Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

Thanks guys! Well I'm going to slowly work my way into this build. I haven't started on anything yet, other than the stock plastic tracks, but after seeing Mitch's photos of the Permacon metal tracks, I might see if those will be in my track loader's future! They are nice.

Mitch, thanks for sharing those photos of the tracks as well. They get me thinking about an upgrade. The tracks do look a little soft and brittle. Are they cast from sort of pot metal?

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

So, the question becomes what do you get for all your hard earned money, when you buy the Carson LR634? A pretty nice machine, actually! I've been looking over the parts and checking out the chassis. It's heavy, that's for sure. I removed the big counterweight in the rear of the chassis, just because I found I am going need to do a little touch up welding on my chassis. I don't know if it was just my luck to get one that had a few defective welds, or if they are all like this. Hit and miss? But it's not a very big deal for me to take care of the problem areas. I may even add a few extra beads, just for piece of mind.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8c6e999e.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...psaa2db3fe.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8c884e3c.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...psadc63603.jpg

The main frame chassis is pretty nice. Looks to be laser cut steel, with tab in slot construction, and some very fine welds to hold it all together. Now for the bad..... On my chassis, there were a few places where the welds were slightly misaligned with the joints, or completely missed altogether. I am pretty pleased with the construction otherwise. It's very solid, heavy, and strong, despite a few missed weld joints.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...ps240c10d6.jpg

This joint is the one that bothers me most. I could feel this part of the chassis flexing, when holding it in my hands and lightly twisting the frame where the loader arms will be. You can see the weld is to the right of the joint, missing it completely. I'm guessing the parts were not in the jig properly, so when the torch made a pass, it went right by it. I'll get this welded together properly, and I'll probably hit all the tabs in their slots too. That way I know this thing will never come apart!

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...psa662a124.jpg

This one is not nearly as bad. The majority of the joint is fine. The welder just missed a short section here. For a mass produced model, that is probably welded with an automated system, a few defects are bound to pop up once in a while. It did slip past QC though! Still, I can't complain. It's a much more affordable model, produced for the common folk masses, and it's still awesome. :D

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

It's the little things in life that bug the shyt out of you, isn't it?

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

Nate, thats my kind of model! Heavy duty. :D Not a biggie, Im sure its just they feel that those small areas wouldnt affect structural stability..But id feel the same way you do.

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

Hi Nate, As I have not purchased any construction equipment yet, I am watching your build with a lot of interest. I thought that I had 1 purchased but some how between my bank and Paypal the deal fell thru. I did get my money back though- many sleepless nights!! Your attention to the details will keep me coming back for all of your updates until you finish what looks to be a great machine!

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

Geez!!! 3rd page already & you haven't assembled one piece of the kit yet. BRUTAL! :eek:

Sooo, what do suppose the ETA is before this thing sees any dirt?! :p

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

At this rate it will be at least 5 pages before it sees any paint :eek::eek: let alone sign of assembly :lol: I should be the one to talk- 5 years on 1 truck and still not finished :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

Are you sure it'll only be 5 pages?:p I've been 1-1/2 years on mine, keep changing directions and now paint colors:rolleyes:.
Oh yea, Hi Nate, sorry about the high jack, so you loading dirt yet?? :drool::drool:

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

Craig, yes! :D

Jason, yeah, the model would probably be all right as is, except for that one weld that was missed completely. The outer plate that the bucket arm pin slides through is free to pull away from the other side. I suppose the pin would keep it in place too, but it bugs me this way. Otherwise, I'm quite pleased with the construction.

Thanks Lynn! Sorry to hear your deal fell through, but I'm glad you got your money back! I appreciate the kind words.

Thanks for sharing that, Kevin. I guess I got one of the nice models then. I believe Carson had these frames laser welded together. I would say TIG welding would have been better, but by hand, much more time consuming. I think a little surface prep would have been good too. There is a little porosity in the welds too. I think some oil on the metal caused it. Still, minor. I'm just nit picking now.

Not true Joe! I do have both tracks assembled. :p ETA? Well it's going to be a while. The weather is getting nice. It's hard to stay in the basement, working on models, and I really would like to finish the Kenworth first. :D

Probably right, Lynn! :D So you've got a life long project too? I feel a little better now.

1.5 years, Kent? Man, you're fast! :D

Well, I appreciate all the views guys. It will probably be my usual snail paced build. Especially with summer coming.

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

Hey Nate , My beard is grey already :jaw::p:p:p:p:p:p

Re: My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader
 

If you need that welded up I could hit those welds with my tig welder. I live 12 miles east of Mosinee on 153. Pm me if your interested.