1/10 caterpillar 140h motor grader 3d printed

[Orange RC Works]

Started working on the CAD models of this project couple of months ago and just recently started printing the parts and assembling them as i go. Basic structure is done, drivetrain is done...actuators are working (ripper is next), cab is next.

https://i.ibb.co/WFtVGwj/20240107-225000.jpg (https://ibb.co/k01m5fv) https://i.ibb.co/qJwj6L5/20240107-225005.jpg (https://ibb.co/tL5KRwX)

https://i.ibb.co/QMhxRYV/20240107-225225.jpg (https://ibb.co/89GQpPw) https://i.ibb.co/H4Q4w8g/20240105-030936.jpg (https://ibb.co/B3R3WMs)

https://i.ibb.co/whHwtXj/20240105-030912.jpg (https://ibb.co/s9S67Gz) https://i.ibb.co/dbLpT0Z/20240107-225031.jpg (https://ibb.co/B4r6pVk)

https://i.ibb.co/zXNhhDK/20240107-225039.jpg (https://ibb.co/StJXXGq) https://i.ibb.co/m8XWrQb/20240103-021741.jpg (https://ibb.co/2Ns40XW)

https://i.ibb.co/qxHKw7M/20240107-225132.jpg (https://ibb.co/6NKz5rR) https://i.ibb.co/bmGm55w/001-Capture.jpg (https://ibb.co/vqMq44y)

[jerry56]

I just can't get over the CAD skills. I use tinkerCad and just do really basic stuff, this is just mind boggling .
Did you do the wheels as 2 or three pieces I see the blue stripe in the middle...

[ddmckee54]

Looking good!

Are you going to use your regular powered ram design for the hydraulic cylinders?

[Orange RC Works]

I just can't get over the CAD skills. I use tinkerCad and just do really basic stuff, this is just mind boggling .
Did you do the wheels as 2 or three pieces I see the blue stripe in the middle...

Thanks, i kinda liked the challenge of figuring out a shape to model when starting out a project, also, i need to figure out how to cut a piece so i dont have to print with so much support which will all just be waste afterwards, if you know what i mean, also, the big pieces would have to be printed in sections coz i have a small printing surface, the hard part is joining the big pieces and getting them aligned and straight... anyway, i have to print the wheels in 2 pieces coz if i do it in 1 piece, i would have to remove a big piece of support because of how deep the wheel is. downside is you wont get a perfect circle when its printed in 2 pieces, i still have to figure out how to make it not wobble too much, im thinking of using a heat gun to heat it up a little bit then turning it in a drill so i can maybe push the walls.

[Orange RC Works]

Looking good!

Are you going to use your regular powered ram design for the hydraulic cylinders?

yes i do, with an N20 gearmotor though i have to redesign it to make it smaller by making the walls thinner, coz i know that the cylinders on these graders are long and typically smaller in diameter.

[Orange RC Works]

Cab build has started...

https://i.ibb.co/H79FRj1/20240118-030826.jpg (https://ibb.co/1Z4vBkh) https://i.ibb.co/GxyBYNx/20240118-030833.jpg (https://ibb.co/ZL5t47L)

https://i.ibb.co/3WxMDPJ/20240118-030843.jpg (https://ibb.co/1KCdD4S)

[ddmckee54]

I see that now, I was thinking that maybe you were planning on running the wires through the fake hydraulic hoses.

[Orange RC Works]

I see that now, I was thinking that maybe you were planning on running the wires through the fake hydraulic hoses.

You know i never thought of that, i could have done that on the 2 long lifting cylinders but i guess my mind got stuck on the short ones where there is no way to have the wires run inside the cylinder body. I guess i may redesign those lifting cylinders, lets see... and thanks for the heads up.

[frizzen]

Great looking machine!!
Looks like it's really coming along fast. Which plastic are you using for this?

[Orange RC Works]

Great looking machine!!
Looks like it's really coming along fast. Which plastic are you using for this?

Still using PLA for this build, its a mix of PLA+, regular PLA and Tough PLA coz im still using the old 1st Gen Ender 3 printer LOL... I was supposed to start using the new anycubic Kobra Go printer which i bought on sale but i still have not opened the box... oh i remember, i dont have anymore space for another printer so i need to organize and make some space for it to sit on. I did try to use ABS once but for some reason, I was not able to get the results i want, the prints are falling apart, and it frustrated me... so went back to PLA.

