Walking Dozer?

[ferrari99]

I have this idea to make an 'attachment' to turn my two wheeled tractor into a mini tracked front end loader. Using 12v winches to operate the front end loader, and gas struts to hold the bucket down when picking up dirt etc (when the winch lifts it overrides the gas struts). And making the tracks out of strips of conveyor belt bolt to chain like thishttps://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.rubbertirechains.com/images/astapics%252520003.png&imgrefurl=http://www.rubbertirechains.com/what_are_rubber_tire_chains.html&h=200&w=200&tbnid=4htQywhRyiVxpM:&docid=mlqjnUXxfuoD3M&ei=OUFxVtL-Dcma0gTRhr-YBw&tbm=isch&ved=0ahUKEwiS_-2LmuDJAhVJjZQKHVHDD3MQMwgeKAIwAg
So it would look something like this (btw it's only a very quick drawing)

What do you think? ideas? suggestions? reasons why it's a totally stupid idea?

 

[chim]

Sounds like fun. Not sure how useful it can be. One thing I'd consider is cutting segments from old tires rather than conveyor belt. They would already have the curve and I'd bet they would be more durable. I used pieces of tire for things and used a composite metal-cutting blade in a circular saw.

 

[farm boy00]

Sounds fun but my worries would focus on-

1. Hope will you turn/steer the rig?
2. Will the tractor hold up to the abuse?

 

[ferrari99]

One thing I'd consider is cutting segments from old tires rather than conveyor belt. They would already have the curve and I'd bet they would be more durable. I used pieces of tire for things and used a composite metal-cutting blade in a circular saw.

I have tried cutting tire before with not much success, is the blade your talking about like a carbide tipped blade? I think 3/4in conveyor would last a decent while.

Sounds fun but my worries would focus on-

1. Hope will you turn/steer the rig?
2. Will the tractor hold up to the abuse?

1. Steering brakes.
2. Abuse in what way?

 

[MechE1]

If your 2 wheeled tractor has a solid axle steering brakes would not work.

 

[ferrari99]

If your 2 wheeled tractor has a solid axle steering brakes would not work.

It has a diff.

I just looked at the tractor and I am going to have to make axle extensions so the tracks will clear the engine.

 

[chim]

I have tried cutting tire before with not much success, is the blade your talking about like a carbide tipped blade? I think 3/4in conveyor would last a decent while. QUOTE]

No, it is the kind that look like a small version of a cutoff saw blade. We often called them abrasive blades or Carborundum blades. Smokes like crazy. We used blades like that in circular saws and angle grinders to cut tires up into strips for use as wipers on rear blades.

 

[Baby Grand]

I've had good results cutting tire (not the steel belted ones) with a Milwaukee reciprocating saw. Blade selection seemed to make a big difference, and I'm sorry, but I can't remember which kind worked best. Also, a mat knife with a fresh blade and a little patience can give you a real nice looking cut, especially if you use a little lube, like WD40, so the sides of the blade don't drag on the rubber as you cut deeper. Several shallow cuts and flexing the tire so the slit stays open and puts the rubber that your blade is cutting in tension also speeds things up. I sharpen my mat knife blade frequently with a DMT red hone and that saves a lot of time by avoiding having to change blades.
-jim

 

[ferrari99]

No, it is the kind that look like a small version of a cutoff saw blade. We often called them abrasive blades or Carborundum blades. Smokes like crazy. We used blades like that in circular saws and angle grinders to cut tires up into strips for use as wipers on rear blades.

I have tried them but it eats the blade so quickly.

I've had good results cutting tire (not the steel belted ones) with a Milwaukee reciprocating saw. Blade selection seemed to make a big difference, and I'm sorry, but I can't remember which kind worked best. Also, a mat knife with a fresh blade and a little patience can give you a real nice looking cut, especially if you use a little lube, like WD40, so the sides of the blade don't drag on the rubber as you cut deeper. Several shallow cuts and flexing the tire so the slit stays open and puts the rubber that your blade is cutting in tension also speeds things up. I sharpen my mat knife blade frequently with a DMT red hone and that saves a lot of time by avoiding having to change blades.
-jim

I have thought about that, or other people suggested a jigsaw (I hope that's what you call them).

 

[stuckmotor]

My second tractor was a two wheeler, my first had pedals. On the two wheeler, I used to remove all but two shanks from the cultivator and replace the sweeps with a short section of grader blade. As I remember, it moved precious little dirt because the blade was behind the wheels and pressing down on the handles to make it penetrate, tended to lift the wheels. They used to make dozer attachments for two wheelers and I've often wondered how well they worked. If I were you, I'd probably trade the two wheeler for a rider so your weight will be above the wheels and give better traction. Sorry to be discouraging but even my MF 261 won't dig very well with the bucket. One day, I might add a weight box and tooth bar and hope for the best. Good luck.