Dozer Question ?

[Rvjimd]

I'm sure some of you can answer this quick!

What is the advantage or reason for some track systems having the drive sprocket mounted above the front and rear sprockets?

I'm guessing it made it easier to mount the tranny in the frame up a bit higher? Or, is that top sprocket NOT the driver and just an idler?

Are there other pros and cons?

I'm thinking on a 1:50 conversion it may give me more room or better access in the triangle version?

Jim

[SmallHaul]

From wiki:

Advantages and disadvantages of the High Drive system

Among modern tractors, the high drive (elevated sprocket) design is unique to Caterpillar products. The concept originated in 1914 with Caterpillar predecessor C. L. Best Tractor's 30 Humpback; this tractor was discontinued a year later, and the only other tractor to use the concept until the D10's introduction was the Cletrac Model F, built between 1920 and 1922. The elevated sprocket eliminates the final drive system, which tended to break frequently. This elevated drive sprocket undercarriage was built in modular form. You can break down the tracks and then pull out the drive sprockets. From the back you can pull the transmission out because of the modular design. As the engine and drivetrain are mounted high in a traditional bulldozer, the half shafts from the differential exit above the drive sprocket, requiring a small gear on the end of the half shaft and another, larger one attached to the drive sprocket. The high-drive system eliminates the traditional final drive in favor of the planetary final drive, which is more effective at withstanding engine torque, since it spreads the forces over multiple gear teeth instead of a single tooth as in the traditional system. The disadvantage is that the track moves around one more sprocket, reducing track life. Caterpillar claims to have alleviated this with the SALT(Sealed and Lubricated Track), a permanently lubricated track system which was introduced on their track-type tractors in the early 1970s.

That will be cool to see a 1/50 rc dozer run.

[Rvjimd]

Scott,

Thanks for finding that! Very interesting!

And thanks to everyone on the site for sharing and inspiring me with all the pictures, videos and threads FULL of useful and entertaining info.

Jim

[doodlebug]

Hey Jim, look on YouTube for 1:87 conversions, I saw a dozer and loader videos.
Hope this gives you some ideas!
Cheers, Neil.

[Rvjimd]

Really? 1:87? I can't even begin to imagine how to do one that size?

I'm looking for that stuff...

Jim

[doodlebug]

Hey Jim, here we go! 1:50, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvNo9zWErEM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSIslBc4678 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3PMj7KiwkE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnfatCls-FY 1:87 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R04Q1TWxF0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R04Q1TWxF0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvPWFwxglXw https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...JsxL9ufr0&NR=1
Ok I've opened a can of worm's, LOL!

Hope this helps with your research!

Cheer's, Neil.

[Rvjimd]

Thanks for the links! That first one works really good! Wonder what the white rock is?

How the heck is that hoe working? It can't be hydro, and I don't see a servo on the boom or stick? Is it a jack screw of some sort?

Jim

[Rvjimd]

Oh ya. There are some worms loose around here now!

[doodlebug]

Springs and tiny cables on that first hoe.
Cheers, Neil.