New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Here are some photo's of the new quick release for the 345d.
Paul
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...vator004-1.jpg
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...vator005-1.jpg
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...vator006-1.jpg
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...vator007-1.jpg
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...cavator008.jpg
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...cavator009.jpg
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...vator010-1.jpg

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

A video of the quick release in actionhttp://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...0918184951.jpg.

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

That is very cool. Just another touch of realism to add the the scale realm.

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

I am sorry the coupler is made very nicely but just not even close to the real thing. The rest of the model is great so I wonder how the quick release design got screwed up. On the 1:1 the pins stay in the bucket and the coupler clamps in between the pins. Forgive me if there is some other kind of coupler used but here is a pic of what I am use to seeing every day at work.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/s...2845_CIM01.jpg

Travis

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Hi Travis,

It looks like a CW55 CONNECT'O'MAAT® QUICK COUPLER SYSTEM, which is also quite common for CAT excavators.

The excavator looks great and the moves are very realistic.
Great model.


Cheers,
Markus

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

I haven't see a pin bucket type setup in a long time, all the excavators at my work have the very similiar setup as that wedico. very cool, it works exactly like the cat 328 I run everyday.

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Very cool model and really realistic, maybe someday ill be able to get one :D

Chris

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Must be an non U.S. thing, I work for a CAT dealer and all of our buckets are pin on and untill know I have never seen a set up like that.:cool:

Travis

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

interesting Travis, I learn something new everyday. I even noticed a difference in the way some machines were setup in what I ran back on east coast compared to what I now run here on the west coast of canada.

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Hey Travis, that's the same coupler(in your picture) that I have on my Cat 305C CR mini ex. It's made by Miller, in the UK for Cat and sold through Paladin Brand product's. I've seen the Wedico Version at Conexpo/Conag, can't remember the name's at this point in time.
Later, Neil#2 aka doodlebug

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Could be all I know is they have CAT cat right in the side and have CAT SN. plates but as for who actually makes it I don't know. We see grey iron machines from time to time that look real similar to U.S. built machines but they don't show up on the CAT service information system.

Travis

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Hey Travis, I had a chance to talk to the Miller people at 2 of the show's, nice bunch to talk with. They did tell me they are contracted to build for Cat. Don't know all of the size's they build. They wanted input on how well I like my coupler, I gave them my opinion for improvement. It's hard to keep track of everything that's available for equipment.
http://www.millergroundbreaking.com/
This is similar to the wedico coupler http://www.kenco.com/WBCOUPLER.html





Later, Neil#2 aka doodlebug.

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Nice work, really nice piece

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

That's a great looking machine, and neat quick release. How do you like the Wedico model? Looks fairly new. Have you had a chance to put it through it's paces yet?

In regards to the quick relase being prototypically correct, sometimes I think it's better to ask first, rather then make a bold statement and find out after the fact that there is always an exception to the rule. Many times I find there is a prototype for everything, even if it's not the norm.

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Espeefan thanks for taking a look at the thread I have had the 3 Wedico models since July 2010. Since then I have made the wider bucket put on the quick release although I am now only putting the brushless motor on the pump and the extra servos for the finger grab that I have ordered yesterday, At nearly 800 euros. Also I have put on the after market chain drive as the original belt was not very strong. I hope to have the booms moving a little faster with the new motor fitted but will have to wait to see.
As a model it looks good runs well but a friend of mine has just received his Chinese version from rc4wd at less that 50% or the cost. Time will tell who got the better deal. ( I hope it is me):):)
Paul

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Hello.
I'm currently also building a Cat 345.. The things I'm not that happy with are the fact that there are a LOT of flaws in the kit. Almost all are parts that don't fit without modifications. But, if one don't expect a "bolt on" kit, I think the machine can be made to look very good indeed. With just a little detailing and mods. The one problem I have, though, are about weight. Only 12 kgs. Very light indeed. But, I'm adding at least 5kgs of lead balls inside the hull. So, hopefully, it's gonna get a lot better than the standard WDC Cat :)

As for this china machine.. I'm convinced you got the better deal. Shure, it's only half price, but then you pay for wall to wall problems. Everything from hydraulics to electronics are failing on it. And on top, I think it looks a bit like it's constructed by Fred Flintstone. Ugly as sin.
So far, I don't know anyone that have got a "RTR" china-machine that they could really start using right away. So, as for now, I think it's NOT a recomended purchase if you're not a tinkerer and an extremely patient person..
You know, it's still a fact that the WDC machine got a machine of the year award the very first year it was made. So it can't be all that bad, huh ;)

The kit you have put on, it's from Leimbach? Quick release and extra hydraulics?

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

How do you think the belt drive will hold up to the extra 5kg? Are you going to upgrade to the chain drive?

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Don't think the belt drive will be strong enough. So I've ordered the chain set.. But, just for fun, I'm gonna test it and maybe make a tentioner for the belt drive. Since it's gonna be replaced anyway, why not experiment a bit ;)

On the other hand, I'm not one of those that expect my scale machine to be able to do things no 1:1 machine are able to. Like belting up a 45 degree slope when the ground are soft :rolleyes

Also, after building one of theese machines my self, I see a few things that can cause problems with the drive system.. And I know some have done errors in assembly. The thing I find strange are, some have problems even getting it on to a low bed trailer, while others have no problems at all..

Re: New Wedco 345d Quick Release
 

Ok, make sure to tape that test with the belts! :D

Im sure it will be night and day difference between belt and chain drive.

I had weak track drives on my 470, i hated not to be able to go where i wanted to, it ruined the whole excavator, then i upgraded it and now i enjoy every cm i go with the tracks! :)