[Orange RC Works]

Engine cover is on...accessory lighting is on.. next is the ripper and cab interior.

https://i.ibb.co/WBQzHWs/20240128-023225.jpg (https://ibb.co/SV2m6XJ) https://i.ibb.co/fnyD4Xd/20240128-023239.jpg (https://ibb.co/WPMVgHv)

https://i.ibb.co/CQrTg3S/20240128-023253.jpg (https://ibb.co/dDhzFwH) https://i.ibb.co/R7RS4xK/20240128-023311.jpg (https://ibb.co/LvVPhLy)

[ddmckee54]

It looks like you've got aluminum extrusions for the frame rails under the engine. Is there anything extra in the beam that supports the blade and the front wheels? Or did you print it with extra perimeters?

[Orange RC Works]

It looks like you've got aluminum extrusions for the frame rails under the engine. Is there anything extra in the beam that supports the blade and the front wheels? Or did you print it with extra perimeters?

The aluminum is the same channel trim for 3/4" plywood that I have used on the Oshkosh and Kenworth truck chassis, I just had to trim it a little bit. thought it would make the tub chassis a lot stiffer... also the arching beam is printed but with a 3/4 thick plywood sandwiched in between the beam which is U-shaped, i had to scrape the upper middle part of the plywood to make way for the wires from the servo and the headlight and for the motor power lines as well... the plywood would give it stiffness and some weight.

[ddmckee54]

I didn't realize that front beam was that thick, a piece of 3/4" ply glued in there will do wonders for its' strength.

I was thinking that the beam was thinner and maybe had a piece of aluminum plate glued in there for extra support.

[jerry56]

Slick idea using plywood... I keep forgetting this is 1/10 so it's a lot bigger than one would think....

[Orange RC Works]

Ripper assembly is installed... moving on to the cab interior....

https://i.ibb.co/F6SHftT/20240202-014430.jpg (https://ibb.co/5TNKzVH) https://i.ibb.co/Fx49XFs/20240202-003602.jpg (https://ibb.co/w0hT7fJ)

[ddmckee54]

How long did it take you to get the openings in the engine covers cleaned up and ready for paint? I know you've said you sand until you're happy with things, but that would have driven me bonkers.

[Orange RC Works]

How long did it take you to get the openings in the engine covers cleaned up and ready for paint? I know you've said you sand until you're happy with things, but that would have driven me bonkers.

i had to print that side flat on the bed otherwise, if standing up, i had to clean up a lot of stuff, and that side panel is almost 26.5 cm so it had to be in 2 sections to fit on the printer bed, then i just glue the 2 sections together, the 2nd picture is the grille face down on the printer...

https://i.ibb.co/hXg5g2F/007-Capture.jpg (https://ibb.co/XyWBWFx) https://i.ibb.co/khcr77N/008-Capture.jpg (https://ibb.co/RCHMFFR)

[Orange RC Works]

this is the complete assembly of the engine compartment

https://i.ibb.co/qyysnYc/009-Capture.jpg (https://ibb.co/0DDMXy6)

[Zabco]

Very impressive piece of work, will really be interesting to see in in action when complete. Like the idea of using the plywood to strengthen the structure. What kind of adhesive did you use to bond the PLA to the wood?

[Orange RC Works]

Very impressive piece of work, will really be interesting to see in in action when complete. Like the idea of using the plywood to strengthen the structure. What kind of adhesive did you use to bond the PLA to the wood?

I remember i used epoxy so i can still set and then clamp it, and then a little CA glue on the edges to set it firmly.

[Orange RC Works]

too many hours of cad work...

https://i.ibb.co/MVZ6ty8/010-Capture.jpg (https://ibb.co/yydSZmh) https://i.ibb.co/Ky1H5SW/012-Capture.jpg (https://ibb.co/MNXLgQ7)

https://i.ibb.co/LxqqQbD/015-Capture.jpg (https://ibb.co/R3MMhZG) https://i.ibb.co/XW49t3X/014-Capture.jpg (https://ibb.co/7SzHKRv)

[ddmckee54]

What are you using for your CAD? I'm looking for something that isn't a subscription.

I don't mind paying for a license, but I'd rather have a perpetual license instead of something that can be turned off if they feel like it. (Like Autodesk, Draftsight, and Designspark all did.)

[Orange RC Works]

What are you using for your CAD? I'm looking for something that isn't a subscription.

