pushing 165psi. :eek:

I'll try to get some more ideas but thanks for the heads up. :)

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well just a little update for the evening. I haven't gotten any more done on the loader the last couple nights with the hydraulics but I have gotten some new wiring done and made some other parts for it. I'm currently waiting on some material to come in to make the new cylinders and hopefully get started on them later this week.

I decided to follow what Steve and Joe said about creating threaded on caps and have everything sealed up tight and no way of blowing out a pressed on cap. I will be building the new ones out of brass as well since I can get a smoother finish, it's a softer yet more convenient material and should also hold up to the fluid great.

I did do some testing on the pump yesterday as well and found out that while using some universal hydraulic fluid it was quickly apparent that it was way too thick. I did do some research and found out that it is approximately a 30wt oil so I know that is now out of the question.

I did however pick up a small container of Lucas brand fully synthetic fork oil made for motorcycles at work today for a couple of bucks that says specifically on it that it is a 10wt and is great for high pressure applications up to 280psi and has a great viscosity rating making it essential in small orifice applications; which as small as my hoses and valves are should make this a great oil to use.

Now the only thing I have left to do before I can get started on the new hydraulics is mount the pump/motor assembly to the new plate and also flush the hydraulic tank and pump then fill it all back up and test it with the lighter weight oil.

Thats all I have for tonight but I will be starting on the rest of the auxiliary wiring within the next couple of days and installing some new switches and led's so this machine can work at night and see what's going on around it.

Thanks guys,

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well I have a little bit of progress from the afternoon today. I got around to getting my hydraulic filter housing made and installed the filter and screen. I hope to get the cylinders done this evening if possible and possibly get the loader working this week.

Anyways here are a few pics of the new filter housing.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1435.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1436.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_1437.jpg

Hope to have some more updated for you all soon.

Tyler

[Jigglepin]

looking good!

Is that a bruder? will the plastic hold up from the strain that the hydraulics will put on it?

Admire the work needed to build your own hydraulics :)

[rockNmayhem]

Well after finally finding this project a ways back on page two I decided it's time for a resurrection and to bring this project back to life.

I have been tinkering off and on with this loader for a while and I think I'm getting close enough to have it running and operating before long. Maybe next week it'll be moving again and have working hydraulics. :confused:

Anyways here are some quick pics from the progress of the machine so far. I've built a new hydraulic tank for it and also trying to figure out where to locate everything. I will be making a plate to mount the battery and speed control on for the pump this weekend when I get time and after the new esc's I need for this and the tractor come in.

Everything is still in the mock up stages in these pics but it'll give everyone an idea of what goes inside one of these little machines.

Enough jibberish and here are some new pics.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130207_192526_909_zpsabe0bb2b.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130207_195647_294_zpsc7de2d23.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130207_195703_209_zpsef001f45.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130207_195731_161_zps4ac2f6ea.jpg

That's about all I have for tonight on updates but like I said I should have movement by the end of the weekend and hopefully operation of the loader by next week sometime.

Tyler

[catmack]

Tyler,

What scale is the loader and what motors are you using?...lookin good! Colin

[dabears]

Looking good! When you finish yours you can help me finish mine...... I just gotta re figure the bucket arm mount..... mine is screw drive not hyd....

[Dairyland Trucker]

I almost forgot about the loader Aaron you need to get that up and running too.

[rockNmayhem]

Tyler,

What scale is the loader and what motors are you using?...lookin good! Colin

Colin the loader is said to be 1:16 scale, some parts are a little off but it fits good with the Tamiya scale trucks and trailers.

The drive motors are Beetle motors from robotmarketplace.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Looking good! When you finish yours you can help me finish mine...... I just gotta re figure the bucket arm mount..... mine is screw drive not hyd....

I almost forgot about the loader Aaron you need to get that up and running too.

