My Ride-on Tracked dumper

[JohninCT]

This site has a bunch of pictures of the Bombardier J5 muskeg tractor... pretty cool machine

Muskeg Tractor

 

[David Devuono]

I am a bit familiar with the J5 and I know they pull like a tank. Its interested looking at the site for the EXCARGO tracks there is one video of a 8 wheel argo pulling a pontoon boat on a double axle trailer through some pretty muddy terrain. I suspect it has at least 24 HP but can't imagine the drivetrain will hold up for long. I don't expect my unit will exceed 750 lbs but could be 2000 lbs with a load of sand. The J5s usually ran a Straight 6, Chysler and sometime ford engine. I have a plan B but don't think the wife will be too pleased if I drop $2000 and it does not work. Plan B is to drop a homemade tractor I have on top which has a small 4 cyl and two gearboxes Plus a ford 9" narrowed to 3ft, but then it would be a dozer and I need to carry sand.

 

[David Devuono]

Adding a picture of some of my progress. I have not welded anything yet, just cutting, drilling and gathering the pieces, hoping for a nice day on Friday after which you will have a better idea where I am going with this. Picture shows the trailer springs cut, the brackets which will be welded to the track frame and hold the springs with 2 x 1/2" bolts each. Also the two motors I am going to try and the big pump I hope to use. The pump is originally designed for belt drive via a 12v clutch double pully so side loading won't be an issue with belt drive. I also picked up a 3" cylinder for $33 to use for the dump bed. The drive motors where only $35 each. Some of the 20 wheels are shown. I have added a picture of the results of my first weekend playing with my new Box Blade. The root won out against this ripper. As I was pulling, the tractor started to torque steer to the left and twisted this at least 1/2 thick piece of steel.

 

[VroomVroom]

Looks good.

 

[VroomVroom]

yes what I have seen of the argos, they wouldnt hold up to much abuse as compared to a four wheeler or such. They are solid no suspension, so the bearings around the axles break out and the tires flatten alot. If you want something to go over rocks, blowdowns, carry weight it has to be strong and heavy or with good supension. Although there isnt much of a suspension on a J5, they arent solid which allows for give going over things. We have 1/4 steel plate on the belly and so if the front drops off of a drop, and runs into a rock enough to crack your teeth, you wont hurt it. In fact, we will purposely run the center of the machine in the rocks rather then on the tracks or sprocket. we drive over many blowdowns and such as when we use them its to go off trail and we rarely cut a trail. I have thought alot about making a vehicle with tracks, and I know whats needed for rough use. maybe I will make something if I get the chance, I hope to. Im excited just to see you gather parts. See how it works out, and learn from it.

 

[David Devuono]

I ended up buying a Briggs and Stratton 27 HP twin cylinder today so power should not be an issue. Now I have to build an exhaust and source a gas tank. I finished machining 10 axles and welding up the spring holders and a central fitting that will support a scrapper blade. Now I am up to $2000 dollars and I still have 80' of track belting and about 500 bolts, washers, and nuts. Not to mention a few hundred dollars in steel. OUCH, not sure I can keep it under $3,000.

 

[dcyrilc]

Looking really good so far. Keep up the good work.:thumbsup:

 

[doall]

Looks good.

how did you get to shoot more than 1 moose in 1 trip?



I really like the concept of your machine unimog.

 

[VroomVroom]

hunting lodge...Im a guide. keep the pictures coming.

 

[dcyrilc]

I ended up buying a Briggs and Stratton 27 HP twin cylinder today so power should not be an issue. Now I have to build an exhaust and source a gas tank. I finished machining 10 axles and welding up the spring holders and a central fitting that will support a scrapper blade. Now I am up to $2000 dollars and I still have 80' of track belting and about 500 bolts, washers, and nuts. Not to mention a few hundred dollars in steel. OUCH, not sure I can keep it under $3,000.

One question I have is how did you attach the springs to the frame...other than the two bolts which are visable? Is there a pin or anything besides the pressure from the bolts to keep them from being able to shift to the front or back?