New project - 4WD Articulated Tractor

COOL Mtih,

Help me out here...in the first picture (from L to R) I see a small flow control valve, then a 'clutch' driven pump, then a joy stick controller, is that right? The second picture is the wheel motor obviously. Is your new B&S Vanguard diesel?

Thanks for sharing -

Mark
 
Mark, in the first picture (L to R)
pressure relief valve for the steering
steering pump with support bearing (to take side load of the belt drive) with a pulley
(.75 to 1.5" BSP adapter)
drive valve (big single spool valve)
second picture is the drive pump with the support bearing on top.

The engine is petrol, I can get good deals on petrol engines and that was the only way I could afford it. No deals on diesels sadly.
 
Des, on the chassis. The wheels are offset so that the weight is as close in on the motors as possible.
 
Few more bits done today, I'm struggling to find the time, but every now and again alot gets done.
Doesnt look like much, but figuring out how the foot pedal for the hydraulic drive will go is a huge step.

Hydraulic tank. The filler will be on the top. The top plate that the sticky up bit (technical term) is welded to unbolts. Its got about 40 bolts holding it on as it has to seal. Its just so you can get access to the filters in the tank. The 'patches' on the sides and front are where the lines going into and out of the tank will be welded. I welded the thicker steel 'patches' on for a bit more support. It holds a shade over 12 gallons, which should be enough hopefully, thats a bit less that half the total flow rate of the pumps.


The pedal. This is just the rocker part. I'll have a bit coming off the front and back that you press down to move the rocker. It'll be directly connected to the drive valve


probably up to about 100 hours now, alot of standing staring to get an operator position I am happy with.
 

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Mith,

Feeling anxious….how’s the project going?

Shot my mouth off all over town, told my buddies about this ‘bloke’ who is engineering in house, his own 4WD hydraulically powered and assisted articulating tractor. Even showed pictures (here in my home PC) all the progress you’ve made :D.


AND now, they’re calling me for updates LOL. Hey, I wish I could get them to send money for the tutorial.

Mark
 
:D Mark, global interest! Get 'em all to sent $10 my way if you can :)

Not too much done, I'm wrestling with the hydraulic supplier to get the bits I ordered. I dont think they have got one order right to date. I have a vital spline and hydraulic fitting that they sent the wrong part, waiting for replacements.

Still, I bolted the engine in (and changed my mind about the placement, so I need to move it). Made a rough seat mount (waiting for more bits to finish it). I made the pedal linkage to the valve so it works, and thats apart at the moment while I make a new better foot pedal.
I have a 3pt linkage to fit maybe tonight, but after that I'm stuck waiting for bits, and I also need to go buy a new drill. Really nice ex display metabo down the shop, 1000W all singing all dancing. Need to go pick it up some time.
 

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Ahhhhh....this should hold them for awhile :D.

If I could get them to send you ten bucks then they would have to pay me back first! I won't hold my breath :)

Mark
 
Mark, they must not know how important the money is, the beer fund is getting low! :D

Started putting some fittings in my hydraulic tank (had to test the new drill putting some 2" holes in it :D). I also welded the lower connections for the link arms on.
Oh, and moved the engine forward too.
Seeming as I'm pulling pictures off my phone, I'll add one of the part of the world I live in.
 

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Mith said:
Mark, they must not know how important the money is, the beer fund is getting low! :D

Started putting some fittings in my hydraulic tank (had to test the new drill putting some 2" holes in it :D). I also welded the lower connections for the link arms on.
Oh, and moved the engine forward too.
Seeming as I'm pulling pictures off my phone, I'll add one of the part of the world I live in.

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Lookin' good, Jim.

About that part of the world you live in . . . where's the mud? :yum:

Ted
 
Jim, very interesting project you have going on. I check the progress frequently, keep us posted. Should be awesome when you're done.
 
Very cool pictures Jim....

You gotta love the steering wheel, shaft setup. Reminds me of the early Ford model T or a T roadster.

I count five 'Sheeves' on the crank pulley. Is this all to power hydraulic pump and motors??
 
I was wondering about that steering column myself, how easy is it to mount the machine with it in that position?

Looking really good Mith. I am looking forward to the youtube clip of you riding that monster through your local mud pit...!!!
 
Ted, a stones throw to the right in that picture is a big muddy swamp :D Didn't fancy taking the van in there, might not see it again (and I already had to get a tow out that week already, from a different muddy hole, oops....)

Mark and Quincy, the steering is just placed there, it will be mounted in a more normal position :D The picture is a little misleading.

Mark, there are 3 hydraulic pumps, 2 belts needed for the drive pump (should have had 3, but there isn't room on the shaft), 2 belts for the accessories pump, and 1 for steering.

Quincy, I'm looking forward to making that clip :D

Thanks all


While I'm making a post, had to clean out the workshop (couldnt find anything) so I figured I'd roll the machine out. It just fits, designed that way sir (ahem)
 

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That's one cool puppy! Get your design work protected (patients or ???) and sell/market the plans for others who might want to build one. Just a thought.

Good work Jim! I always look forward to your updates and pictures.
 
Cheers Nica.

I dont have the money to patent anything, or the time to idiot proof any of my plans. As far as getting any money out of this stuff goes, hopefully one day someone will see the projects and make a job offer I cant refuse.
I've got a couple plans and ideas I have kept to myself until I can work out a way of protecting the ideas. I guess the stuff I show like this project are more for fun/learning than anything. I've done a few bits and bobs for money, most recently built some steel display racks for a garden machinery dealer.
 
Ted, the air intake is a cyclonic air filter, an option on the larger Briggs engines. Its the same filter you'll find on the larger Deere and Kubota mowers.
I'm not seeing a happy face? :D
 
Mith said:
Cheers Nica.

I dont have the money to patent anything, or the time to idiot proof any of my plans. As far as getting any money out of this stuff goes, hopefully one day someone will see the projects and make a job offer I cant refuse.
I've got a couple plans and ideas I have kept to myself until I can work out a way of protecting the ideas. I guess the stuff I show like this project are more for fun/learning than anything. I've done a few bits and bobs for money, most recently built some steel display racks for a garden machinery dealer.
Click to expand...

I agree Mith. heck put together a how to manual. I'd be happy to market it for free for you on here, and you could put it on ebay. Maybe make some cash or lead you to another opportunity.

Nicahawk said:
That's one cool puppy! Get your design work protected (patients or ???) and sell/market the plans for others who might want to build one. Just a thought.

Good work Jim! I always look forward to your updates and pictures.
Click to expand...

Well said Nica! I agree. One cool puppy.
I also look forward to the updates and pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumb:
 
Yeah, same here. I find myself loggin in to NTT as often as possible to check on Miths progress. Always a delight to see an update. Same goes for a few guys working with me (and some further afield), they're also following this thread. It's becoming a real talking point in my circle of engineering colleagues.


Q
 
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