You two have way too many projects going on anymore. Trucks, tractors, loaders, what next a working circus? I can see Aaron being the ring master in this situation. Anyways Aaron lemme know what you need help with and I'll do my best. I got my speed controls in today so I should have pressure and movement tomorrow in the tractor and have this pump running again.:D

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Time for a new update since we had a company wide snow day today that gave me plenty of time to work on the loader. I spent most all day inside out of the 14 inches of snow we got and slaved away making new parts and pieces for the loader. I've almost got this loader up and running for good this time. Fitting all the new goodies in it has been fun and quite a challenge considering the minimal space I've got and what I'm trying to stick in it such as the hydraulic system, two gear motors for the track drives, a hydraulic pump fan, two batteries, and hopefully if I can get ones sometime a servonaut SMX to make this machine come alive.

Anyways I got to whittling away at some fresh metal today and thought I should post up some pics of the new pieces I made.

I started out making new motor mounts for the drive motors so I can easily switch them out if need be. I didn't want to go too light on the mounts so they got about 4 hours of attention. Here are a few pics of what I did.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130221_134527_243_zps0192d776.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130221_143024_212_zps3217f561.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130221_145639_010_zps4e40b865.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130221_151808_533_zps8a78c13b.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130221_162701_052_zps2341c1cf.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130221_162733_465_zps08a5f1c3.jpg

I wanted something removable and strong so these are what I was able to come up with.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

My next task up for the day was getting everything fitted inside the model and having a little room to spare. Very little room to spare I might add.

I made a new motor mount for the hydraulic pump as well today so that it will be solid mounted and still be able to have plenty of air flow over it from the fan blowing on it. I also added a battery plate inside as well to elevate them just enough to let air circulate around everything inside the model so I don't get too hot while operating. I made a plugin for the dual batteries as well out of a couple of deans plugs so that I can easily lift the rear and access the batteries and plugs. These also help keep things in place and wires out of the way.

Under the black plate is the hydraulic tank and the esc for the hydraulic pump in the back. I will also have a new sabertooth underneath to run the two drive motors so everything should be a close fit when finished.

All I have left to mount is the receiver and valve block in the front once my new Hitec servos get in.

Enough talking and here are some more pics of todays progress coming together.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130221_224122_531_zpsbb4c3c56.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130221_224038_019_zpsabb7520c.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130221_214106_764_zps683c3b4b.jpg

Well hope you guys enjoy the new pics and I hope to get some more parts in this weekend and have a video for everyone next week possibly.

Thanks for looking,
Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Oh I almost forgot the shots of all the hydraulics on the front. Here are a couple of mock up shots of what I'm aiming for.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_150726_378_zps66a9b379.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_150658_061_zpsc6b32e56.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_150457_423_zpsa4a565a5.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_150752_691_zps4823002e.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_012643_110_zpsa6deee3c.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_012632_820_zps40d69eea.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_012527_960_zpscb6f9ab5.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_012450_223_zpscf39290b.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_012412_336_zpsf0f47b7b.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130209_012423_906_zps5454800f.jpg

Ok, that's all the pictures I have for now for new updates but I will have more to follow in the next few days along with a video or two as well.

Thanks for looking,
Tyler

[RCP57]

Looks awesome! Nice job cramming all that stuff in there too.

[dabears]

Looking Great!!!! You should have it up and running in no time!

[doodlebug]

I like your final drive setup "rear sprocket"
Cheer's, Neil.

[rockNmayhem]

Time for some more updates. I finally have the track drives mounted up with the new hubs and everything is starting to really come together. I have the electronics plate almost finished and mounted (just waiting for the Sabertooth to come in) into the chassis and I should be able to get things up and running this week. I have to finish wiring up my switches for the Sabertooth and the pump esc then tie the fan in and all my wiring should be about done.

I got a wild hair up my rear end tonight and decided that there were simply not enough wires in the mess so I needed to add more. :p Anyways I decided to add some lights to the front of this loader so I can do some work at night and not have to worry about not seeing what I'm going to hit.

Anyways I was able to stuff the interior back into the model with no visible signs of modification other than the new lights out front. Hope you guys like the new pics and updates.

