Scale Model Dozer Ride On For My Son

[brucer]

Cool as heck.

I think it needs a cage, especially since your son is going to be on it...I might would add a couple hundred more pounds to it also..

 

[Hephaestus29]

Well, after the snow finally stopped, I got about 13" in my area. I plowed the driveway 3 times over the course of the snow fall but I never touched the back patio. So I had to go play in the deep stuff. I get hung up a few times as you'll see but I must be catching concrete or ice or something. Or I might have too much down pressure on the blade which is taking weight off the tracks. As soon as I bump the blade upward, I continue to push. For reference, the blade is about 15" tall and the top of the track is about 17".

I am having fun riding it but it will be even more fun when my son is old enough to ride it.

I'm impressed, you probably just need a couple of height adjusters on the blade to keep it a 1/4 inch or so off the pavement to keep from having the down pressure. It plows right on through pretty deep snow.

 

[CooperS7777]

Ive seen a ton of cool things here on Garage Journal, but this has to be on of the coolest! Great build thread, and a project that will truly be cherished for generations to come!

 

[Turbo1Ton]

This thing is so friggin' awesome!!!!

Both my garden tractor and my SCUT have a 'float' position which just allows the mass of the blade/loader bucket for down force. I'm not sure if dozers are supposed to have this 'float' position or not since you want a dozer to be able to have down force on the blade. I think the stops idea is a good one. I can't remember but if you have a removable cutting edge on the blade, but if so, you could also replace that with a rubber squeegee edge which would allow for some flexibility and would prevent you from putting too much down force on the blade. Just a thought.

Jeff

 

[Don Campbell]

Just Awesome !! The fact you squeezed all the components inside the machine not to compromise the overall look is the coolest. Your such a great example of a masterpiece being created in such a small shop with limited tools. I love it !!

 

[e-tek]

Just went through the entire thread (again). You've gotten enough kudo's to last a lifetime, but I just had add my own.....

As we say in Canada when we're suitably impressed: FUCKEN-eh.

Way to stick with it, build it right and show us all how it's down - truly inspirational.

 

[bullnerd]

Without question that is awesome. Thanks for taking the time to share.

The big question is, does your son have somewhere to use it? Or is your yard going to be open season?

 

[dozerbuilder01]

Are you going to add some more weight so the dozer does not slip as much? You have plenty of torque.

Funny thing is, I figured this thing would weigh about 900-1,000 lbs back when I was designing it. I thought "man, that's heavy". Apparently not. However, I don't plan to add anymore weight. I've pushed a lot of snow these past few days and it did what I needed it to do.

Hehe... want to get into some serious trouble you could add a ripper blade onto the back! LOL...

This thing is all sorts of trouble. I may add one in the future. I have some spots in my yard I'd like to level out. A ripper may help loosen things up.

That thing works great! It turned out awesome. You look like your having way to much fun.
So whens the next snow fall?

Well, it started again yesterday. Got another 7" (~18cm) on top of the 13 (~33cm) we already got. 20" (~51cm) since New Years Eve. That's not normal for where I live. Especially looking at the last two winters that were above average temps and below average snowfall. I got this thing running just in time.

Very cool, but you did say this was for your son right

Haha. I did. But I'm a big kid too. And he's still young.

This thing is so friggin' awesome!!!!

Both my garden tractor and my SCUT have a 'float' position which just allows the mass of the blade/loader bucket for down force. I'm not sure if dozers are supposed to have this 'float' position or not since you want a dozer to be able to have down force on the blade. I think the stops idea is a good one. I can't remember but if you have a removable cutting edge on the blade, but if so, you could also replace that with a rubber squeegee edge which would allow for some flexibility and would prevent you from putting too much down force on the blade. Just a thought.

Jeff

I appreciate your suggestion a few months ago about making the plow break away. Although I've kept it locked so far because I don't have the rubber bumpers installed and the springs I have are kind of weak, it would have been nice. I hit a few bad spots in my sidewalk and although it didn't throw me off or hurt me, it was uncomfortable. It did stop me good but this thing doesn't go that fast. It will be a nice addition when I get it tuned.

I do have a cutting edge (steel right now) so it is replaceable. I have some UHMW if the steel was scratching up the driveway (which I don't think it is) but I may try to get some dense rubber.

