Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Oh and I did instal a pressure gauge on the ex. Some of the leaks were probably due to high pressure. Like 400psi!!! Yea, had to back it down a tad,,,,and that was after I initially turned it down some from day one as I read some people say they might not have pressure set right from factory. And the pump developed a leak, found it to be the motor side of pump shaft had been installed backwards. Allowing only one of the bearings to support the gear shaft. That resulted in the premature wear of the rotary shaft seal. The shaft has pins at either end, one for motor coupler other for gear lock. The holes are just a tad different spacing from ends of shaft and I assume during factory building this was just simply overlooked and a simple mistake. Keep in mind those who are actually building these are long hours, low pay, individuals that really don't have much interest in them. Kinda like the 16 year old kid working at mcdonalds, he really doesn't care about how many pickles or how they are placed on your Big Mac. He just wants his pay check to blow on some rc toys!!!!! Lol!!!

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

now that you dug all around it , hitch a chain to it and the D11 and let it rip :D

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

I've been trying to avoid that conclusion myself for the last couple yrs with trying to dream up new things to keep busy with... and it's getting harder to maintain employment as my equipment keeps getting bigger, although I can't imagine ever going back to those 20ton machines I started with. :eek: :p

Those grenades pics above, I believe that's the best accessory I've seen yet for these china hoes... :D :lol: :p

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Lil'giants:cop: lol!!

Moved some of the dirt up to rocks that have been making their way to the retaining wall. (Towards camera).

http://youtu.be/FjPpCPtwKkw

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://youtu.be/z0Q6vUlnlOg

Lots of little river pebbles , and some pipes to dig around. Not to mention it's riddled with roots

http://youtu.be/j-Orn3EwkCA

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

That's a great little digger for sure..

Alan

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://youtu.be/3aHLyiAFoP4

This is what I have to put up with. It's MY sandbox!!!! Find somewhere els to play!!!

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

lol! Woof Woof! Great to see the Kitty purring!
Cheers, Neil.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://youtu.be/SbT9RkFnlP0

We lost power after a strong thunderstorm. Luckily I had some batteries charged up!! This is right after a heavy rain came through, it's muddy and stickey but got some material into where the waterfall box was.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

This is the first video of pushing some dirt after the thunderstorm.

http://youtu.be/PhkxB1YDMsM

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Had some changes on the 4200 excavator, as I mentioned in another post I installed a gauge and filter to the system. For the time I have, (winter will be a complete overhaul) I placed a small particle size disposable filter inline between tank and pump. I thought a suction would be better than pressure if it gets clogged. And ease of location. Now I don't really know what foreign particles were in the hydro system but seeing some stuff floating by in the clear lines I just wanted to get something inline. Digging had been going well and strong aside from a leaking (dripping) bucket cylinder, . She has definitely been getting worked and used, bucket is bent up, scraping teeth on side of bucket have been bent back several times, ect ,,, but it started to get slow stick movements after about five to ten min of work. I would turn off let sit for a min, then back to digging well again. Every time a bit shorter, I thought the pump was wearing out already. Realized it's just not getting enough flow from filter. Removed and wow it's like new again!! (With the leaks :)). Just curious if location of filter is for a purpose. I see most having filters before entering the tank, I was thinking of pump protection and right before pump would be best. Just preference or is there something I'm not aware of? And I'm also under the impression of never having too much effective filtering for hydraulic systems.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Mine is on the return line... If you put it on the suction side of the pump, the constriction may slow the draw of oil into the pump, and may cause cavitation...

That's my 2 cents...

