Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

I put new line on the clamshell bucket and tried it out moving some concrete blocks.

http://youtu.be/cwm3Fu8yRgE

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Hi Jim, nice video! Love the clamshell bucket!

Stephan

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Stephan,

Thanks! Even though the drag bucket seem so much more efficient for moving material it is a lot of fun doing "heavy" lifts with the clam bucket. It was interesting to watch the crane tip forward on the tumblers at the end of the undercarriage since I was not blocking it as it should have been for a heavy lift. :p

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Nice video jim-that operator is getting good!!!! :lol: I personally would like to see a few minutes of the clamshell working at actual speed. Did you not make it to Brownsville?

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Me too! Lookin real good I reckon....:cool:

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Thanks for the comments guys!

Tom, I am pretty bummed out about NOT making it out to Brownsville. It was going to be the third year for me and the FIRST time I showed up with a descent machine to move some material.

I need to think about a nice scenario for the clamshell video...

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Tom,

Here is a bit of real time video of the clam loading some concrete blocks into a hopper barge at the north sea wall. I am going to try and find some material that loads well and shoot another video of loose material. The sand was a bit wet tonight and the clam is real tricky on loose material. I have tossed around the idea of making a new clamshell, making it just a bit narrower and maybe a bigger mouth and taller for more leverage in the close.

https://youtu.be/CfcPLkml37A

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Thanks jim-interesting video. The blocks looked like they were almost too heavy for the clam but you got it done. Nice operator work! Smooth and steady is always the best. Personally I like the drag bucket for moving dirt but I guess it depends on the application. I have watched some real clan shells working under water and they seem to do a good job. It seems like most model clamshells are too lite-weight to be efficient when digging but maybe you can work something out. Also I saw a goldfish streak thru the picture a few times. Must have been doing his morning sprints. As fast as he was going I was surprised there wasn't a roostertail coming up behind him :D.

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Tom,

Ya, those blocks are pretty much the max load for the thing.

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

I had a few questions about the boom and clamshell bucket and made a video trying to explain a few details. Not sure how well I did at that goal, but here is the video link anyway...

http://youtu.be/A4jtn-lO_qU

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Good to see you working on a dragline again jim-I know nothing about the clamshells except most of the models I have seen do not work very well. The weight idea is probably good. I like your technique on cutting the aluminum. Seems to work good although me being a wood worker I cringe when I see that. :eek: My dad used to take pride in how good of an edge he could put on a wood chisel (and his pocket knife) so I'm sure he would not like this but I say what ever works. Is there any way to put a release line on the clam bucket? I think you said it had to go all the way to the top of the boom before releasing. Is that right?

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Tom,

The brass clam that I built DOES have a closer line and a hoist line just like a full scale bucket. What you heard me say about going all the way to the boom tip was the old black bucket that came as original on the toy.

Jim