xtremek
Well-known member
I bet the "big" guys flip out when they see your's.
Scale Model Dozer Ride On For My Son
- Thread starter dozerbuilder01
- Start date
Flybye
Well-known member
Dude....when are you taking orders!?
Cat just made a 12v plastic one for kids that doesnt even have functioning treads lol.
Cat just made a 12v plastic one for kids that doesnt even have functioning treads lol.
OP
dozerbuilder01
Well-known member
timdp
Well-known member
Amazing...ly cute build! Saw the pic of your dozer next to a "TEN" and was thinking you need to paint a "FIVE" (as shown in the pic below) or perhaps "THREE" on the side of yours. Really mess with the Cat guys' minds...
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This is waaaay late to the party, but it's not Winter yet, so you might be able to do this.Got a couple snow falls. Nothing major. Probably could have shoveled it. But this is more fun. Also got my boy riding it now. He only does a few passes because it's been pretty cold in Chicago.
I remember when I was a kid in Milwaukee, my uncle had a couple of big John Deer 6020 tractors, one had a front end loader on it, and he cleared a lot of snow in the winter (1960s and '70s). No cab on the JD--open seat.
They had canvas side panels on the side of the engine bay that ran along the engine, and then the cab area also had a canvas enclosure around it. Not a full cab, just the sides. The heat coming off the engine would be blown down the sides of the canvas, between the tractor and the canvas "walls," and to the driver area. I don't know how much heat it actually blew onto the driver, but I remember he had it on there in the winter so it did enough good to justify installing all the pieces every year, taking them off in the spring and storing them until the late fall.
I'd think something made with a simple flat-strap metal frame, with the canvas folded over and sewn, then bolt the frame to the dozer.
Just a thought.
-Brad
racer-john
Well-known member
Fabulous, just Fabulous.
HOTFR8
Banned
You may like to see the mini Kenworth Timber Jinker in this topic >
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313543&showall=1
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313543&showall=1
OP
dozerbuilder01
Well-known member
That's pretty cool. I wanted to build one of those at one time. Build a nice low boy trailer to go with it. I'm going to put it on my list.....
OP
dozerbuilder01
Well-known member
Just another video of my snow plowing some snow. These videos are still short because I don't like to leave him by himself like that yet. He is getting more comfortable operating it. I'm glad he enjoys riding it. My little one likes riding it to but I have to help him with the controls.
txvwnut
Well-known member
That thing is just cool as hell.
How's the mini dump truck coming along?
How's the mini dump truck coming along?
HOTFR8
Banned
OP
dozerbuilder01
Well-known member
It's actually coming along. I haven't posted anything in a while because it doesn't look like much. I'm been machining a bunch of random parts for the axle and wheels. Also making a weld positioner to weld in new wheel centers. Always wanted one so now I have an excuse to build one. Once I get caught up, I'll post pictures.
OP
dozerbuilder01
Well-known member
So I'm looking for a little feedback.
I've been asked many times about putting out some build plans or posting the cad files. I've thought about it a lot but it would be very difficult to make a 100% complete step by step build plan. Just keeping the bill of material up to date would be impossible. I used a lot of surplus parts, parts from my parts bins and parts I scavenged. Parts that aren't always readily available. Also, I just don't have the time to complete that many drawings and write such complete instructions. I can't say start on step 1 and by step 1000 you will have a finished dozer.
I started to think of a different path though. What if I put together more of a guide? If someone is going to tackle a crazy project like this, I'd have to assume he/she already knows basic fabrication skills and is capable of being somewhat creative. Some of the things I would discuss in the plans would be:
What type of pumps/motors did I use? Are they still available? What are some alternatives? Hub styles. Mounting styles, flow numbers, speeds etc.
What tracks did I use? Where did I get them from? What are some alternatives?
Sprocket design how to. I struggled with this one and even made a set that didn't work because I treated the tracks like a roller chain. I would provide the calculations needed to create different size sprockets if needed. I would also provide the .dxf file for the sprocket I used so you could take it to a machine shop to burn out.
Although it wouldn't be 100% detailed, I would provide drawings of the track frame with critical dimensions for sprocket, idler and tensioner wheel placement as well as how much the tensioner needs to move back so the track could be loaded.
