Mini Dozer - Project near complete

[SpecElim]

This track system is off a track loader but it is the closest I could find to what an excavator system would look like.

http://www.constructionequip.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/bobcat-suspension.jpg

Matt.

 

[workinprogress]

I would agree that on a larger machine the suspension and rollers would be the way to go. If you compare this to the Struck Corp Machine which actually doesn't have any supports between the track sprockets it may be an improvement. I based my design more on this small dozer than the larger machines.

Magnatrac RS1000 Specifications

So size and purpose needs to be considered. I am way under 1,000 lbs. When I keep a little tension on the drive tracks I have never lost the track.

I guess everything is relative.

 

[workinprogress]

After a long break due to items on the "Honey do list" have returned to work on the mini dozer. The first photo has the small blade sitting infront of the machine. I am working on the mounting and lifting brackets for that.
I have added double spring tensioners (each spring is rated at 400 lbs per inch) for the track tension along with grease fitting to keep the parts sliding. I have added a middle wheel which helps keep the track off the frame and also indicates the tension of the track. I changed the drive ratio from 3.4 to 2.5 to 1. This put a smaller sprocket on near the track which seems to work better than the larger sprocket because it picks up less dirt/leaves/sticks. Should get the blade frame done this week.

 

[Johndeere3720]

lookin good.:thumbsup: What do you plan to do with it? will the blade have down pressure? will it be able to angle left or right?

 

[workinprogress]

My main purpose was to build something that I could pull out firewood for heating my house. I also thought it would be cool and a interesting to build. I have been pulling out firewood with a 2wd garden tractor but unless the conditons are perfect it just doesn't make it up some of the hills.

As fars as the blade. It is basically a used snow blade form a lawn tractor which I will reinforce. The blade will have manual angling pins and hopefully down pressure but I still need to design a simple/inexpensive lift system. Something like a 12v linear actuator or maybe even a manual trailer tongue jack.

 

[Johndeere3720]

My main purpose was to build something that I could pull out firewood for heating my house. I also thought it would be cool and a interesting to build. I have been pulling out firewood with a 2wd garden tractor but unless the conditons are perfect it just doesn't make it up some of the hills.

As fars as the blade. It is basically a used snow blade form a lawn tractor which I will reinforce. The blade will have manual angling pins and hopefully down pressure but I still need to design a simple/inexpensive lift system. Something like a 12v linear actuator or maybe even a manual trailer tongue jack.

what about a top link that is mounted up under the engine that connects to the blade? Or even a small hydraulic cylinder.:thumbsup:

 

[workinprogress]

To add any hydraulics I would need to put an entire system onto the it. I am using a combination pump/valves system to power the hydraulic motors. I was thinking of using the trailer tongue jack similar to your top link idea with the hope of being able to adjust things (up/down) from the seat.

 

[mjncad]

Looking good! How about changing the name on the hood from 'Wheel Horse' to 'Track Horse?'

 

[Renze]

Looks like its improving all along- just like my frontloader build. When i finally got it to work, i wasnt statisfied and added parallel linkage. later 3rd and 4th hydraulic functions. later i improved the quickhitch.

 

[David Devuono]

Those variable double pumps look like a bargin at $129.99. I have spent a few days figuring out how I could use one on my project but can't get around that I would have to build a separate hydraulic system to operate a dump bed and blade. It seems ideal for your machine. A fellow on the machine builders network ended up having to encase his chain drives to keep rocks and debris out. I was thinking that with a looser fitting chain and a spring loaded idiler would help your chain drive to handle some debris? From what I have learned, with your 12hp engine, it should really load up with both pumps putting out 6gpm per side. Since the sound of your dozer engine is not changing in the video, you could likely go with 1:1 gearing. Of course then you would need a suspension seat.