Here are the new hubs installed in the chassis.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130222_202919_151_zps4de30e0a.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130222_202907_081_zpsb3d8ebb3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130225_230800_120_zps865a8837.jpg

Also a shot of the hydraulic tank I have with the fitting and breather on the top

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130225_230823_694_zps7baa7124.jpg

Now some shots people have wondered about for the electronics plate.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130225_231613_756_zps84f6ebc3.jpg

Underneath side.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130225_231627_880_zpsa942f7f4.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130225_230649_203_zpsff9a61c7.jpg

And now for some shots of the new cab lights.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130225_231412_013_zps6dedca63.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130225_222459_643_zps92c75067.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130225_230550_630_zps7c3e0977.jpg

What good are lights without a night shot?

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130225_214854_494_zpsc6722ff4.jpg

Note that the carpet line you see in front of the loader cab is just shy of 3 feet in front of it. That should give some distance to how far the light goes from the model.

Thats all I have for tonight for updates but I will keep more coming as the build progresses. If I get the Sabertooth in this week I should have it back together and running by the weekend hopefully. Just a few more little tweaks and tunes here and there and it should be good.

Thanks for looking and lemme know what you guys think.:rolleyes:

Tyler

[steamer]

Tyler, fantastic job on the track loader. Might just get have to one myself. Just a quick question if you don't mind. The motor mounting rings, are they a push fit on the motor or are they installed with loctite.
Thanks Rob

[Espeefan]

Wow, Tyler, this has to be the nicest Bruder RC conversion I've ever seen. Great metal work, and beautiful machining. Quite the fit, to get all of the components inside the chassis, but you really pulled it off. I'd like to see some video, when it's all done.

[dabears]

Looking great!!! The lights are a much needed addidtion! Great work on it!

[Stuart]

Terrific work! really neat fit inside that small space, are you sure you have enough bolts holding the motors in though?!

Are you going to use oil in the hydraulic system or anti-freeze?

Looking forward to seeing it in action.
Stu

[rockNmayhem]

Tyler, fantastic job on the track loader. Might just get have to one myself. Just a quick question if you don't mind. The motor mounting rings, are they a push fit on the motor or are they installed with loctite.
Thanks Rob

Thanks Rob, the conversions are really quite simple but I like to make things a little more difficult if I can so I make all kinds of extra parts out of habit. :p

Anyways the motor mounts are attached to the motors with a tight center bore along with four set screws to adjust the motor and hold it firmly in place. I have no locktite on them currently but once I have everything good to go I may add a little blue locktite to the set screws so they don't have a chance to back out.

Wow, Tyler, this has to be the nicest Bruder RC conversion I've ever seen. Great metal work, and beautiful machining. Quite the fit, to get all of the components inside the chassis, but you really pulled it off. I'd like to see some video, when it's all done.

Nathan thanks for the compliments. I have a lot of extra time into this build than I originally thought I would but hopefully in the end it will pay off and be able to do about anything I want it to do besides break hard ground easily. I can't wait to put the hydraulic pump to the test and run several buckets though it to see how it handles. I've already got a snow plow and blower attachment in the design stages as these last few days with these snow storms has had me thinking it'd be quite fun.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Looking great!!! The lights are a much needed addidtion! Great work on it!

Thanks Aaron, looks a little different on here than a phone pic huh? I'll have to get some more shots with the whole cab back on and the correct voltage to the lights. They are a little brighter and more of a pure white than the pics show.

Terrific work! really neat fit inside that small space, are you sure you have enough bolts holding the motors in though?!

Are you going to use oil in the hydraulic system or anti-freeze?

Looking forward to seeing it in action.
Stu

Stu, thank you for the compliments as well. The tight fit in this model makes for some innovative thinking but everything seems to be fitting quite nicely inside the model and I should have some extra room to spare for a sound unit later on.

As for hydraulic fluid I have been doing a lot of testing with different oils and weights and I had pretty good luck with a fully synthetic 10wt oil but over a prolonged running period it broke down too much and caused the motor to work too hard for what I wanted so I am back to running an RV antifreeze in the system. Now I know some people don't like it because of its alcohol content in it but so far I have seen no ill side effects from it and until I do I'm gonna keep running it. My pump seems to love it and stays cold even during continuous run of about 7 minutes before I shut it down cuz the motor temp was starting to rise from continuous running.

