BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Here we go.

This is my first thread on this website, so I will try hard not to screw up. I recently purchased an ERTL S300 Bobcat skid steer loader from my local Bobcat dealer. I was convinced that I could turn it into an R/C, so that's when the chopping began. I have already finished the project, and will try and post pictures and explain things as I go along. Feel free to ask any questions, or leave comments. I would be more than happy to help a fellow r/c enthusiast out.

Well here goes nothing.

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

picture difficulty. Will try and fix. Sorry

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Lets see if this works

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Maybe this? If anyone knows how to upload from photo bucket, I could use some help.

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

I've thought about doing a conversion with ERTL models as well. The upload worked for me. Once you get used to photobucket use it;)

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Pm sent

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

This is going to be a pic heavy thread.

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psf94b8cae.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps03f13fef.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7ee40352.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...pse2d6fa1b.jpg

This was the model the day I purchased it.

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Later that night was disassembly time.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psd08575b4.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psb61b5098.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps63423540.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1c6f14e5.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

replacing plastic with metal is always fun.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1771db9b.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psffdcf5bd.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5374dcae.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psc4c5069f.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Lift arm servo installed. It is a Hitec 645MG servo.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps976bdbaf.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps73a0fc27.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3ada4f01.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3360254c.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Replacing plastic cylinders with homemade metal ones.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7dbbce4d.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psdde91144.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psa667a517.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Time to install some drive motors. I used 4x Hitec HS85mg servo's modded to continuous rotation.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps296ff8b8.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8869b7f5.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps942f47cb.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0fa5b47e.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

All drive servos installed, and another view of the lift arm setup.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4e9171fb.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psf9eedd5a.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7f7361e7.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Installed a skid plate and a HS55 for my bucket curl. I soon found out that cheaping out on servo's here is a big no no.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps37812c58.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...pscec32122.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psb454f601.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps116bf386.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Nice work and nice pictures :cool::D

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Wheels finally installed.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8e026c5e.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psdc9096f1.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Size comparison next to my SCX10 Trail truck.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psd8586178.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps84b51a06.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Tight fit for all of the electronics.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps28688cfd.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps49ce64e3.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Finally installed my new bucket curl with a Hitec HS82MG. This has enough lifting power for what I need now.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8c378c9b.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps310b01f7.jpg
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...pseb9cb745.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

She is a runner.
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...psbbf39217.jpg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Cool build! Never seen the ertl before looks bigger than the bruder i just finished

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

So there you have it. I finally figured out how to put up pictures. Big shout out to TRUCKMAKER for helping me out. This project has been fun over the last few weekends, and I have made quite a few changes along the way. Its amazing the amount of R&D time that goes into these things, especially being one offs. I hope you guys like it, and am looking forward to hearing your feedback.

Thanks,
*TONTO*

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

now that you got posting pics down time to post a vid!!!
cool build

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Finally, a Bobcat that is RC. I own a few 1:1 Bobcats and always thought about setting one up RC. I purchased 2 of those Ertl Bobcats just like yours for converting. But, not enough time, so my kids got them for Christmas. They are built well, so your conversion should work out. I also have a Bruder skid and the track loader. Those are nice, but since I have the 1:1, someday I will convert the Bobcat.
It looks like you have plenty of room for a battery and to keep the cab in tact for an operator.
Do you think you could have used a standard size servos for the wheels?
Thanks,
Eddie

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Trying to fit a standard size servo for the drive wheels would have pushed the wheelbase in to much. The HS85MG is probably the best option because they use metal gears and are super easy to convert to continuous rotation. I am using a 2s 800mah lipo that just fits inside. I don't have a lipo alarm yet, so I don't know exactly how much run time I can get from it, but I have run it for at least 20 min. hard with no sign of slowing down. Like I said this is my very first construction conversion, so most of this one is prototype for my next. I was super excited to convert this Bobcat, because I have yet to see another one like it.

Thanks for the comments.
*TONTO*

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Yes that servo that you installed will be just fine. Me, I am always wanting to go bigger and stronger.
That machine cant consume that much power. You should get tons of run time on a lipo battery...
Yep, you beat everyone to the punch on the Bobcat conversion... Looking forward to the video. I have tons of videos, but none with my Bruder skids. I should make one someday.
You should take that Bobcat down to the dealer where you bought it, and freak them out with its coolness!
Thanks and good job on the Bobcat.

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Love the write up. Got one of the bobcats abd the bruder wheel unit both to convert. Been too busy relocating after retirement. They are still packed up in boxes. Going to use your build as reference if i ever get to the conversion on mine.

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Nice job, about how heavy is it?

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

good job i may have to revisit mine as i was getting too much flex out of the arms when digging. i had filled my arms with epoxy but you brass brace looks like it works better. good work what did you used for a drive esc a sabertooth

http://youtu.be/aExc9opFR0o?list=UUD...mSrl3wlRXoFoBg

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

It probably only weighs like 2 pounds or so.

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

I do not have any drive esc. I Y-connected the left tires together, and then the right together, and plug them directly into my receiver. The Elevator controls the right side, and the aileron controls the left. I used my controller to mix the two channels together so I can drive straight, and also fully skid like a real Bobcat. I am using an old DX6 Park flyer radio with an AR6000 receiver. Nice work on your conversion. Looks like you had a bit of creep to your drive servo's. It took forever to dial mine in.

Re: BOBCAT S300 SKID STEER LOADER
 

Im glad to see people are interested in this. Let me know if you need any measurements or material references for your build.

*TONTO*