Mini Dozer - Project near complete

[SpecElim]

This track system is off a track loader but it is the closest I could find to what an excavator system would look like.

http://www.constructionequip.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/bobcat-suspension.jpg

Matt.

 

[workinprogress]

I would agree that on a larger machine the suspension and rollers would be the way to go. If you compare this to the Struck Corp Machine which actually doesn't have any supports between the track sprockets it may be an improvement. I based my design more on this small dozer than the larger machines.

Magnatrac RS1000 Specifications

So size and purpose needs to be considered. I am way under 1,000 lbs. When I keep a little tension on the drive tracks I have never lost the track.

I guess everything is relative.

 

[workinprogress]

After a long break due to items on the "Honey do list" have returned to work on the mini dozer. The first photo has the small blade sitting infront of the machine. I am working on the mounting and lifting brackets for that.
I have added double spring tensioners (each spring is rated at 400 lbs per inch) for the track tension along with grease fitting to keep the parts sliding. I have added a middle wheel which helps keep the track off the frame and also indicates the tension of the track. I changed the drive ratio from 3.4 to 2.5 to 1. This put a smaller sprocket on near the track which seems to work better than the larger sprocket because it picks up less dirt/leaves/sticks. Should get the blade frame done this week.

 

[Johndeere3720]

lookin good.:thumbsup: What do you plan to do with it? will the blade have down pressure? will it be able to angle left or right?

 

[workinprogress]

My main purpose was to build something that I could pull out firewood for heating my house. I also thought it would be cool and a interesting to build. I have been pulling out firewood with a 2wd garden tractor but unless the conditons are perfect it just doesn't make it up some of the hills.

As fars as the blade. It is basically a used snow blade form a lawn tractor which I will reinforce. The blade will have manual angling pins and hopefully down pressure but I still need to design a simple/inexpensive lift system. Something like a 12v linear actuator or maybe even a manual trailer tongue jack.

 

[Johndeere3720]

My main purpose was to build something that I could pull out firewood for heating my house. I also thought it would be cool and a interesting to build. I have been pulling out firewood with a 2wd garden tractor but unless the conditons are perfect it just doesn't make it up some of the hills.

As fars as the blade. It is basically a used snow blade form a lawn tractor which I will reinforce. The blade will have manual angling pins and hopefully down pressure but I still need to design a simple/inexpensive lift system. Something like a 12v linear actuator or maybe even a manual trailer tongue jack.

what about a top link that is mounted up under the engine that connects to the blade? Or even a small hydraulic cylinder.:thumbsup:

 

[workinprogress]

To add any hydraulics I would need to put an entire system onto the it. I am using a combination pump/valves system to power the hydraulic motors. I was thinking of using the trailer tongue jack similar to your top link idea with the hope of being able to adjust things (up/down) from the seat.

 

[mjncad]

Looking good! How about changing the name on the hood from 'Wheel Horse' to 'Track Horse?'

 

[Renze]

Looks like its improving all along- just like my frontloader build. When i finally got it to work, i wasnt statisfied and added parallel linkage. later 3rd and 4th hydraulic functions. later i improved the quickhitch.

 

[David Devuono]

Those variable double pumps look like a bargin at $129.99. I have spent a few days figuring out how I could use one on my project but can't get around that I would have to build a separate hydraulic system to operate a dump bed and blade. It seems ideal for your machine. A fellow on the machine builders network ended up having to encase his chain drives to keep rocks and debris out. I was thinking that with a looser fitting chain and a spring loaded idiler would help your chain drive to handle some debris? From what I have learned, with your 12hp engine, it should really load up with both pumps putting out 6gpm per side. Since the sound of your dozer engine is not changing in the video, you could likely go with 1:1 gearing. Of course then you would need a suspension seat.

 

[baronthered]

Linear actuators are the way to go on something like this for the blade and other odds and ends.

linear actuator from Northern Tool + Equipment

Reasonably cheap and the ones I've bought have been great so far. Got the first one ??? I don't know how long ago but they've not let me down so far.

 

[doall]

thats pretty neat.:thumbsup:

 

[BXpanded]

You might consider a 12 volt winch to raise and lower the blade like the old Cat dozers used. I ran an old D-7 once. It worked well. The blade was very heavy of course, and the weight supplied the down pressure.

 

[workinprogress]

Well work continues. I took a broken trailer jack and attached it as a lift. This worked OK but with the weight of the blade it took a little work to lift up. I then added on the other side the trip spring from the lawn tractor snow blade. Once I adjusted things the trailer jack works great and allows me to have down pressure. I have some disassembly, adding supports and painting. I have also included a test run up the driveway. The fixed blade holds a nice grade. Have some ideas for an optional floating setting but will do more testing before then.

 

[wldrbob]

hey that kids as cute as the mini

 

[Johndeere3720]

Nice work. :thumbsup: wish i had one, but maybe some day. But in the mean time, enjoy your new toy. :thumbsup:

 

[HiddenHollow]

Great job!

 

[workinprogress]

Put the mini dozer to a full work out yesterday. One of my neigbors got 2 loads of fill and we needed to spread them out. Looking at the piles it didn't look bad but you could hardly even get a shovel into it. This was the nasties stuff I have ever seen consisting mostly of clay with some rocks. I had to basically shave the sides of the piles a few inches at a time. And then push the fill over a bank.

We spent over 4 hours working the dozer and my small tractor to move the piles. So what happened.

Problems
1. Threw one track about half way through but noticed I hadn't tighted the track tensioner up to where I planned.
2. The trailer tongue jack work fair. The major problem is when the dozer is pushing, it is difficult to make blade height adjustments.
3. One drive chain loosened and started to POP 3/4's of the way through the project.
4. Drive belt from engine slipped slightly when really pushed and when the track would hold.
5. small stones getting into drive chain.

Solutions.
1. Keep track tension up.
2. Replace trailer tongue jack with linear Actuator
3. Add adjuster to help keep things in place and spring loaded tensioners to help drive chain stay in place.
4. Replace the old drive belt (same one that came with tractor).
5. Build covers for Drive chain.

Looking for some help?
Anyone currently using linear Actuators?
Seems to be two different types - Ball screw and ACME screw drive with the Ball screw having a higher capacity. I see some cheap ones at Northern Tool ( Northern Industrial Linear Actuator — 12 Volt, 11 13/16in. stroke | Lawn + Garden Utility Trailers | Northern Tool + Equipment ) at ~$150. I seem some reviews state the two wires are different sizes which has me concerned since I will be lifting the blade with the unit compressing not expanding like most people using as a dump trailer.

Thanks,

 

[David Devuono]

Down pressure in nice and might be a necessity on a small dozer. Otherwise you can pick up a 1000 lb electric winch for about $60 bucks. All ATV plows and some older Dozers as other persons have indicated use winches. Big question is, how big is the generator\alternator on you engine. Some small engines only have a 3 amp charging system, just enough to top out a small starting battery. A linear actuator needs about 8 amps, so would be better then a winch if you have the small charging system. Come to think of it, I have an acuator off a 10ft satellite dish, its big and heavy, so might have some push?

 

[workinprogress]

I currently have a winch sitting in the garage but the blade only weighs 100-150 lbs I suspect it won't do much without some down pressure. The engine is a Kawasaka FB460V with a 13 amp charging system. There is currently a small lawn and garden battery but I think there is space for a larger battery. I would also think that the 12v winch would take as much power as a linear Actuator.