If anyone has any more questions just fire away I'm willing to help out any way I can for others looking to do a conversion.:D

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Another update tonight as I spent some time finishing up some wiring for the lights and got the two power switches installed and working. Here's a new pic of the old Sabertooth being installed on the bottom of the plate and some of the wiring. The only thing missing in this pic was the bec that is set for running the lights on the loader.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130226_211704_827_zps6a57ddf5.jpg

I also got the wires run through the cab and everything put back in tonight so no wires are visible unless looking from the ground up through the doors but I hope nobody is that low to see them. I was going to block off the back of the lights so they were sealed up but I decided to leave them alone as I like the look of an interior light in the cab for night use. Now I really need an operator in there so it doesn't look so empty.

Anyway here are a few different angles trying to show the light output of the loader in a dark room.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130226_225749_295_zps9d3d1ea6.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130226_225858_328_zps702bfdd1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130226_225831_226_zpsf8262de3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130226_230812_767_zpsbca48c8f.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130226_230608_739_zps06b1ab6a.jpg

Thats all the pics I have of the lights tonight but I hope to have some more soon with the new goodies installed inside and running.

Now to start on the front rollers and get the tracks back on the model.

Thanks for looking everyone and thanks for all the great compliments. ;)

Tyler

[Kaf343]

Looking good Tyler, nice work so far. Looking forward to more. The interior light is a nice add, I like it.

[Azorean]

AMAZING...

[WhiteWolf McBride]

Rock:

Great lighting, but two points:

When the bucket lifts, it'll block a good portion of the cab-top lights beam. Won't you want a second set on the nose of the beastie?

And the lights in the cab seem to be pointed into the operator's eyes. Wouldn't they be better on the back corners of the cab pointed forward, at the instrument panel? And you don't want them ~too~ bright... or white... otherwise the glare off the front window blinds you. Mebbe a redish tint?

Then again, I'm not familiar with real ones, so if I'm wrong, enlighten me please?

Just thinking as the driver of a vehicle at night...
WhiteWolf, light-sensitive.

[rockNmayhem]

Looking good Tyler, nice work so far. Looking forward to more. The interior light is a nice add, I like it.

Thanks Keith I appreciate the compliments. I should hopefully have more to show later for ya.

AMAZING...

Thank you. :D

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Rock:

Great lighting, but two points:

When the bucket lifts, it'll block a good portion of the cab-top lights beam. Won't you want a second set on the nose of the beastie?

And the lights in the cab seem to be pointed into the operator's eyes. Wouldn't they be better on the back corners of the cab pointed forward, at the instrument panel? And you don't want them ~too~ bright... or white... otherwise the glare off the front window blinds you. Mebbe a redish tint?

Then again, I'm not familiar with real ones, so if I'm wrong, enlighten me please?

Just thinking as the driver of a vehicle at night...
WhiteWolf, light-sensitive.

WhiteWolf thankyou for the comments. I plan to add a couple of lights to the front of the loader as well eventually but for right now all I have is the cab lights. The main reason for the cab lights was to know when the power switch was on and it was ready to go. It just so happened that it worked out good for interior lights too. The light that is in the cab is simply the light emitted back from the led's causing the interior dome affect. It is a little bright in the pitch dark room but it's something that'll work for me as I really don't intend to use this loader much at night.

In all reality the interior cab lights would be behind the operator and much dimmer but in this case the leftover light from the roof lights works for me.

I hope to be able to find some sort of lights to stick on the front somewhere so that I get plenty of light no matter what the bucket position is. I'm also contemplating adding a couple of small ones to the rear as well that I can flip on and off when I want 360* light out of the loader.

Thanks for all the comments guys.

Tyler

[Snochaser]

Wow I missed the updates. Great work Tyler, nice and clean with custom machining as usual. Are you going to use the stock tracks?

Ben

[dabears]

Is it done yet???? Quit slacking!

[rockNmayhem]

Wow I missed the updates. Great work Tyler, nice and clean with custom machining as usual. Are you going to use the stock tracks?

Ben

Thanks for the compliments Ben. I am going to use the stock tracks on it for now as I have no idea what the sprocket pitch is or anything else so I'll let be on that part for a while till I end up breaking something maybe.