Cheers,
Andrew P.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Yea, that's what I figured was happening. Seems like the system had a lot of foreign debris in it. Quite a bit of sparkle to the oil that i back flushed from filter. Well I'll upload a video of digging today later tonight. I was digging the first of the steps for a retaining wall. Everything was fine and towards the end it started acting up. Pump revved up tracks started self propelling. I figured ut-oh, must have had some water in esc or radio from the little bit of a shower I got caught in the other night. Loaded her up and to the shop, luckily the mechanics were still there to work on her :). I think I found the problem, in a haste to get up and running I was stuffing two pounds of crap in a one pound bag so to speak. I replaced the screw terminals on the esc and battery leads with bullet connectors. Usually I have excellent solder joints but not using my normal tools and in a hurry I believe I may have made a cold solder joint. And that may have affected radio as well as shorted the bucket servo. Or it did get wet. I plugged a battery into the receiver and it seems to be working fine so that pretty much points towards a bad joint. Yup, slacker mechanic on duty that day!!!! And I'm usually the one that everyone else brings their parts to be soldered!!! Figures, right, plumber always has a leaky faucet at home!!!

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://youtu.be/m84ouAtiu7s

The recent video of diggin wit da ex :)

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://youtu.be/aMOzJTClROg

Some more digging, I had a servo go bad and the quick replacement I had was same size and shape but reverse direction. Not knowing what the mixes and navigation on this radio were I just choose to learn on the fly and remember bucket stick was backwards. So if you see the bucked curling or dumbing it's just my brain not listening to my hand :). Or vise - versa. :)

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

I can actually help you with that radio problem Ralph.:bounce:
Unfortunately I already have way too much radio learning and reading experience in the last few months:eek::mad:
Reversing a function is simple compared to a mix problem which I'm having trouble with. And thank you for posting the question about the fourth valve. Made me realize my radio still ain't working right:(

I'll send ya a pm with a step by step how to reverse a servo.

Mario

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Thanks Mario, I don't mind getting into setting up radio but I haven't been too familiar with that particular radio. And hearing about others :). Accidentally hitting something I didn't want to chance not being able to dig. I ended up getting a couple off amazon as backups.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psde1hv7ex.jpg

Finally splurged on a $20 cart to make the 50 foot trip from garage to work site a little quicker and easier. :). Kinda weird that we spend $400 on a hydro pump/valve and not spend $20 on something to make life easier :)!!

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psy7msqgvw.jpg

BOOOOOOOO!!!!

Lol, had to share, he always pops up in the garage somewhere, was sleeping on a shelf , he actually startled me !!

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psynrell1e.jpg
I couldn't resist, I got the brushless drive motors for the 4200. The stock motors were fine, a bit weak but I didn't have any problems I just want to find out if they are faster.

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...pslcjjt9wc.jpg
I removed the complete hydraulic system and boom, this will make installing new parts on the carrage easier.

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...pseafl3a6g.jpg
Stock slip ring

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psqru7fjc9.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psnflnhksk.jpg
The undercarriage (or carboy?) excuse my ignorance on the correct names of things. This is all one solid piece. Not the roller parts or side.

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8ehlo2z2.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psgudvkjf8.jpg
Old slip ring with two wires along with new three wire ring.


http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psdsczvchc.jpg
Removed one side for ease of wire routing. I don't have a pic but the brushless motors inside the new drive hub must be small. The lead wires were like a needle. And they didn't give any more wire than what's needed. But plenty of extra wire from the new ring. It was just a hard place to solder and have shrink wrap on wire. Oh and anyone else getting these, there is a left and right!! I found out right after I soldered and put the heat shrink on that the holes don't line up. :(. I really hate when I do things like that!!!

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

That sounds awfully familiar :thinking: :D I'm finally making myself fit all mechanical components together 1st before do any painting, wiring or hyds on new models or upgrading old ones. ;)

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Oh s#£t!!!! It would have been really nice if they would have said the new esc's were only rated for 7.2 volts!!! Dammit!!!! Why would you sell a (upgrade) that you have to downgrade batteries?? I wired everything up and had the excavator up on a block to check direction of tracks. Plugged in 3s battery ,what she runs on, and wow!! They were like little race excavators!! I was really shocked to see how fast the tracks moved. I knew they said faster speed but it seemed too fast!! Started to smell that magical electric smell, and knew right away something wrong. Unhooked power checked (multi-meter) voltage and inspected everything. And the one esc fan was like a turbine, I figured I might have a bad esc right off the bat. Messed around some more and finally no motion!!! Looked up the esc on internet and then I found they are susposta be run on 7.2 volts!! 2s max!! Yup my 3s input cooked um!!! Guess I have another lesson to learn, no spec sheet= turn on the computer first and find out what you are dealing with!!!!! What a crock!! Oh well I would have had to switch them to 3s anyway. Yup, I just looked on the site to make sure I wasn't putting my foot in my mouth, excavator battery 3s, specs on esc from looking them up on internet, 2s lipo!!! Kinda pi$$ed!!