And I don't have float. I bought the valve not thinking about it. I don't really know what I'm doing so I learn as I go. My valve model does have a float option. Funny thing though, I paid $100 for mine. The valve with the float detent option is $200. And I'm not sure if I can buy the parts to change mine over. I'll have to look into it if it bothers me.

Thanks for the tips.

Just Awesome !! The fact you squeezed all the components inside the machine not to compromise the overall look is the coolest. Your such a great example of a masterpiece being created in such a small shop with limited tools. I love it !!

Thank you. That's been the big challenge. As I kept adding things, I didn't realize how little space I had. It would have been better if I didn't start building until I had the design 100%. However, if I waited for that, I probably wouldn't have even started building yet.

Just went through the entire thread (again). You've gotten enough kudo's to last a lifetime, but I just had add my own.....

As we say in Canada when we're suitably impressed: FUCKEN-eh.

Way to stick with it, build it right and show us all how it's down - truly inspirational.

Thank you. Love reading your thread. I'm glad I'm able to add to the entertainment on this site.

Without question that is awesome. Thanks for taking the time to share.

The big question is, does your son have somewhere to use it? Or is your yard going to be open season?

My parents have 1.5 acres and my brother has 2. Probably spend most of the time at my brothers because his property is flat and open so there is less trouble for my son to get into. I live in suburbia so my neighbors think I'm nuts. Other than plowing snow, we won't drive it here much.

Overall, I'm very happy with how it is working. I used it to plow my driveway 5 times over these past few days. Also my neighbors driveway twice. And also my back patio just because it was fun. And a few parts of my yard to get to my shed. I have a few more small things to do and then I need to start striping it down one last time to get ready for the sand blaster.

Thanks for looking. The comments keep me motivated.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I do have a cutting edge (steel right now) so it is replaceable. I have some UHMW if the steel was scratching up the driveway (which I don't think it is) but I may try to get some dense rubber.

A lot of guys have used horse stall mats with great results. There are kits from the tractor manufacturers but those are pricey, about $60-$75 IIRC, and they tend to only last a year or so. You can get a stall mat for about $30 or so and you have enough material to make new edges for a long time. Just cut it to whatever dimensions you need and match drill the holes. Usually have to add longer bolts.

Good luck! Can't wait to see it painted!

Jeff

 

[RonRock]

I am having fun riding it but it will be even more fun when my son is old enough to ride it.

You have time to build an excavator and a dump truck. Then you guys can have some fun.

 

[Hephaestus29]

Definitely looks like your going to have to de-rust now or sandblast ! LOL At least you've proved function & reliability so you can get on to painting it after snow season.

 

[Arps]

Just read through this thread...AMAZING!

 

[MAYOR28]

Any update?????

 

[Kevin54]

So that day finally came. I got to plow some snow. We got about 8" so far. Might get some more. It sure beat shoveling.

Another video with a bunch of random clips put together. They aren't the best.

Hopefully in a few years, my son can plow the whole neighborhood and make some money for college.

I watched the video clip and the dozer is awesome. I know you said you built it for your son, so he get's it when.......for his 30th birthday ?

 

[bluebolt]

That picture in the snow all dirty after working makes it look a LOT bigger!

 

[cdrewferd]

Freaking fantastic!!!!! Amazing build that your son will appreciate when he's older. Until then, you can keep driving and "tweaking" it to make everything work better.

 

[Chris Stapley]

Wow, the way it looks right now is rather cool considering it's built to look vintage. I'd use a goof UV protectant clear over the existing finish and call it cool..

 

[-Brent-]

I love this build. It's been a while so I cannot remember... but have you ever posted a photo with someone in the seat? I'd love to see how tiny this thing is with an adult operating it.

When do you plan to get some color on it?

 

[Kevin54]

I love this build. It's been a while so I cannot remember... but have you ever posted a photo with someone in the seat? I'd love to see how tiny this thing is with an adult operating it.

When do you plan to get some color on it?

Brent....take a look at his video. He's out playing in the driveway on it.

 

[48RON54]

WOW!!! Being new here, this is the first time I've seen this thread.... and I just spent my entire mornining reading all 21 pages of it..... Mind blown! ******

 

[sakurama]

Coolest. Thread. Ever.