I was running the loader around before the Sabertooth gave out on me and they seemed to work pretty well on the concrete and short carpet. I will run them and see how they hold up now that the model is touching 5lbs and climbing. I have yet to add the fluid to the tank yet so that'll add a little weight. I'm also thinking about sticking a few ounces in the rear if I have enough room to help counterbalance the machine a little better and keep it planted. I know if I propped the bucket up full of 7lbs it got a little tipsy. :eek:

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Is it done yet???? Quit slacking!

Ya ya ya I know you're ready for some more pics and a video. If Robot Market Place would ever get my order to me that I ordered on the 15th I'd be further along. All I'm waiting on now is still the Sabertooth and the two new servos. All I have left is plumbing the new lines and making some new valve adapters and I'll be up and running. :p

Tyler

[WhiteWolf McBride]

Hmm, lighting solutions...

The cab interior leakage is easy enough to deal with, and get that red 'night-vision retention' option I mentioned - just use a bit of that Tamiya translucent lens paint (or some dollar-store fingernail polish) and dab some on the backside of the LED's inside the cab. I've had to do the same to avoid LED's lighting up a lexan R/C body, and its a cheap and easy solution (though I used silver, then black)

As for the forward lighting, well, there are a few ways I can think of.

One method is using ~two~ pair of lamps, mounted on the nose, one above the bucket, one below, so that when one of the sets is obstructed by the bucket, the other set is clear. This method would take a bit of calculation in where to place the pairs.

Another method is mounting a snowplow-like spread-bar on the lift boom, about where that bend is at the end of the CAT logo. Put the lamps on the ends of the arms, and they should shine past either side of the bucket. Problem there is as you lift the bucket, the lamps will tilt up...

A variation of the spread-mount is ~if~ the forward wheels have partial fenders, put the lamps on the outer edges of the fender/mudguard, using a support-rod to hide the wiring (it'll look like a fender-support/stiffener)

Does that help you out?

WhiteWolf
- afeared of hydraulics (the mess and the prices!)

[rockNmayhem]

Ok so it's been a while since I last updated this build but I am getting so much closer now to having it ready for the April show. I have everything hooked up and running on it now and thought I'd give a little update. It's also time for its first video of it moving rather than just pictures but that will have to wait a little bit as it's loading so here are a few pics to hold you guys over for a while. :D

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130325_224518_003_zps93e01425.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130325_224536_353_zps14701952.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130325_224643_442_zpsf2f226e5.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/IMG_20130325_224652_504_zps105f2b55.jpg

I'll have a video up after a while for you guys.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well I got the video uploaded finally and here it is. Sorry to keep everyone waiting but this should make up for it hopefully. Now to let the snow disappear and get out in the dirt and make some marks.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/th_VID_20130325_225140_757_zps9cb6a304.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Bruder%20Cat%20963%20Loader/VID_20130325_225140_757_zps9cb6a304.mp4)

Hope you all enjoy. :D

Tyler

[apfubar]

Well done!

[Lil Giants]

Not sure about Airtronics programming... your plus & minus settings, are they currently both at 100%?

Perhaps if changing to 80% on both sides, you'll get more valve movement with less pump rpm and maybe smoother control of cylinder travel for the bucket.

[rockNmayhem]

Not sure about Airtronics programming... your plus & minus settings, are they currently both at 100%?

Perhaps if changing to 80% on both sides, you'll get more valve movement with less pump rpm and maybe smoother control of cylinder travel for the bucket.

Joe you nailed it. The settings were at 150% from the get go. I tinkered a little more with the programming last night and got it smoothed out much better. I have the lift at 100%, the lower set to 80% and the bucket curl is set to 75% with the dump being 60%. It is much smoother and still has plenty of power to handle 5lbs of lead strapped in the bucket with no real stalls.

I will get another video of it soon.

Tyler

[jack van]

For the hydrolic oil would either seeing machine oil work or the oil we use in air nailer both are fairly thin

[ptebbe]

Great work. Where do you purchase the items for the cylinders? (O-rings, seals, etc?)
thanks

[Bg416]

Very nice work on the conversion. Thinking of making cylinders to sell?