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Awh man, that Really sucks! I was thinking about the new drives. I would have done the same thing and powered with the 3s.
I feel for ya Ralph.:(

Mario

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

The 2s esc's would have been fine on 3s, you could have just dialed back the EPA in the radio.

That china crap with no thermal protection.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Some more d11 work, I changed the locations of pins for the front crossmember connecting the left and right track carriers. It lessened the amount of torsion the tracks could move relative to frame. And lowered fron end about 1/4". Handled a bit better giving the tracks a bit more traction. Even though it's muddy it still had noticeable more traction from that little change. Guess those engineering changes from one model year to the next have some merit!!! Lol!!
http://youtu.be/nutnBMz-pTc

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psoeymxv90.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psmatqbsvu.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psxdvzwpzk.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2yxoaxt6.jpg

Had some sand to push around the barns. The work equated to about $3.17 earned. (Hourly pay for operator 1:14). Didn't charge the landowner machine cost as he and I have some agreements. (My dad's house) lol!!!

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psouetbalm.jpg
Started working on a lighting system for the big guy.

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...pszr5ruytk.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psj34wirur.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psdw5cf3pu.jpg

I know the light housings may not look scale or real good but I have had this box of LEDs for several years and the bezels to go with them, figured this would be a good way to use them. As I remember I had to get them but don't remember what for!!! They are bright white 10mm LEDs. Should light up the way pretty well!!

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

I don't think anyone here is anything too anal about perfectly scaled, whatcha got started for lighting looks great so far! :cool:

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Yea I hear ya, I have the empty sockets at the steps of the cab to install lights in. As for reversing lights I have seen where they mount on the side of the rollover structure. That gives me two more to face forward. I'm thinking of a total of 8 forward and 4 backwards. These LEDs are pretty bright, I forget the forward current and lumens but rembember they put some good light out. Going to have them on a switch via radio. Also have to get a sound system for people to enjoy when I get my but to some of these gatherings!! If my wife would get her rump in gear I could have been able to attend Brownsville in the motor home this weekend. By next Wednesday we should have all the paperwork done and then I just need to get two new sneakers for the front end. We acquired her grams motor home that they hadent used for a couple years. It's pretty new but got cought in a flood. Had water over axles but not in cabin. I'm taking it to get a good go-over from the dealer soon. That's going to be my heavy hauler for the toys to attend some relative close events. :). Who else do you know that can haul a d11 with a class a motor home ?? Lol!!!

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Second half of earlier dozer video.

http://youtu.be/oSZcLtqovp4

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Dozer looks good! I like the chain squeaks.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://youtu.be/nyGcePXuNWg

Some dozer and excavator work.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Watching you dig away makes me realize how much I hate ROOTS !!! :lol:

I really like the work area and you know how much I love that dozer :D;)

You've been busy. You have a lot more paint wore off the bucket than I do:eek:....I better get busy.:)

Mario

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Lol!! Great Dane construction co., "the more we dig, the more you pay!!,,,the more you pay the more we play!!"

:)

I think I have another servo go bad, the machine gets a mind of its own, reves up tracks move,,ect,,,, last time it did that it was the servo cooked and somehow was messing with radio causing the out of control. I'm definitely enjoying the little guy, but these tower pro servos are not lasting me. I still think there is a radio glitch but I'm sticking with it till winter overhaul. Anyone know of some quality servos of same size as a tower pro 995, digital metal gear? Might have to have a look at hk stuff.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

try the hitec 645MG

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Now that you mention that, I've definitely had 2 or 3 radio glitches now with mine! No servos failed yet but maybe cause I got too much paint on the bucket still ;)

