Prototype Cat Tractor and Road Groomer

[RM model Mack]

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






Disruptor trans and 2.18:1 Disruptor transfer case are narrow and fit nicely in between the rails:



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.

[Supermario]

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.

[RM model Mack]

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...



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...

[RM model Mack]

more done today...

The rear axle has bosses for the servo plate...



So used them to mount an scx10 battery plate. 2 out of 3 holes lined up and also added another:



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:

[RM model Mack]

Added some Gearhead beadlock bolts today. Center caps to follow.



And fabbed an ESC/receiver box behind the cab (needs lots of sanding work)

[RM model Mack]

first coat of Old Caterpillar Yellow



Added a plow for next winter. The lift mechanism is next.

[djcrabtree]

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.

[RM model Mack]

Thank you very much!

Finished painting the groomer



Chassis is ready for painting this weekend

[Lmackattack]

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!

[RM model Mack]

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!)

[RM model Mack]

[Lmackattack]

Originally Posted by RM model Mack

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!)

Sorry ....i did not write that correctly....the combo of heavy loads and a big reduction with the disruptor twisted my plastic driveshaft In half. The disruptor is a beast.

[RM model Mack]

OK, cool. New shafts being ordered asap.

[RM model Mack]

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.

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Very Nice work!

[kroll62]

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.

[RM model Mack]

Thank you fellas!

Got a lot of painting done this weekend...





Awaiting delivery of a stronger servo for the groomer and then it's test time outside.

[RM model Mack]

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.

[RM model Mack]

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.

[Lmackattack]

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?