Sheet metal design and how I made my panels with overall dimensions.
Wiring diagram.
Hydraulic circuit layout.
I just started working on it and I'm already 21 pages in. I'm guessing it would probably be about 75-100 pages of information. Again, it wouldn't be like building a lego set but there would be a lot of information in there.
On top of that, I've considered releasing the cad file for the track frame. It would be this file in .step format which would let you open it in any cad program.
One program that I've been using lately is Autodesk Fusion 360. Best part about it, it's free. There are lots of tutorials and it's pretty easy to use. Way better than sketchup. By having the cad file, you could build it as is or you could modify it for longer or wider tracks etc. And you could extract the dimensions that you need, when you need them. I never created many drawings because most of the parts are fairly simple. So I just needed to make a few notes on paper like "1-1/2 x 1/8" angle iron, cut to 16", 2 3/8" holes 1" from edge". And that would be enough to make the part without wasting time on drawings.
Why just the track frame? Well that's the meat of the project. You could save yourself some time on the sheet metal and just use a hood from a lawn mower and a spring seat. And no plow because it would probably be simpler to use a pre-made plow from an atv.
So, first question is, is that something people would be interested in? Or stop wasting my time and get back to the dump truck build? Second, is it worth anything? $25? $35? For a digital copy with the track sprocket dxf. Another $40 of $50 for the cad file?
The main reason why I would like to charge something instead of giving it away for free is because the dump truck build is projected to be an expensive project. It would be nice to do a little "fund raising" to help me continue to build neat projects and post them on here.
So let me know. Honest feedback. I'm kind of curious.
Thanks
Ryan
I've been asked many times about putting out some build plans or posting the cad files. I've thought about it a lot but it would be very difficult to make a 100% complete step by step build plan. Just keeping the bill of material up to date would be impossible. I used a lot of surplus parts, parts from my parts bins and parts I scavenged. Parts that aren't always readily available. Also, I just don't have the time to complete that many drawings and write such complete instructions. I can't say start on step 1 and by step 1000 you will have a finished dozer.
I started to think of a different path though. What if I put together more of a guide? If someone is going to tackle a crazy project like this, I'd have to assume he/she already knows basic fabrication skills and is capable of being somewhat creative. Some of the things I would discuss in the plans would be:
What type of pumps/motors did I use? Are they still available? What are some alternatives? Hub styles. Mounting styles, flow numbers, speeds etc.
What tracks did I use? Where did I get them from? What are some alternatives?
Sprocket design how to. I struggled with this one and even made a set that didn't work because I treated the tracks like a roller chain. I would provide the calculations needed to create different size sprockets if needed. I would also provide the .dxf file for the sprocket I used so you could take it to a machine shop to burn out.
Although it wouldn't be 100% detailed, I would provide drawings of the track frame with critical dimensions for sprocket, idler and tensioner wheel placement as well as how much the tensioner needs to move back so the track could be loaded.
Sheet metal design and how I made my panels with overall dimensions.
Wiring diagram.
Hydraulic circuit layout.
I just started working on it and I'm already 21 pages in. I'm guessing it would probably be about 75-100 pages of information. Again, it wouldn't be like building a lego set but there would be a lot of information in there.
On top of that, I've considered releasing the cad file for the track frame. It would be this file in .step format which would let you open it in any cad program.
One program that I've been using lately is Autodesk Fusion 360. Best part about it, it's free. There are lots of tutorials and it's pretty easy to use. Way better than sketchup. By having the cad file, you could build it as is or you could modify it for longer or wider tracks etc. And you could extract the dimensions that you need, when you need them. I never created many drawings because most of the parts are fairly simple. So I just needed to make a few notes on paper like "1-1/2 x 1/8" angle iron, cut to 16", 2 3/8" holes 1" from edge". And that would be enough to make the part without wasting time on drawings.
Why just the track frame? Well that's the meat of the project. You could save yourself some time on the sheet metal and just use a hood from a lawn mower and a spring seat. And no plow because it would probably be simpler to use a pre-made plow from an atv.
So, first question is, is that something people would be interested in? Or stop wasting my time and get back to the dump truck build? Second, is it worth anything? $25? $35? For a digital copy with the track sprocket dxf. Another $40 of $50 for the cad file?
