Bruder 574 RC conversion weekend project!

[SteinHDan]

Hi!

I know there has been a lot of Bruder 574 conversions, but not one like this one..

The goal was to try to convert the Bruder 574 to RC with the very least amount of work during a weekend. (Easter had a long weekend and thus it would be possible)

Note that there is no steering servo in this conversion!


http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/Bruder.jpg


There are some 3D-printed parts in the front and in the back:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/BruderParts.jpg

The front and rear axles are 30mm aluminum tubing with 2mm walls.


I re-used the wheels:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1524.jpg

All the wheels are drive by a 12v 24rpm gear motor:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1529.jpg


The hubs I got from Ebay didn't have a thread, so I tapped a M4 thread in them:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1530.jpg


I 3D-printed a stencil to help guide where the holes should be:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1531.jpg


Then I assembled the rear pivot:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1535.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1537.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1543.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1544.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1545.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1549.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1549a.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1549b.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1549c.jpg


Cut away the fake axle to make room for wires going from the front to the back:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1558.jpg


Assembled the front section:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1559.jpg


Like in the rear there is a small screw holding hitting a small hole in the axle that fixes it in the printed part:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1561.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1562.jpg


The motors are held in place by two M4 5mm long set screws, one on each side (for balancing the position in the tube):

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1563.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1564.jpg


I remove one screw from the firgelli actuators and re-insert that into the holder. That way the actuator is fixed inside the holder:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1569.jpg

[SteinHDan]

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1571.jpg


I re-purposed the original Bruder axles in both ends of the boom cylinders. The new lengths were 100mm and 85mm. I cut away that part that previously held the wheels.

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1572.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1574.jpg


I 3D-printed another stencil to help guide where the holes in the bottom should be. It's important to do this before cutting away the original axle mounts, otherwise there will be no reference points:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1575.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1576.jpg


3D-printed a stencil for the top holes as well:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1577.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1578.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1579.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1580.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1581.jpg


The top cylinder is mounted with two M4 screws:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1582.jpg


For the boom cylinder mounts, i just added something to avoid them sliding inwards:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1584.jpg


http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1587.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1588.jpg

[SteinHDan]

Video:


https://youtu.be/MBxpjOn_Arw


http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/video1.jpg
(https://youtu.be/MBxpjOn_Arw)

[SteinHDan]

In case anyone wants to try the same approach, here are the 3D files:

The full model in Fusion 360 format:
- BruderLoader+v13.f3d (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/BruderLoader+v13.f3d)

The individual 3D-printed parts:
- BoomCylinderMount.stl (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/BoomCylinderMount.stl)
- FrontBottomHolesTemplate.stl (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/FrontBottomHolesTemplate.stl)
- FrontSideSpacer.stl (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/FrontSideSpacer.stl)
- FrontStructure.stl (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/FrontStructure.stl)
- FrontTopHolesTemplate.stl (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/FrontTopHolesTemplate.stl)
- RearAxle.stl (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/RearAxle.stl)
- RearAxleMountFront.stl (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/RearAxleMountFront.stl)
- RearAxleMountRear.stl (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/RearAxleMountRear.stl)
- WheelBoltsTemplate.stl (http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/WheelBoltsTemplate.stl)

[frizzen]

That is awesome! Great conversion, and thanks for offering up files so others can follow your lead.

[SteinHDan]

Thanks, Frizzen!


Here are some specs on the parts too:
- A normal 4ch RC transmitter and receiver (for once no embedded PC :-) )
- 1 x 3S battery ~2000mAh
- 2 x Sabertooth 2x5 R/C (https://www.dimensionengineering.com/products/sabertooth2x5rc)
- 4 x JGA25-370 12V 24RPM (http://www.ebay.com/itm/302013680813)
- 1 x L12-S Actuator with Limit Switches - 30mm - 100:1 - 12 volts (https://www.actuonix.com/L12-S-Micro-Linear-Actuator-with-Limit-Switches-p/l12-s.htm)
- 2 x L12-S Actuator with Limit Switches - 50mm - 100:1 - 12 volts (https://www.actuonix.com/L12-S-Micro-Linear-Actuator-with-Limit-Switches-p/l12-s.htm)


The steering is controlled by wiring the motors such that both the front and the rear part move as tanks, but in opposite directions. I only use one controller for both the drive and steering. The other controller controls the boom and bucket.

