Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Whenever a cool new tire comes along it fuels my desire to build something new. In this case the tire is the 2.2 RC4WD Mud Basher...love 'em!
Tractor is going to be used for grooming and grading "roads" and baseball infields. When snow melts will post a video of operation. Here is where the build is at this point in time: Unlocked AX10 axles on leafs, 2.2 Mud Bashers and a Bruder Grader Cab/Cowl http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psqbxhdnob.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psjqzve6zf.jpg Disruptor trans and 2.18:1 Disruptor transfer case are narrow and fit nicely in between the rails: http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psi1yuzoq2.jpg Next is the road groomer using lots of bolts for scarifiers. Also has a bar in the back for levelling, then followed by more bolts for a finished look. Not sure how well it will groom but dying to find out. http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psytcnxm3s.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Great looking start to the build. I like the use of the grader cab reversed on the engine cowl, it doesn't look out of place to me.
What do you plan on using to add weight to the groomer? As it sits I don't think you'll get much penetration and probably just skip along. |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Thanks.
To be effective, the groomer will indeed need some weight. Plenty of room to place lead strips here and there. Also, the depth the teeth can penetrate are limited by the side skirts... http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psjm0ja3sa.jpg Deep dish OEM Wheely King mags don't seem appropriate so some Hummer wheels are cut and glued into the lips. The holes will be covered with center caps later... http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps12rzspca.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps8jjntvea.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps4mhlysvj.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psdsfvlup0.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
more done today...
The rear axle has bosses for the servo plate... http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psw3jvi5ws.jpg So used them to mount an scx10 battery plate. 2 out of 3 holes lined up and also added another: http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...pss8jxcdeu.jpg Finished mocking up a lift system for the implement. It doesn't look scale but it does keeps it straight and steady. Also lifts up nicely past the fulcrum point to relieve stress on the servo while in the up position. Plus the servo can exert down pressure to help the implement dig in more than it would on its own: http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psknhkruej.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...pslxnxp7d8.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps81qrftip.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Added some Gearhead beadlock bolts today. Center caps to follow.
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps00occew3.jpg And fabbed an ESC/receiver box behind the cab (needs lots of sanding work) http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psw4u6xoxr.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
first coat of Old Caterpillar Yellow
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps3ygxfjwv.jpg Added a plow for next winter. The lift mechanism is next. http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...pse7mxctyw.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psb9w5f61b.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
I like the creativity of this build and has given me a few ideas for a custom build. Keep the updates coming and can't wait for a video.
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Thank you very much!
Finished painting the groomer http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psamjehptg.jpg Chassis is ready for painting this weekend http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psygyfeto9.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
looking good. a suggestion is to add as much weight as you can so the blade and spikes dont dig in and stop it. Also rethink those plastic drive shafts. My experience with them in my Mack 6 wheel end dump lasted less than 1 battery. Just speaking from my experince. I have the Disruptor trans and I twisted it in half when I loaded my truck up and went off roading with it.
keep the pics coming! |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Thanks for the advice.
I did add two lead strips to each wheel and also a lead piece that once served as soft jaw for a vice. Its pretty heavy now. The shafts will be replaced as they break or upgraded as funds allow. Your Disruptor trans twisted in half???? (I might need to rethink the trans now!) |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Quote:
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
OK, cool. New shafts being ordered asap.
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Center caps from the road wheels of a Heng Long Bulldog tank fit perfectly and will be tacked on with a tiny dab of CA after wheels are installed.
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...pspgtwwu7o.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps7zndsy3z.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Very Nice work!
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Great looking model so far. Having worked for Case/New Hollands prototype test facility, I love the fact that you are going for a prototype look to it.
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Thank you fellas!
Got a lot of painting done this weekend... http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...pslysnzesg.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...pshxtwalej.jpg Awaiting delivery of a stronger servo for the groomer and then it's test time outside. http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psehp619sw.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
I would like to have multiple groomer designs to play with so made another tonight.
This one is much simpler and lighter than the one above and will (presumably) require less h.p. to pull. (?) It is loosely based on the Lucas Scraper design which seems to work really well in the videos. http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps0zcpl4kv.png http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psande8cwh.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...pssgqqod6j.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
And leftover from the Bruder Grader is the blade assembly with some added- on side extensions. It's all plastic (except for the steel wear bar) so it probably won't last long but it'll be fun testing.
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psmgj3yesf.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps4f3s4dir.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psdbqcv6wr.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps7seugqrr.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
You know what might look cool with this Tractor is a big water tank body.
Have it so you can groom and then spray water behind the fresh groomed road? |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
oops
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Awesome idea! I do have a tank/pump setup from an abandoned tracked brush fire vehicle project and will try to retrofit them.
On a side note... The XL 2.2 tires have created some issues in the form of... 1. inner tire rub on the leaf springs at full steering lock (even at 55% EPA) 2. too tall gearing. The disruptor trans has the smallest pinion in it, so no further reduction options available so here it is on 1.9 mud bashers. These slow the tractor down a lot and eliminate rubbing even at 120% EPA. Looks more scale now too I think but I'm open to opinions (1.9 vs 2.2) http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps1pniidtx.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psgr0lm9bo.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psor0nd9wx.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
I think the small tires look just as good. The real test will be what tires give better traction for when it's grooming? I suspect the smaller tires would. as far as gearing. What turn motor is in it. You might go to a higher turn to slow it down?
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Ok good to hear. Will stick to 1.9's for now and do some 1.9/2.2 comparison testing as soon as it dries out. Lots of rain in NJ today.
Its a 35 turn motor. I have a 55 and will try it. |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Painted land leveler implement and the 1.9 wheels. Also added a fuel tank
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psczdc4lsa.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps40l6hfp3.jpg http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psplienv1s.jpg |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Did some testing in the backyard test facility today.
The 1.9's sunk and dug in immediately so went back to 2.2's. These solved the traction issue and the gearing is OK. Some videos of the first runs... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk7sHrLft6M This design seems to do a better job in the loose stuff (paver base)... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWDPGXH2aS4 |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
It looks like it runs pretty well. The implements you made work nicely too. Great work. Do you have any other implements planned or in the works
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Thanks Kroll.
I would like to try a 4 or 6 bottom plow and perhaps a harrow like this one from bruder: http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...psnjpjtwxk.png |
Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Appears to work quite well. Great job, awesome build.
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Re: Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer
Thanks.
Making some adjustments and trying again soon with a better radio system and at a larger area (a baseball field). Will post it up after. |
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