Man I want to do something like this someday. Nice work. Subscribed!

Gregor

 

[-Brent-]

Brent....take a look at his video. He's out playing in the driveway on it.

Awesome!

 

[dozerbuilder01]

So...I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. We've been getting ready for baby #2. And I've also been plowing a lot of snow. I got this thing running December 28th with plans to just test it out a bit before I took it back apart to start prepping for paint. Little did I know that this winter would be the 4th highest snowfall in Chicago history. And it's the most snow in my lifetime. It's nothing like what Don Campbell is seeing in Gaylord but we are at 75.2". I think average is 30" or something.

I have an hour meter but I didn't install it yet. I'm guessing I have about 30-40 hours on the dozer since late December. I'm taking it down to my parents house tomorrow to take it apart to start prepping for paint. I'll just have to **** it up and shovel if it does snow anymore. As I take it apart I'll have a good look at everything to see how it is holding up. Hopefully it's all good and I won't need to make any changes. Overall, it has worked really well.

I plan to sand blast it soon and then my dad can start doing the body work. I'll need his help because baby #2 is going to be arriving any day now. I expect to have it painted by the end of Spring.

I did recently finish up the foot pans (or whatever you call them). I just need to finish attaching them. They turned out alright.

Glad you all enjoy. I looked back through the pages and I came a long way since I started a little over two years ago. I'll be anxious to start the next project (tank) when my first son gets a little bit older. After this one is done, I'll be taking it easy on big projects for a while (want to build a shop press, tubing bender and new welding table though). I'll mostly have my hands full with two little boys. And I plan to go to a few tractor shows with my boys too to show off the dozer. My first son still has another 3-4 years before I feel he's old enough to ride it. So in the meantime, I guess I'll ride it around.

I'll post pictures as soon as it's painted.

That is all for now.
Ryan

 

[W_A_Watson_II]

I'm still amazed at the project, work, design and quality. WOW! So does the 2nd kid get a front end loader or backhoe? Good luck with the expansion of the family.

 

[hpw]

Glad you all enjoy. I looked back through the pages and I came a long way since I started a little over two years ago. I'll be anxious to start the next project (tank) when my first son gets a little bit older. After this one is done, I'll be taking it easy on big projects for a while (want to build a shop press, tubing bender and new welding table though). I'll mostly have my hands full with two little boys. And I plan to go to a few tractor shows with my boys too to show off the dozer. My first son still has another 3-4 years before I feel he's old enough to ride it. So in the meantime, I guess I'll ride it around.



That is all for now.
Ryan

WOW! So does the 2nd kid get a front end loader or backhoe?

..............................

 

[Joe69]

I'm speechless! That video is awesome, as is the build!

Joe

 

[lilscorpion]

I've very much enjoyed following this thread. Fantastic skills and I wish I had one!

Regarding plowing snow - you need plow wings. Easy to build and changes the game. They do a few things for you. They increase the amount of snow you can push but more importantly, when the blade is full tilt, they help the snow roll to the side you're tilted to and prevent it from coming of the other side.

 

[SeanConklin]

Followed this thread for a long time now and I'm still dumfounded as to how you did this. Nothing but respect and admiration for your abilities. I'd like to order one by the way, and yes, it's for my "son".

 

[BoostedSCrew]

That is awesome

 

[sxk122]

So... I'll be anxious to start the next project (tank)

Can I come play.......... Can't wait to se that project!!!!!!

 

[pertneer]

Did you get this painted yet?

 

[Beemer533]

I must say, this build is something else! I use Sketchup Pro (or Make as it is called now) to model things before I build and it saves me tons of time and money... I'd love to learn CAD one of these days though.

I am very impressed what you have accomplished in your shop.. Gives me some hope! Now I just need the skills

...

I need to make a trip to mcmaster next week for bushings so no picture of it mounted yet.

.....

One of my jobs for work in the past was at Midway; when I realized I could drive to Mcmaster-Carr to pick stuff up I was in heaven! They have an amazing facility there...


I can't wait to check out the youtube videos! Unfortunately, youtube is blocked here in Turkey... I guess I'll have something to watch when I get home!