The wiring for the drive motors:
- Channel 1: Front left motor + rear right motor
- Channel 2: Front right motor + rear left motor

The first motor controller works in mixed mode. The other in normal mode.


Stein :-)

[Efroeh]

Awesome conversion very well thought out design. Great job

[TheBennyB]

Fantastic work! Really awesome stuff, good thinking on the templates as well.

[SteinHDan]

Thanks, Efroeh and TheBennyB!

Stein :-)

[Rvjimd]

Very cool, thanks for the detail, I like the different ideas you used!

Jim

[SteinHDan]

Here are two videos of the first dirt digs:


http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/video-dirt-1.jpg
(https://youtu.be/9x_WLmYVvMw)





http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/video-dirt-2.jpg
(https://youtu.be/dkXeCRgrvGc)


At least it digs normal dirt with small rocks and all, even if it's not a full bucket on each load. :-)


Stein :-)

[kaptain Jack]

Man, thx for sharing the files, very kind of you. And job well done.

[Rvjimd]

Turned out really nice! Thanks for the files! I haven't yet, but will download them just in case I decide to do one of these!

Jim

[SteinHDan]

I see that I've left out some information:

- The aluminum axle tubes are cut to 135mm length.
- The wheel hubs (4mm axle) were bough here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/322385127356


Best regards,
Stein :-)

[skeeter]

THANKS for the link to E-bay parts! :bounce: I've been trying to find those for a project I've had laying around. I ordered one each, 3, 4, 5, & 6MM. :) Once I see which one(s) fit the best, I can them buy more of them.

[skeeter]

A great big THANK-YOU, sir for sharing the STL files. With todays addition of a 3D printer, I can now make one of these. I'm excited to get started, just have to wait for the delivery of the Bruder loader to get here................That, & have some spare time. LOL! I know when winter gets here, I'll have more than enough spare time to complete ALL my projects, & then some.

[SteinHDan]

Thanks, Skeeter! :-)

Congratulations on your newly acquired printer! :-)

I've also put the files up on Shapeways if there anyone not owning a 3D-printer but still wants to get the parts made:
- https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=steinhdan+AND+bruder+AND+574+AND+loader&type=
I think Shapeways is very expensive, though...

There is a third alternative and that is https://www.3dhubs.com/
There you can get the parts printed on someone's 3D printer close to you.


Best regards,
Stein :-)

[Rvjimd]

Skeeter,

I'm jealous, sounds like a LOT of fun getting to learn and play with a new 3D printer and converting a loader! You should start a build thread including setting up and using the new printer!

Stein,

Thanks again for sharing the files and knowledge!

Jim

[SteinHDan]

Thanks, Jim! :-)

Stein :-)

[SteinHDan]

I bought a smaller radio for my sons to get a better grip:

- https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-5x-5ch-mini-transmitter-and-receiver-mode-2.html

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1605.jpg


It did not have self-centering for all the axis on the joysticks, so I opened it up to see if there was just something to screw loose or something like that to get it to self center.

But there was a part missing to get the self-centering functionality. I copied the design in Fusion 360 and 3D-printed a new part.

- STL file: http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/stl/TXStickCenter.stl

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1606.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1607.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1608.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1609.jpg




Also, the spring was missing. I took that from an old donor radio.

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1610.jpg


Putting it back into the radio:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1616.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1620.jpg


The end result:
(now with self-centering on all axis)

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1621.jpg





Stein :-)

[frizzen]

The ebay page on motors left out overall length of motors?

About what kind of distance were you at hub to hub?

