My Senior design project - a "Swamp Thing" tracked vehicle clone

[KubotainNH]

I could but my engineering degree is all my psychotic/neuroticsm with no actual degree, and my fabrication skills are rudimentary with only the simplest of tools. Which is why I admire the Russian builds.

Please don't let that stop you from posting, most of us are just fooling around building or repairing things. Never know when someone has a good idea that can help another out. Your rig looks pretty cool and it's functional which is the main thing.

 

[trackhead]

Did your bilge pump fans remedy the hot brakes? Mine are getting too hot in some situations and I have to stop to let them cool. Might have to try your concept.

 

[Garauld]

I think the fans helped a bunch although I've not really pushed it through the paces. I think switching to the higher pressure hydraulic brake steering system makes steering more efficient and quicker. The fans were cheap and easy to install.

 

[trackhead]

Thanks. My machine turns on a dime but it’s also very light. Plowing driveways and cruising in the yard works fine, but grinding up mountains today in a couple feet and using brakes more they got soft from the heat.

 

[Garauld]

It won't turn on a dime on grass - just ask our buddy Arly!

 

[Garauld]

BTW, how are you applying pressure to the steering brake calipers? Auto master cylinders?

 

[trackhead]

Yeah blacktop and grass I won’t go near. Gravel and snow, sure.

I’m using four (two per side) UTV calipers from a Razor 1000 basically. Each has their own cylinder, so lever pushes two at a time. If the air is purged well, it’s very light lever pressure to pull and create turn.

But in deep snow that requires a lot of corrective action, they do get hot.

I ordered some bilge blowers. I’ve ran mine with the back cover off and it definitely helps.

I think real snowcats like Bombi/Imp/Spryte have brake bands in an oil bath.

 

[hayden]

Would hydraulic drive solve the braking and heat problem? Obviously you would need to cool the hydraulics. I think hydraulics are how all modern tracked machines are propelled and braked.

 

[trackhead]

Yes, but hydrostatic systems can add 3500-5000$ to build cost.

 

[Garauld]

Yes, but hydrostatic systems can add 3500-5000$ to build cost.

I don't think I spent that much to build my entire machine.