Can't wait to see the finished product... just awesome.

 

[CRH]

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dozerbuilder01]

I'm still amazed at the project, work, design and quality. WOW! So does the 2nd kid get a front end loader or backhoe? Good luck with the expansion of the family.

Thanks. I think the 2nd kid is going to have to share. This one took a long time to build. Don't know if I'll have time for a while to build something else.

I'm speechless! That video is awesome, as is the build!

Joe

Thanks Joe

I've very much enjoyed following this thread. Fantastic skills and I wish I had one!

Regarding plowing snow - you need plow wings. Easy to build and changes the game. They do a few things for you. They increase the amount of snow you can push but more importantly, when the blade is full tilt, they help the snow roll to the side you're tilted to and prevent it from coming of the other side.

I've thought about it. May be a project for next year. This was an above average winter though. We normally don't get snowfalls like this that often.

Followed this thread for a long time now and I'm still dumfounded as to how you did this. Nothing but respect and admiration for your abilities. I'd like to order one by the way, and yes, it's for my "son".

Thank you. Sometimes I felt like I bit off more than I could chew but I learn by trying. Overall, it has worked out surprisingly well. There are always things I'd like to do over but that's just how i am.

I keep telling my wife that it's for my son. She does the air quotes for me now.

I must say, this build is something else! I use Sketchup Pro (or Make as it is called now) to model things before I build and it saves me tons of time and money... I'd love to learn CAD one of these days though.

I am very impressed what you have accomplished in your shop.. Gives me some hope! Now I just need the skills

One of my jobs for work in the past was at Midway; when I realized I could drive to Mcmaster-Carr to pick stuff up I was in heaven! They have an amazing facility there...

I can't wait to check out the youtube videos! Unfortunately, youtube is blocked here in Turkey... I guess I'll have something to watch when I get home!

Can't wait to see the finished product... just awesome.

I tried sketchup a little while ago. I was trying to plan the garage addition (not that it's happening anytime soon). I hate to be a CAD snob but I did not like it. I know I've been fortunate enough to learn on and use some very powerful CAD software but sketchup just wasn't working for me. I know some people can do some amazing things with it but I didn't want to learn another one. Best thing you can do with any program is watch the tutorials and try to draw random things.

And I won't bash other companies but McMaster has their website figured out. I hope the guy that developed it got a lot of money. When I try to use some other similar companies website, the search results always seem to be in the thousands even if I type in a very specific keyword. And forget about the sort functions. McMaster is just so easy to narrow down to what I want. Depending on what it is, their prices aren't bad, especially since I am fortunate to live nearby and don't have to pay for shipping. I go their enough, the lady at will call starts pulling my order before I get to the desk.

Did you get this painted yet?

Well........

My wife and I have been a little overwhelmed with baby #2. I won't get into all the details but it has been a little challenging. Nothing bad. Just newborn stuff. After getting used to an almost 3 year old (and only one of them), it was hard to go back to the beginning. It's all good though. Everyone is healthy and mostly happy.

Bad part is that garage time is non-existent. Luckily my dad has been helping out big time by doing the body work and painting.

But the good news is, I'll leave you all with a teaser pic.

Soon........

 

[dozerbuilder01]

Also, if anyone is interested, I plan to take it to a few shows this summer.

The two that are for sure are
Will County Threshermen Show July 17-20 in Manhattan Il
Lake County Farm Heritage Fall Festival September 20-21 in Wauconda Il.

I might take it to one in Sycamore Il maybe just for one day. We'll see.

That is if they let me in. I haven't called yet. Reason I say that is because I was looking into another show near my inlaws area and the flier specifically said no homemade tractors. Maybe a liability thing? I don't know. I'll call once I have it done.

 

[jgreen-fsi]

Oh man… Need more ASAP! Congrats on the new arrival!

 

[c.schulz]

Yes congrats on the new baby! Glad to hear its nothing to serious.
As for the dozer, the teaser pic has us all ready to roll for more.

Chris

 

[Lippyp]

Next up you need to make a dump trailer for child number 2

 

[pertneer]

The teaser looks good . Can't wait to see it done. May have to look into these shows and stop in to see it.

Congrats on the new little one.

 

[plow]

Subscribed.