DIY Utility Vehicle

[soopergenious]

Has anyone ever considered building their own UTV? I have looked at Gator's and Ranger's, however it seems like the type of thing I could fabricate for a fraction of cost. I have plenty of time, and and am not mechanically stupid, however not brilliant either. Ideally, it would be either a 2 or 4 seater buggy, with a gun rack and cargo bed, be either 2wd or 4wd, and have a ground clearance of at least 14", as we have fairly rough roads on our property. Also, it would need to be able to climb a 15-20 degree hill, while still achieving a decent speed on flat ground. Please refrain from saying just buy one; I want this to be a learning experience and just a fun project to work on.
One idea I had was to use two Clone 13HP engines- one to drive the front axle, and one to drive the rear, with the front having a centrifugal clutch as well as a torque converter. The rear would have a 1:1 gear box FWD and some slower ratio REV, in addition to a torque converter. This would give over 25 hp of power, and would also let me have the option of driving in either 2wd (turn off front engine) or 4WD (both engines on), with the only real restriction being that I could only have 2wd for reverse- not a big deal for me. Additionally, I would never (knock on wood) get stranded in the woods due to an engine failure or the like- I would always be able to drive using the other engine. I would run both throttles to one cable/ pedal, and when the front engine is off, the throttle would still open and close with the rear engine (would this be an issue???) A relatively small 12v lawn mower battery should be able to run headlights and the electric start for both engines (both have recoil backup). Finally, I could tie in a kill switch to the front engine with the reverse shifter for the gearbox.
Has anyone considered doing, or has anyone done this before? I would love to hear any ideas you may have, or any issues with my above-listed logic; I am sure there is some. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[ultrarunner]

I was thinking of a gator or similar at one time and found a Samurai with a bad transmission and bought it for $1000

$70 in parts later and my time and it has been a great little off road vehicle with creature comforts... also a ton of mods a person can make it desired.

Just a thought.

 

[CliffordK]

It sounds like you're wanting to make a dunebuggy.

The dual engine would be an interesting, but I'm not sure it would be necessary. Are you wanting to run it around your own property? Within walking distance of "home"? Then the redundancy may be unnecessary.

I agree that a small 4x4 might be a good base for your project. Toyota, Suzuki, etc.

I've been thinking of a self-propelled stripped down fertilizer spreader, but that would be an entirely different project.

 

[soopergenious]

It sounds like you're wanting to make a dunebuggy.

The dual engine would be an interesting, but I'm not sure it would be necessary. Are you wanting to run it around your own property? Within walking distance of "home"? Then the redundancy may be unnecessary.

I agree that a small 4x4 might be a good base for your project. Toyota, Suzuki, etc.

I've been thinking of a self-propelled stripped down fertilizer spreader, but that would be an entirely different project.

I have looked at using a small 4x4, however think that dealing with all of the gears (tranny, axles, etc) as well as the much more complicated electrical system would be a little tough for my little brain. Also, with the dual engines, it seems like a very simple way to make it a 2WD or 4WD on demand, as well as double the power when needed, while still being fairly inexpensive to build. I would mostly run it on our property, however parts of it are a good 1 1/2 hour hike from "home". As I said, it will largely be a project "just because" and I would really like to try and build my own frame for it. Finally, it would be similar to a dune buggy, however I would prefer it to be "utility-capable" as well, with a decent amount of towing power, and hopefully a dump cargo bed. Thanks

 

[soopergenious]

I just realized that there is also a DIY thread section. I think I should have posted this there instead. Mods- could you possibly move this, or could someone tell me how to do soo? Sorry for the mess-up.

 

[bcp]

Click on images

https://www.google.com/search?q=doodlebug+tractor

Bruce

 

[aczlan]

Interesting concept. I have thought it would be interesting to get an older garden tractor with a heavy hydro transmission (such as a Ford LGT125 or a similar machine from Cub, Bolens, Deere, etc), mount a chain drive to the back axle shafts to gear it up (say 50% faster?) and make the wheels wider, then put a box on the back and a bench (or two) in front. Something like http://www.mytractorforum.com/showpost.php?p=1190490&postcount=3 (but with the engine under the bed/seat and the seat further forward)

Aaron Z

 

[aczlan]

Might also look into a transaxle from Surplus Center: https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?catname=powerTrans&keyword=PTT1 might be easier not to have to re-invent the wheel.

Aaron Z

 

[soopergenious]

Aaron-thanks for the link.
All of the transaxles that I saw have a width of less than 3 feet, much smaller and less stable than your average utility vehicle. Would it be possible to legnthen the axle, or would this risk damaging the gearbox from the added leverage? I am now leaning towards putting a regular ole differential axle in the front, connected to a torque converter and then a 13-14hp clone, and then find a 2wd utility vehicle 3-6 speed transaxle with reverse for the rear. I also plan to connect a 30-40 amp automotive alternator via v-belt to the rear engine, powering headlights, a 200 watt inverter, and keeping the battery charged.
Idealy, the rear transaxle would be something like this, however this specific one is no longer available.
https://www.surpluscenter.com/Cance...ion=UTILITY+VEHICLE+TRANSAXLE+W/AUX+4WD+SHAFT

 

[Rio_Grande]

I was going to do. The same thing, ended up with a jeep. Can drive it to work if i have too. I needed to Cary 4 of us around. Nothing is fun without my kids these days.


I think you can absolutely do it. I saw a geo metro for sale he other day. Simple setup easy to transplant into a buggy, just not sure about the gearing.