The main reason why I would like to charge something instead of giving it away for free is because the dump truck build is projected to be an expensive project. It would be nice to do a little "fund raising" to help me continue to build neat projects and post them on here.
So let me know. Honest feedback. I'm kind of curious.
Thanks
Ryan
xtremek
Well-known member
I would think it would be something people would be interested in. If I had the time and the equipment, I'd be wiling to pay that info.
WhoWhatNow
Well-known member
Another market may be the guys who build tracked garden tractors. If you go over the MyTractorFourm there are a few builds of John Deere GTs converted to tracked machines. JD 314, 317, and 318 are good starting points because they are hydro drive so much of the hydraulics system needed are already in place. Your designs for the track sprocket could be useful for someone there.
pertneer
Member
I would be interested, as I have told you before. I would even volunteer my time to help create the drawings for you, once you have the step files complete.
saceone
Well-known member
best part of your build is your son giving it the thumbs up at the end of the video - PRICELESS!
FunBags
Active member
Absolutely awesome!!! Way better for them than videogames
machine_punk
Well-known member
Woohoo...as soon as I saw it in the magazine, I knew who built it.
KDub
KDub
So I'm looking for a little feedback.
I've been asked many times about putting out some build plans or posting the cad files. I've thought about it a lot but it would be very difficult to make a 100% complete step by step build plan. Just keeping the bill of material up to date would be impossible. I used a lot of surplus parts, parts from my parts bins and parts I scavenged. Parts that aren't always readily available. Also, I just don't have the time to complete that many drawings and write such complete instructions. I can't say start on step 1 and by step 1000 you will have a finished dozer.
I started to think of a different path though. What if I put together more of a guide? If someone is going to tackle a crazy project like this, I'd have to assume he/she already knows basic fabrication skills and is capable of being somewhat creative. Some of the things I would discuss in the plans would be:
What type of pumps/motors did I use? Are they still available? What are some alternatives? Hub styles. Mounting styles, flow numbers, speeds etc.
What tracks did I use? Where did I get them from? What are some alternatives?
Sprocket design how to. I struggled with this one and even made a set that didn't work because I treated the tracks like a roller chain. I would provide the calculations needed to create different size sprockets if needed. I would also provide the .dxf file for the sprocket I used so you could take it to a machine shop to burn out.
Although it wouldn't be 100% detailed, I would provide drawings of the track frame with critical dimensions for sprocket, idler and tensioner wheel placement as well as how much the tensioner needs to move back so the track could be loaded.
Sheet metal design and how I made my panels with overall dimensions.
Wiring diagram.
Hydraulic circuit layout.
I just started working on it and I'm already 21 pages in. I'm guessing it would probably be about 75-100 pages of information. Again, it wouldn't be like building a lego set but there would be a lot of information in there.
On top of that, I've considered releasing the cad file for the track frame. It would be this file in .step format which would let you open it in any cad program.
One program that I've been using lately is Autodesk Fusion 360. Best part about it, it's free. There are lots of tutorials and it's pretty easy to use. Way better than sketchup. By having the cad file, you could build it as is or you could modify it for longer or wider tracks etc. And you could extract the dimensions that you need, when you need them. I never created many drawings because most of the parts are fairly simple. So I just needed to make a few notes on paper like "1-1/2 x 1/8" angle iron, cut to 16", 2 3/8" holes 1" from edge". And that would be enough to make the part without wasting time on drawings.
Why just the track frame? Well that's the meat of the project. You could save yourself some time on the sheet metal and just use a hood from a lawn mower and a spring seat. And no plow because it would probably be simpler to use a pre-made plow from an atv.
So, first question is, is that something people would be interested in? Or stop wasting my time and get back to the dump truck build? Second, is it worth anything? $25? $35? For a digital copy with the track sprocket dxf. Another $40 of $50 for the cad file?
The main reason why I would like to charge something instead of giving it away for free is because the dump truck build is projected to be an expensive project. It would be nice to do a little "fund raising" to help me continue to build neat projects and post them on here.
So let me know. Honest feedback. I'm kind of curious.
Thanks
Ryan
Very cool build. I saw it on an internal newsletter showing it off with your video.
