Crawler Conversions

[Aussiebushman]

Yes - saw those pics thank you. Not quite what I had in mind, but an interesting solution

Thanks. Alan

 

[Aussiebushman]

Yes BHD

That is exactly what I had in mind, fitted just to the rear wheels, meaning the metal plates connected with chain sections. The idea of a half track makes the concept even better. I'll give some serious thought about how to make this,

Thanks, Alan

 

[BHD]

the one link in my upper post is a link to a PDF manual, reposted,

http://www.ntractorclub.com/manuals/accessories/ARPS Half-Track Owner's Manual.pdf

 

[Tor Arne]

If you go for half-track solution so consider hydraulic lift, it increases ability to negotiate obstacles significantly when you can use the the bogie to lift the front wheel over obstacles. My father used to run a MF 165 with half-tracks in logging back in the 70's and one of the largest the loads he pulled was 11 cubic meters with spruce same tractor with regular forest chains pulled about half as much

 

[Aussiebushman]

Thanks BHD - a really interesting piece of ag-history. Tor - you are right about the clearance issue so thinking about it, instead of a half-track, I've started making a "hybrid" arrangement for each rear wheel, combining lateral bars with chain links.

The bars are made out of old star posts, cut to the width of the tyre and with brackets welded onto each end. The latter extend only far enough to stop the things rolling off the tyre. I have plenty of 8mm chain here so the cost will be zero other than cutting disks and welding rods.

Here are some pictures of the interim construction stage. Bending the star posts to the curvature of the tyres turned out to be easy by making a simple jig and using the weight of the tractor's front blade to create the bend. The bad news is that I need to cut and weld 28 of them (14 per tyre) but that is no big deal.

Cheers from OZ

 

[EMB5530]

Keep in mind that old star posts are really weak metal so make several extra for repairs.

Looks interesting though ought to grab like no other.:thumbsup:

 

[CNC Dan]

OK, I see what star posts are, but why are they called star posts? Looks like what we in the USA would call "T posts", because of the profile lookin like the letter T.

 

[bcp]

Star post, star pickets, Y-posts:



Star Pickets Ideal for Securing All Kinds of Fences

Bruce

 

[CNC Dan]

Star post, star pickets, Y-posts:

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=379224"/>

Star Pickets Ideal for Securing All Kinds of Fences

Bruce

Thanks, it makes sense now. I've never seen that profile in a fence post before.

 

[Aussiebushman]

In OZ they are called star posts or star pickets -used mostly as intermediates between solid timber posts but also for light fencing jobs and not to be confused with "droppers" that are much lighter and don't go into the ground. I agree the metal is pretty soft but I reckon plenty strong enough to do this job. We shall see!