Mini Dozer - Project near complete

[Iplayfarmer]

I suspect if we could all vote on a project that someone else has done to "test" in person, this one would be in the top ten. There would be guys lined up around the block waiting their turn.

It's on my list of "builds I'd like to drive"!

 

[o2batsea]

Pardon my ignorance, but why do you need chain drive to the tracks? Can't you just fit the motors direct? Seems like the drive chains add complexity and failure points.

 

[Willl]

The only reason I can see would be to keep the drive motors out of the muck.

 

[workinprogress]

Chain Drive is for two reasons: Gear reduction (currently 3.4 to 1) and ground clearance.

While both of these can be address in different ways this is where I ended up. I cannot mount them directly to the drive shaft of the track. The track sprockets are to small and it would result in 2 or 3 inches of ground clearance. I am still thinking about mounting a smaller third 100 pitch sprocket connected to the hydraulic motor which would directly drive the track. This would be similar to some other dozers. Still a potential and will continue to think about it as an option. Getting multiple contacts with this drive sprocket is a concern but could be overcome.

Have most of the steel cut for the 36 inch track slide which will support the track between the sprockets. While I have things apart I will closely examine if I can get a small sprocket (9 teeth or so ~4 inch dia) mounted high on the track. I finally found small sprockets but they are over $20 each. This would drop me down to a 2.3:1 ratio.

 

[workinprogress]

Well I got most of the remaining parts cut but not welded or drilled yet. The two picture show the slide I am working on to support the track between the sprockets. My plan is to pop rivit the UHMW stock to the flat steel with 8 (4 on each side) 1/4 inch pop rivits. I am thinking about rivits because they are easy to install and countersink the heads. The material is much wider than the chain so the heads should never come in contact with the chain. I only have two supports which is to help keep the track tensioner open to adjust/improve it. The open end of the square tubing will be enclosed I just left those parts off for the photo.

Also I plan on bolting the slide supports to the track frame so I can removed the slides for repair and if needed I can shim the slide supports as the UHMW wears.

 

[Willl]

Screw the rollers, I like this 'slide' idea better.
Any thoughts of a slight groove to keep everybody in line ?
,
,
,
(must be some type of super glue holding those together)(yes, I know, just joking)

 

[workinprogress]

The chain is pretty stiff so it doesn't move much. I figured I will let the system wear and see if will make it's own grove.

 

[jd2305cd]

Just like a snowmobile, great idea.. Great project, but we really need A VIDEO of this beast in action..

 

[Kernopelli]

I like the idea of the slide too. I think the material you are using is similar to something I am familiar with. When I was a meat cutter, we used thick cutting boards that were made of a VERY durable high density plastic. We occasionally changed them out and I still have a few of them. They are great for making chain guides on dirt bikes, I've made wheel spacers for 4 wheelers out of them, turned bushings, etc. If it is at all similar, I think it will do the job and hold up very well....good idea!

...And yes, action video is a must! BTW, you have my 16 yr. old son sitting on the edge of his seat with this project!

 

[workinprogress]

Hello All,

Here is the video. Hopefully it works.


Video.flv video by workinprogress_2010 - Photobucket