[SteinHDan]

I also did a bit of cleanup work. The initial weekend project was done in a hurry, and I didn't have all the parts I wanted to use. I ordered them, though, and I got them a bit later. I've now installed them:


For the through-going M3 bolts, I've got these black socket head very long bolts:
- M3x80mm, black: http://www.ebay.com/itm/302135308656

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1665.jpg


For the bucket cylinder, I got one 4x20mm pin and one 4x25mm pin:
- Steel dovel pins: http://www.ebay.com/itm/291965605757

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1667.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1668.jpg


For the rear pivot, I got a 6x80mm pin:
- Steel dovel pins: http://www.ebay.com/itm/291965605757

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1669.jpg

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG1671.jpg


Finally, all the pins will get r-clips, but I've not received those yet:
- R-clip, 1:16 scale: http://www.ebay.com/itm/252099772994



Stein :-)

[skeeter]

The parts that keep the front actuators from sliding/moving inwards, do you recall what size those were?

[SteinHDan]

Hi Skeeter,


I just used whatever I had laying around. It was this one:
- 4x4mm coupling: http://www.ebay.com/itm/231268270917

Later I bought these, which I would rather have used:
- 4mm stop collar: http://www.ebay.com/itm/332159040679


Best regards,
Stein :-)

[SteinHDan]

The ebay page on motors left out overall length of motors?

About what kind of distance were you at hub to hub?

It's a little difficult to measure when it's in one piece. I'll try to measure it for you the next time I have it dismantled.

I think I would actually use motors with a little higher RPM. I chose 24rpm because I was afraid the steering would be bad if the motor wasn't powerful enough, but the motors are more than powerful enough and the loader is a little bit slow with 24rpm motors. Maybe 32rpm or something like that is a better fit for this model.


Best regards,
Stein :-)

[frizzen]

No problem, i'm just trying to steal ideas for a completely different kind of build. I need to tuck tires (prefer duallys, maybe super singles) under 6" wide fenders, and a slowish but reasonable road speed, 4 motors, probably walking beam suspension.

Thanks again for open sourcing the build, it's really informative!

[SteinHDan]

Thanks, Frizzen! :-)

I found another listing on Ebay that included the table of sizes for the different gear boxes:
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/200910274596

For the 24rpm gear box, it's 25mm.


Stein :-)

[skeeter]

Skeeter,

I'm jealous, sounds like a LOT of fun getting to learn and play with a new 3D printer and converting a loader! You should start a build thread including setting up and using the new printer!

Stein,

Thanks again for sharing the files and knowledge!

Jim

There's not much fun setting it up, & learning it. If it weren't for this gentleman, I would be a LONG time before I could print anything useful. Converting the loader I think will be fun :bounce:

You wouldn't be so jealous if you had the credit card payments for it. I put it on my Fry's Electronics credit card. Their interest rate is Prime, PLUS 27.35%. The printer, & 4 spools of filament, plus a 32GB thumb drive was a touch over $800.oo after taxes. I plan to pay it off in 3-4 months, so that the interest WON'T kill me.

I could do a thread about getting set up, but......every manufacturers models are different. I don't think it'd be very useful. I messed with it for over 6 hours yesterday. Calibrate, make recommended adjustments, Re-Calubrate.......it's a viacious & seems never ending cycle.

[skeeter]

Stein, when you say copied, did you 3D scan it, or copied by recreating it in Fusion 360?

[skeeter]

Did you use PLA, or ABS filiment to print your parts? I've done the boom cylinder mounts, & they are coming out of my machine slighty sroopy, & slopy(ish). I'm just trying to figure out if I may be using the wrong kind of filament for the way the parts are designed.

[SteinHDan]

Yes, it does take time to get to know 3D printing i general and also the characteristics of your own machine. But if you stick at it, you'll get it.

I always print in ABS, but it should print fine with PLA. It takes a little time to get to know your machine. I also used to calibrate a lot. Now I only do it maybe every 6 months.