I don't mind paying for a license, but I'd rather have a perpetual license instead of something that can be turned off if they feel like it. (Like Autodesk, Draftsight, and Designspark all did.)

I have been modeling with Autocad for all my projects since i started using a printer so im quite comfortable with it. got it from a friend who lets me use the license, but i dont the use the online connectivity, quite annoying.

[Zabco]

What are you using for your CAD? I'm looking for something that isn't a subscription.

You might be interested in Atom 3D by Alibre. I'm with you on wanting to own my software and I hate these 'cloud' based programs. I've been using Atom 3D for over a decade now and really like it. Once you buy it, you own it. This includes any upgrades for a year that they may put out. If the year has expired and you want to install an upgrade it's only $50 for another year. But you don't have to upgrade if you don't want, the program is still yours and keeps working. The program is currently selling for $199 but they have a 20% off deal going through the end of this month. Atom is not as full featured as their 'pro' and 'expert' programs but they are much more expensive and subscription based. The only thing really lacking in Atom that I wished it had is sheet metal layout. But I still remember enough of my high school drafting class to be able to manually layout the work I need.

[carp]

this is great, how did you design the bogie drive? gear motor gear train or chain drive? always interested to see pictures of how others have done it. Also attaching the bogie to the diff output?
you can pick up a solidworks connected for $49 a year which is everything bar solidworks motion which you probably wont need, failing that fusion 360 is free

[Orange RC Works]

this is great, how did you design the bogie drive? gear motor gear train or chain drive? always interested to see pictures of how others have done it. Also attaching the bogie to the diff output?
you can pick up a solidworks connected for $49 a year which is everything bar solidworks motion which you probably wont need, failing that fusion 360 is free

This is how it looks like inside the axle casing...I use a #35 steel chain that wraps around both wheel axles sprocket and goes at the bottom of the center sprocket. I printed the sprockets with brass axles so i would just strip or slip when under heavy load. easy to repair than having to repair a stripped gearbox. the center sprocket is directly attached with a flange to the double output shaft geared motor, so it is all locked up, no center differential gears...
https://i.ibb.co/0fQqxj7/004-Capture.jpg (https://ibb.co/ZhNd06j)

[ddmckee54]

Is there some type of bearing inside those green shells for the sprocket/axle shafts? Or are the shells 3D printed bearings?

[Orange RC Works]

Is there some type of bearing inside those green shells for the sprocket/axle shafts? Or are the shells 3D printed bearings?

Yup, 8x16x5 steel bearings on both end casing so 6 bearings in that bogey axle.

[Orange RC Works]

Cab interior almost done, except the pedals, rear view mirror and cooling fan...

https://i.ibb.co/Q9zrd3H/20240316-133740.jpg (https://ibb.co/p2GJyBK) https://i.ibb.co/D1Pq1q7/20240316-115409.jpg (https://ibb.co/8mnhmhj)

https://i.ibb.co/SJWRD1N/20240316-115424.jpg (https://ibb.co/HX1nLM7) https://i.ibb.co/gRtj4KB/20240316-115540.jpg (https://ibb.co/x7zCFTR)

[jerry56]

Glad you showed a close-up of the cab... I want to do a Nylint grader at some point so I was looking for some cab detail....Mine won't be that detailed but I'll add something to help it out a little...

[Orange RC Works]

Glad you showed a close-up of the cab... I want to do a Nylint grader at some point so I was looking for some cab detail....Mine won't be that detailed but I'll add something to help it out a little...

oh those vintage metal toys, i remember seeing one when i was a kid at some friends house, but they were locked in a glass cabinet, so only for the eyes... that is where my love for miniature stuff started, cant buy one, so i built my own toys...lol

[Orange RC Works]

pedals and cooling fan are installed...

https://i.ibb.co/YkgRdcz/20240318-232828.jpg (https://ibb.co/Kqn0s2M) https://i.ibb.co/tB50Jx2/20240318-232843.jpg (https://ibb.co/zsw3472)


https://i.ibb.co/5GgZByJ/20240318-232808.jpg (https://ibb.co/YPFgpMV)

[jerry56]

Either that thing is huge or your printer prints some tiny tiny stuff....
Loving the details ...

[Orange RC Works]

Either that thing is huge or your printer prints some tiny tiny stuff....
Loving the details ...