As always, I was shutting off the pump while hauling with the dump truck. Then when I flipped the pump on it was running but I had no hydraulics. I adjusted the dial for the 4th valve and couldn't hear it move. Figured the servo failed. It was 10:30pm, I just packed things up and called it a day.
2 days later I fire it up to see what's going on....all good!:eek:

A few days later, starting and stopping pump, suddenly nothing again. Turned radio and hoe off. Plugged back in, flip the switch..... All back to normal?:confused:

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Will do thanks :)

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

Mario, I'm not sure but,,, maybe someone els knowledgeable can chime in. To me it seems like some oil may be (or had been before leaks stopped) infiltrating into the trim pot inside the servos. The one I replaced had a clear malfunction visible on the circuit board. It was ever so bit charred on one of those little circuit thingies. And pot was also wet with some oil. The second one that failed (I took apart but not cleaned and tested yet) did not have any visible scored areas but trim pot was again wet with oil. I know the gears internally have grease but until I take a new one apart I can't compare on the viscosity or amount of grease, and if any is around the pot dial shaft. I don't think the little trim pots in these servos need or have any lube on them from factory. I may be wrong but to me it seems like grease or oil would compromise electrical contacts in them. Sooooooo,,,, that may have been my problem from the get go. But I still can't understand how the servo would back feed some sort of electrical signal into radio receiver. Kind of makes me double think about using the flysky radio system for any air use. But I only have micros and park flyers that we dog fight with a small ribbon on tails. Try to wreck them but it's hard!! One thing I have not looked at is to see if any leaks are around the rotary valves in the actual valve block. Gonna keep running her hard till ground freezes with efficient quick repairs until winter overhaul.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

I noticed early in the operation of mine that the relief valve leaks past the set screw threads. ( I found it right away because I had the thing running at max speed and the 4th valve wasn't working so , the relief was " busy " all the time:)

Even now , after setting correctly , I still get a little leakage. I placed a towel under it to capture the oil. I think I ran 3 or 4 battery cycles before the towel was getting oil soaked.

Anyway, I bet that leakage is what got into the servo? It's the only possibility:confused:

Here's a pic, notice how the relief is directly above the servos? ;)

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/...psb4350678.jpg

Mario

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

I did stuff some soft material (ear plug pieces cut ) into the servo shaft where there would normally be the arm screw. These tower pro servos have a hallow shaft, it could have easily wept oil into the servo that way.

Now one of the centering spring boards in the radio broke. It popped off the rocker pin before and a quick fix. I may not be the only one but sometimes when I'm prying on a rock or root I find myself pressing rather hard on the radio sticks. Yea, at least I'm not sticking my tongue out, holding my breath and rotating my body the way the excavator is moving. :). Lol!!
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psxwm5ijec.jpg
A BFG!!!

Went to put the radio away- why???
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psnmjtisub.jpg

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psl6deuzhx.jpg
I try to post work pics for others to see, maybe it will help someone. The track motor loosened up, the two Phillips screws removed to get to the internal screws attaching to motor. And I found a way to remove tracks painlessly, I remove the outside housing then the tensioner and wheel can be removed allowing track to be removed without removing any track pins. Only draw back is sometimes it's a trick to get the roller shafts lined up for re installation.

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psrzya2ds7.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psgieszrm9.jpg
I was going to build my own voltage reducer circuit but found these for just a couple bucks. They are for dropping voltage to the upgrade track motors that I had problems with previously. One for each motor, rated for three amps. I really doubt the tiny brushless motors in the upgrade kit are able to sustain that for any length of time. The motor lead wires are very tiny about a pin thickness.

Re: Great Dane excavating co.
 

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psnadol9o1.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psfhmydzdn.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...pszmux7kxv.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps04apxfi9.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psygqnj4og.jpg

The progress on dozer lights. Crude and not set in stone but coming along. These will be painted black.

And one more stupid pic, any of you middle agers will remember vanilla "Robby van winkle " ice. It's a long story with my wife but I bought this old movie to win a debate and to torture her by watching it!! Got about 1/2 hour into it and went back into garage!lol!!!
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psd9bfmcvf.jpg
But it was rather funny looking back on the early 90's.