LESU Cat 374 build log/progress

[avel]

I got the LESU Caterpillar 374 excavator.
I would recommend replacing the brushless ESC's that control the drive motors. I couldn't figure out how to program the included ESC's to remove the brake function before going into reverse. I don't think it's possible to remove it on these ESC's. I bought some of off Ebay that should go right into reverse, I'll see when I receive them.

Also bought some fluid filters from Magom HRC and some filter assembly that is ran in real equipment. The kit doesn't come with a filter.

I am in the process of taking apart some of the preassembled pieces and loctiting the screws and making sure grease is where its supposed to be.









more pictures here https://imgur.com/gallery/nS8qmLY

[Trucker47]

Excited to see this build thread! I have wanted one of these since RCSparks build one on his Youtube channel

[malawicarsten]

Originally Posted by Trucker47

Excited to see this build thread! I have wanted one of these since RCSparks build one on his Youtube channel

I think it's the smaller one he made and transformed to a Kobelco?

[avel]

RCSparks built the one based on a Komatsu PC360.
I uploaded a pdf of the kit manual to Facebook to the LESU excavator and loaders group. I'll see if I can upload it somewhere else so others can view it.

[skeeter]

I'll anxiously be following this thread!

[Lil Giants]

So what’s the price on this kit?

What radio will you use with it?

[avel]

4,200 USD. Ebay prices may vary a little.
I still have some old Hobbyking radio. I would like to purchase a new FrSky radio. Not Flysky, but FrSky. The FrSky Horus X12 would be really nice. I'm not sure yet.

[avel]

So I bought a FrSky radio. An X-lite S. I really miss having the OpenTX software on my old radio and it's a smaller, more compact size. It will be fun setting it up.
I've been lazy, haven't really done anything to the excavator. It's still cold here in Montana, so I haven't done any painting either.
I did order longer bolts to replace the included 4mm long ones that attach the tracks to the center piece. My reasoning is that with the extra length I can use nuts and not risk stripping the threaded holes. Or i can even cut a piece of aluminum and then that will distribute the clamping force over a bigger area.
I've even debated using JB Weld to epoxy it together. I can still feed the motor wires to the slipring. Who knows, I'll see what happens.

[avel]

I got the radio! I'll upload pics later. I've painted some parts on the excavator and modified some parts with a Dremel.
Now I'm just waiting on my receivers to arrive. That's the only downside, I'll have to change over to this new system.

[avel]

Elongated the holes for the motor wiring. I'm thinking of attaching the tracks/drive parts out so that it will be wider.


These cutouts I'm hoping will reduce the chances of the wires being rubbed through by the screws holding in the house bearing thing.





That's the radio. You can adjust if the sticks return to center or the force by adjusting long grub screws in the back. I left mine stock, so both sticks are sprung. I will use the rotary sliders on the top for track control. I have the radio beep, or vibrate to indicate when the sliders are in the middle position. I was thinking of using the radios gyro to control the tracks by first pressing the momentary switch and then tilting the radio side to side/forward backward, but I think the sliders work better for me.

[avel]

The 8 screws rotate and I'm hoping to reduce the chances of wires being rubbed through by cutting out those two sections and giving the wire a little bit more room.


A lot of the teeth weren't fully filled in the mold.

[Lil Giants]

That's not a bad price at all for a model that size, it'll be interesting to see how it is when you get it finished, like what the glr is.

Also be interesting to see how well the Lesu hyds perform, if the pump & valves have enough flow & if valves allow for sensitive accurate movement.

Radio looks nifty, what that cost?

What's the dimensions of the bucket?

[Rascall Hunter]

Aaron at RC Sparks just started a build of this one. Yes, he did the small one as a blue Kobelco before, and has now decided he needs a bigger one... *chuckle*
I would love to have one.

[avel]

Yeah I saw that. He must have a new updated version. I noticed he mentioned his track/chain frames had extra metal in them for weight.

I'm waiting on some screws to arrive so I have more clearance for the
wires that run to the track motors. I have a lot of painting to do still. I dont have a room for that so I wait until its warm enough outside and do some painting in a shed.

[fabi]

Hello ,
no further post about this construction
I also ordered one so I wanted to get some information on how it works here

greats Fabiaan from Belgium

[avel]

Just been busy and too lazy to post updates.
If you have Facebook there is a group on there for the LESU machines.

Try looking for the group called "Lesu excavator and wheel loader"

[Colin11123]

Build is looking good and good tips keep them coming !
My one is hopefully going to be on its way to me shortly really looking forward to the build
Could I ask a favor I'm looking for the dimensions of the hydraulic cylinders ? the length of the outer cylinders from end cap to pin hole ?
Roughly what diameter are the stock ones ?
I'm planning to increase the diameter a couple of mm on mine, so need to order the materials or possibly go kit form to save time to be delivered before I send the components away for powder coating.
Haven't been able to find dimensional drawings anywhere that show the cylinders.

Cheers

Colin.

[Mt. Jim]

I'm building one now too. Are you done with your's? I'm not far from you. only 90 miles. I got all interested in these since I retired. I used to have the full sized ones but couldn't stand not having something to work on.

[liddy102]

Bump

[Surge]

Can someone explain the basics of how hydraulic cylinders work when they are at the extremes? I notice the pump still operates, so fluid must be flowing back into the reservoir, even when the cylinder is extended, and the command to extend is maintained.