My question though related to your pricing is, are you allowed to sell models generated with the hobbyist/enthusiast licensed version of Autodesk 360? I've gotta read the license agreement when I get home because I didn't know about this tool and would like to start using it for some of my own projects. I've used Autodesk Inventor in the past and it's cool but very "heavyweight" and expensive. If there was something better than Sketchup for me to design jigs and little shop machines / widgets with I'll be happy to give it a try.
OP
dozerbuilder01
Well-known member
To everyone else, thanks for following along. To reply to some earlier posts, yes, I was able to get a picture of my boys sitting on the dozer in popular mechanics magazine. It was pretty neat to be able to take them to different stores and show them that they were on the newsstand. I don't quite think they got it and maybe they never will considering the slow death of printed media but it was still pretty cool. I picked up a few extra copies to put along with the other articles and I hope to frame some of them to hang up in their rooms.
Ryan
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ryan
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Redwolf947
Well-known member
WOW!!! 
HOTFR8
Banned
Congratulations on the Magazine feature. That really shows credit for your work. The icing on the cake so to speak. I know I had a few features on the F4 Truck (AKA- HOTFR-8) when I built that so you have had credit given where credit is due by allowing more that just the faith full here on the GJ to see it. Well done. 
Playwme
Well-known member
I might be in the minority here but with the build plans I don't think you should bother. A lot of people will ask for plans but don't think many would pony up the cash. The idea of a set of plans would be a pipe dream for most.
With these epic type builds I'm of the opinion that if you have the skill to fabricate it, you probably understand enough to do the design as well.
Besides, you don't want every kid on the block having one.
With these epic type builds I'm of the opinion that if you have the skill to fabricate it, you probably understand enough to do the design as well.
Besides, you don't want every kid on the block having one.
bimmer1980
Well-known member
Just another thought...... If you were going to do the plans, I would also look at kitting it up with some of the laser cut parts that are really tough to fabricate in a home shop. Then they are not just buying a package of drawing, but a kit with some of the key components. I could see someone buying this to to put some usable attachments on it.
Figure out what it would take for you to have 10 sets of key components fab'd and packaged up. Then set up a basic set of plans and directions for putting the parts together.
This way you still own the intellectual property (parts that you specifically designed, engineered and fab'd), but it is available for others to build if they so desire.
For reference, look at the kit plane industry or the kit car industry. Think of it as a glorified lego kit for big boys.....
You could break the kit into stages. Sub frame, Tracks/gears, Sheet metal finishing kit, etc. Then people could buy each kit as they have the money (or space on their credit card) and as they finish one kit, they order and start on the next stage.....
Just food for thought......
The other option is to just build and sell them outright... I know of a business in Roanoke, VA that builds miniature train engines and they sell for about $15k on up. They are about 6' long, 18" wide and have a 16 HP engine and hydraulic drive. They run on train tracks that people put on their property. They also have miniature train track parks for people to bring them to and run them....
Personally, I think you need to build a mini-track hoe (or mining scoop) after the dump truck is done... ;-) Of course, you can buy a nicely done mini-track hoe already (Bobcat 324, 318, etc) but where is the fun in that??
Regardless, I have enjoyed seeing the progress.
Figure out what it would take for you to have 10 sets of key components fab'd and packaged up. Then set up a basic set of plans and directions for putting the parts together.
This way you still own the intellectual property (parts that you specifically designed, engineered and fab'd), but it is available for others to build if they so desire.
For reference, look at the kit plane industry or the kit car industry. Think of it as a glorified lego kit for big boys.....
You could break the kit into stages. Sub frame, Tracks/gears, Sheet metal finishing kit, etc. Then people could buy each kit as they have the money (or space on their credit card) and as they finish one kit, they order and start on the next stage.....
Just food for thought......
The other option is to just build and sell them outright... I know of a business in Roanoke, VA that builds miniature train engines and they sell for about $15k on up. They are about 6' long, 18" wide and have a 16 HP engine and hydraulic drive. They run on train tracks that people put on their property. They also have miniature train track parks for people to bring them to and run them....
Personally, I think you need to build a mini-track hoe (or mining scoop) after the dump truck is done... ;-) Of course, you can buy a nicely done mini-track hoe already (Bobcat 324, 318, etc) but where is the fun in that??
Regardless, I have enjoyed seeing the progress.