I put the jeep in 4 low and go anywhere it will fit!.

I don't know who affords a 14k ATF these days but my budget sure doesn't allow for it.

 

[Agent Blue]

Try 20 for the 1100 RTV. We have a jeep but the Kubota gets used 100 times more. Both get the job done, just a matter of preference.

 

[soopergenious]

What are your favorite features of the RTV? Are they something that could be reasonably well replicated for a DIY version?

 

[zing]

What are your favorite features of the RTV? Are they something that could be reasonably well replicated for a DIY version?

My top two suggestions...
- Make sure you put a 2" hitch receiver tube on the back. Way easier to slide in the various draw bars than just having a drawbar style tab that you have to keep screwing and unscrewing balls into. My utility trailer is a 2" ball, my ring drag is a 1 7/8" ball, and most of my other stuff is a clevis hitch pin, and swapping the hitch draw bar in a 2" hitch receiver is by far the easiest way to go.
- Put a dump box on the back.

 

[PILOON]

I had on old Willis 4 x 4 with the flat head 4 and in all honesty I think that it could go and do anything that most ATV's do today.

We once used a VW crude dune buggy to hunt in marshes. Much or most of the body had been hacked away with mainly the seats and belly pan remaining.
Rear sported dual rims welded in pairs to create a nice wide double tire with chains added. NOTHING stopped that ugly thing.

Just some ideas for you to build on.

 

[Agent Blue]

What are your favorite features of the RTV? Are they something that could be reasonably well replicated for a DIY version?

Power steering, 4x4, 3 speed automatic trans, glass cab, heat, air conditioning, winch, w/s wiper, radio, mirrors, full set of front- rear- work lights, hydraulic dump bed, two plug in hitches, comfortable seat, and diesel power. For touring our property it works out great.

 

[soopergenious]

Power steering, 4x4, 3 speed automatic trans, glass cab, heat, air conditioning, winch, w/s wiper, radio, mirrors, full set of front- rear- work lights, hydraulic dump bed, two plug in hitches, comfortable seat, and diesel power. For touring our property it works out great.

What type of windshield/ window material should I use? I know plexiglass is not a good choice, however am looking for something that can be drilled and installed with relative ease, and is fairly inexpensive. As far as the hydraulic dump bed, would you just install a 12v hyd. pump? I am not sure how to hook it up to the side shaft engine otherwise... any ideas would be appreciated. Also, how would you go about installing A/C and heat? I have no experience with these, however agree they would be beneficial. Finally, I plan on using dual torque converters (one per engine) along with a 50A 12v alternator and a trans-axle with reverse gear on the rear engine.
Not sure about diesel... seems too expensive and complicated for my little brain. Everything else seems great.

 

[medic0648]

Old diesel air cooled pure mechanical engines can be had cheap if you know where to look. Small Belarus tractors use them a lot. Also look for old military surplus gensets in the 2-5k range. Already setup for pull and electric start. More torque per lb on average and pretty simple.

 

[mjncad]

I'd say that if you want to build such a vehicle for the experience factor, then go for it. Just remember, it may work great, or it may be a total pig for various reasons.

Personally two engines is going to be more hassle in my opinion than a single engine, and ~13HP per engine isn't that much oomph when one factors in weight and parasitic losses in the power train. I like the idea of starting off with a Suzuki Suicide (Samurai) as a base; but that kind of defeats the purpose of what you want to do.

In any case, have fun with your project.

 

[john_bud]

The amount of work may be a lot lower if you start with a old truck or jeep and fab a tube frame.

Buddy did one from an old 6cyl bronco free donor. Made a tube frame and made a sheet metal cab. Then cut a fuel oil tank in half to make a dump bed. He even MADE cylinders to dump it powered by the ps pump!

 

[soopergenious]

I'd say that if you want to build such a vehicle for the experience factor, then go for it. Just remember, it may work great, or it may be a total pig for various reasons.

Personally two engines is going to be more hassle in my opinion than a single engine, and ~13HP per engine isn't that much oomph when one factors in weight and parasitic losses in the power train. I like the idea of starting off with a Suzuki Suicide (Samurai) as a base; but that kind of defeats the purpose of what you want to do.

In any case, have fun with your project.

I completely realize that it may end up as a total pig, however I am certainly hoping that it ends up well. When you say parasitic losses in the power train, what do you mean? I figured I would probably loose 2-3hp through the pillow blocks, torque converter, and reverse gearbox, however not "parasitic" loses. Am I underestimating this, or is there something else that I am missing. I realize that this will not have the most uumph, however I want to build something that is simple enough for my first real build. Does anyone have any idea of how fast it would be able to go on a flat trail with the dual 13hp engines?
I really like the idea of the oil tank dump bed, and will definitely look at that as an option! As I have said previously, I am really just trying to build something that will be dependable, inexpensive, and educational for my first build. In the future, I would love to build something larger using an old motorcycle engine or diesel, with 50+HP and with a real tranny, hopefully with fully functional hydraulics and possibly a PTO output. Also, I just realized I never said what my budget was going to be, however I am hoping to keep it to around $1000 + the engines. Keep the ideas coming- they are very useful.
P.S. Has anyone ever tried to build a 4x4 gokart or the like, and if so, could you possibly explain how to connect the engine and steering to the front axles? I have looked at it online, yet remain clueless.
Thanks again for the ideas and suggestions, I greatly appreciate them.