There is a very good guide on a lot of different printing problems here:
- https://www.simplify3d.com/support/print-quality-troubleshooting/

Make sure you print the boom cylinder mounts laying on the side (like a donut) and with the smaller opening down (so that you don't get any overhangs).

If it is sroopy / slopy, then maybe the temperature is a bit high or you are extruding too much plastic? Have a look at the guide and see what problem matches your problem the best.

If you still have problems printing the thin walls of the part, then just download the Fusion 360 file and push out the walls maybe 0.5mm on each side to get thicker walls. The part should still fit fine. Then select and save as .stl and retry the print.


Best regards,
Stein :-)

[SteinHDan]

Stein, when you say copied, did you 3D scan it, or copied by recreating it in Fusion 360?

I put the original part on a sheet of paper and photographed it from directly above (perpendicular to the sheet plane).

Then I import the image into fusion 360 as an canvas image and project it on a plane. I resize it to match the length of the original part.

Then I trace the shape using the sketch tool in fusion 360 and finally extrude the part to the correct thickness. Export to STL and print.


Stein :-)

[skeeter]

Thank-You, sir for the help. I really appreciate it.

[Finster]

Excellent conversion! I really like how you handled the steering, I would have never of thought of that. Also that you included links to all the parts you used. Overall well done.

[skeeter]

Skeeter,

I'm jealous, sounds like a LOT of fun getting to learn and play with a new 3D printer and converting a loader! You should start a build thread including setting up and using the new printer!

Stein,

Thanks again for sharing the files and knowledge!

Jim

Build thread has been started. Here's the link
http://www.rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?p=157697#post157697

[SteinHDan]

I added some weight to the wheels to give the loader some more traction:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/IMAG2784.jpg



Test:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/Vide3-YouTube.jpg (https://youtu.be/De2iEjEHIEA)

https://youtu.be/De2iEjEHIEA

[CustomCrawlerz]

Very nice looking build Sir.. Oh the possibilities with having a 3D printer... I have not completed any of my Loader builds yet... But, soon hopefully.
www.customcrawlerz.com

[SteinHDan]

I got some requests for export to other formats, so here you go, STEP and IGES:

http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/2018-09-01.jpg

- STEP: http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/BruderLoader-v13.iges
- IGES: http://d1t2tbzmskak12.cloudfront.net/bruder-574-loader/BruderLoader-v13.iges


Best regards,
Stein :-)

[Zabco]

I have been working on a Bruder 574 conversion based on your method and 3D print files. I just wanted to say how impressed I have been with precision and fit of your parts, you have done a very good job with the design. In your videos it appears that you have also added working headlights and flashing beacon to yours. I would like to ask how you ran the wires up through the cab to get to those locations? Again, very nice job.

[SteinHDan]

Hi Zabco!

I actually ran those lights two years before I did the conversion. I don't have a picture, but I can try to take one when I have it in pieces the next time. It's really simple, almost as if Bruder have been thinking about us convertors :-)
Just pop off the roof, and you will see what I mean.

Best regards,
Stein :-)

[Zabco]

Please don't take your machine apart just for my sake. I have disassembled the cab on mine and yes there is some nice room between the top of the cab roof and the inside ceiling. My concern was running wires up into that space from inside the cab. I was hoping for some way too keep them hidden but given the openness of the cab and that it is only one piece I don't see anyway to keep wires completely hidden. Fortunately I have some pretty small two conductor cable with a white jacket that I think can be run up the right hand side and will not be too obvious.

[TheBennyB]

Could just use some white shrink tube as a conduit. Maybe just tack it in on top and bottom with shoe goop to hold in place.

[Zabco]

I ended up using the white jacketed cable I had. Given the small diameter of the cable and the tinted windows it really isn't noticeable. The cable is so stiff and it is right against the right side of the cab that I didn't have to use any adhesive to keep it in place.

[edge]

One of the best Bruder front loader builds I've seen on the web so far!
Like your steering approach a lot.
Tnxs a lot for all provided information, including iges file.
Immediately started to buy some components last night :)