Haha, thanks, its quite huge as it is exactly 1/10th of the full size rig, end to end its about 3.5 ft or 42 inches long, 11.5 inches wide and 13.5 inches tall on the roof... the cat D8 T is also in 10th scale as i have decided long before to just create rc models in 10th scale. Im currently finishing the modeling, printing, test fitting ang installing the electronics and other accessories in time for some warm sunny day for the paint job to commence. I just got delivery of the tires so im putting it on and then take a photo and have it posted.

[Orange RC Works]

the tires have arrived... i think they are the right size at 130mm diameter and 60mm wide...

https://i.ibb.co/CBKc031/20240320-182812.jpg (https://ibb.co/8MgC8LK) https://i.ibb.co/V3bTqks/20240320-182836.jpg (https://ibb.co/7bBK10q)

https://i.ibb.co/6r55F1Z/20240320-182440.jpg (https://ibb.co/XjTTt34) https://i.ibb.co/MgH4bGJ/20240320-182226.jpg (https://ibb.co/hgNjkZT)

https://i.ibb.co/CW5wbnk/20240320-182516.jpg (https://ibb.co/b7g6srS) https://i.ibb.co/crTcCcT/20240320-182647.jpg (https://ibb.co/KryjLjy)

[ddmckee54]

Oooooo... those look right at home. Any foam inserts in those tires?

[Orange RC Works]

Oooooo... those look right at home. Any foam inserts in those tires?

they do come with inserts, these are 2.2 tires, luckily, i designed the rims to be 60mm diameter which is what 2.2 tires come with, and with a bit of stretching when you put it in... i might add another 10mm thick of foam to make it more solid and beefy...and also, to push the tire beads towards the rim lip, im pretty sure it will get a lot heavier when the electronics and battery are installed...and i dont want it to look like a flat tire when sitting still.

[Orange RC Works]

Update on the build... i have a driver, yay... the tires also i think is a good fit and quite realistic...

https://i.ibb.co/VY60k49/20240415-182511.jpg (https://ibb.co/fdJVTwF) https://i.ibb.co/d4XtRGm/20240415-182527.jpg (https://ibb.co/4RC2HP1)

https://i.ibb.co/6y0NYyQ/20240320-182751.jpg (https://ibb.co/XWxVXWH) https://i.ibb.co/CBKc031/20240320-182812.jpg (https://ibb.co/8MgC8LK)

https://i.ibb.co/yh1FKrQ/20240320-182727.jpg (https://ibb.co/s5G9cZV) https://i.ibb.co/VYCjN9C/20240320-182712.jpg (https://ibb.co/ch8gv38)

https://i.ibb.co/V3bTqks/20240320-182836.jpg (https://ibb.co/7bBK10q) https://i.ibb.co/Zcr1g5g/20240320-182938.jpg (https://ibb.co/SVg7mbm)

https://i.ibb.co/MgH4bGJ/20240320-182226.jpg (https://ibb.co/hgNjkZT) https://i.ibb.co/zVTq0L1/20240320-182300.jpg (https://ibb.co/CK3RTXq)

https://i.ibb.co/6r55F1Z/20240320-182440.jpg (https://ibb.co/XjTTt34) https://i.ibb.co/D1Pq1q7/20240316-115409.jpg (https://ibb.co/8mnhmhj)

https://i.ibb.co/SJWRD1N/20240316-115424.jpg (https://ibb.co/HX1nLM7) https://i.ibb.co/CW5wbnk/20240320-182516.jpg (https://ibb.co/b7g6srS)

[jerry56]

Were you able to set it up to steer with front wheel tilt for left and right

[frizzen]

Wow, that's got some killer detailing!!!
Awesome looking grader

[Orange RC Works]

Were you able to set it up to steer with front wheel tilt for left and right

I came up with a design where the axle pivot and the pitman arm pivot are at the same axis so even when the axle is tilted, it can still push the steering arms side to side, the pitman arm has pushrods connected to the servo mounted inside the nose section... you can see the pushrods in the picture as i have not mounted the servos yet....

https://i.ibb.co/9syFNP3/20240320-182542.jpg (https://ibb.co/xJzpDZ8) https://i.ibb.co/k9mMfyK/20240418-204111.jpg (https://ibb.co/0FsQSXq)

[Orange RC Works]

Wow, that's got some killer detailing!!!
Awesome looking grader

thanks, i just love looking at those tiny switches and levers... they were just a pain to put together as the PLA prints are like silk and slippery and it slips from you finger tips and fly away and i have to spend some time trying to find them lol...