Yet another mini dozer

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I first saw the ads for a minidozer in the Pop Sci/ Mechanix Ill advert section when the 45 mini dozer was new and the current model. I`ve always been attracted to dozers and have been lucky enough to sit on a few full sized ones over the years since. A few years ago, I set up a decent shop and had some liesure time. While browsing one day, I found the tech section of the Struck website. At the time, they had schematics and partial parts lists for all their obsolete models posted in their tech section. I managed to dowload the mini dozer MD 44-45 schematics. Sadly, Sturck has seen fit to remove the MD 44-45 images off their site. i`m convinced it is because their latest offering is a return to that design.

I recognized several key elements in the drive from various and assorted ag machines I`ve seen over the years. here is an image or two or three from the built to date. be warned though. i had a career change which has meant no progrees on this for a year and no chance of physical progress for another year, just dreaming and scheming to solve some of the issues I have seen with my machine as it sits.

 

[Camdigger]

Here is some video. The engine is running about 1/2 throttle. The belts are new and a bit grabby. I also want to slow it down a bit. I'm wondering if I can slow it down enough with a smaller engine pulley or if I have to use a jack shaft. The motor pulley size will be determined by the minimum I can use with the hex section drive belt for the counter rotating shafts.
DSCN1543.AVI - YouTube