DIY Tracked Vehicle Part 3 - Is It Really Finished?

Work continues on the DIY Tracked Vehicle it is assembled but is it really finished?. Some issues are discovered on the tracked vehicle that may need to be addressed.
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👉Playlist with all videos in this project - • DIY Tracked Vehicle
🛠 Tools and Parts Used In This Video:
Rear Brake Assembly - amzn.to/3mDRJ5Z
Front Brake Master Cylinder and Handle - amzn.to/3EwQuvt
Thumb Throttle - amzn.to/3FAlGeF
DuroMax Engine - amzn.to/31d18tE
Torque Converter - amzn.to/31a37PB
YesWelder 250 MIG Pro (Use discount code MAKINGSTUFF for 10% off!) - yeswelder.com/?ref=makingstuff
Rubber Tracks - rubbertrack.com/rubber-tracks...
Evolution Chop Saw - amzn.to/3cnmQ1e
Mophorn 980W Mag Drill - amzn.to/34l62Dh
Annular Cutters Small Set - amzn.to/38qkXh1
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[@bobw7066]

I am a mechanical engineer and I saw the problem from the start, you have placed the idler and drive sprocket on top of the track frame instead of underneath and I would suggest that you fit some rollers to support the upper part of the track as well. Perouse the internet and look at the various skid steers out there and you will see what I am talking about, apart from all of that you have done a great job. From Australia

[@hipairbrush1053]

Really cool build.... can't wait to see it in action.

[@BaxterKaleb]

Can't wait to see it finished!

[@divya_]

Amazing and inspiring to see the breadth of skills. Looking forward to the next one!

[@MakingStuff]

Coming soon! Thanks for watching!

[@bobjohnson9687]

Cant wait to see it finished!

[@Personal_Track_Vehicle]

Yup, did you catch it when I explained I wanted to longest footprint possible, just because of that! I went over the handlebars on my Magic Carpet, learned that real quick! Fun, though!

[@austinreish94]

Looking forward to seeing this rip

[@jayburrough4308]

Great video

[@imdeplorable2241]

Yes, I did like the video.👍 It's a process, a learning process.

[@MakingStuff]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrGoosePit]

Awesome! Soon enough you will be rampaging through your beautifully manicured municipal gardens!

[@MakingStuff]

And searching for Bamboo. LOL, Thanks for watching!

[@blackhawkinternationalsecu6962]

Awesome vid. I'm looking forward to your next video.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@DktheWelder]

Looks very cool! I hope moving the engine back works, I think going into a wheelie would be pretty safe but the nose dive would be scary!

[@MakingStuff]

That's the plan! Thanks for watching!

[@TerryRGraham]

The Center of gravity is key. Everything from planes to rockets needs the center of gravity balanced. Nice job building this! I may have to borrow some of this to make my own.

[@MakingStuff]

Yeah it needs to be moved to the rear of the vehicle. Thanks for watching!

[@TerryRGraham]

@@MakingStuff or the center and then a counter weight in the back to make up for the rider in the front. I'm sure you'll get to work one way or another.

[@cranktowncity]

That is one kickass segway!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@ukulelefatman]

Maybe a seat that hangs over the stern a bit would balance it out. An old tractor seat mounted on some leaf springs? You'd have to drop and extend the handlebars a little, but It works great in my head 😁

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for the tip!

[@zeusmarkula4580]

Very well

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks

[@prussian7]

I thought about making something like this about 10 years ago. Just big enough to pull small logs out of the woods and help access trails.

[@tonygagey]

Brilliant build mate, colour me yae impressed! But( always a but,eh?!) ther is a reason Tanks mount the motor at the back, exception being Israel.

[@rainbows99]

Merry Christmas Bob

[@MakingStuff]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@cloviscloviscarvalho4227]

não se esqueça de min. quero muito divulgar este trabalho!

[@johnsamu]

The most easy way would be the solution that was also being used in some WW2 tankhunters. That is reverse everything. put the steering mechanism on the back side, the engine will be under your chair and effectively your rear will now be your front. The center of gravity will be almost in the middle now.

[@mimimitchell1989]

Looks great can't wait to come down so you can jump over the tanks with it . Nice looking machine.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍

[@sebsshed4517]

Getting there mate. Can’t wait to see it done. Shame you live so far away could have bought my machine over for a ride out together. Hope you had a good Christmas

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks, wish there were more guys like you around here where I live.

[@sebsshed4517]

@@MakingStuff what part of the states are you from?

[@MakingStuff]

@@sebsshed4517 Tennessee

[@sebsshed4517]

@@MakingStuff been there once before but was a very brief passing visit. Spent a lot of time in the states mostly Florida and Louisiana once. Always wanted to see more.

[@reecer19]

Really cool build! I hope you don't have to change those brake rotors often!

[@MakingStuff]

Me too. Thanks for watching!

[@steveseifertsr.8120]

Don't forget to put an "Extension" on the Oil Drain Hole" so that it can be easily accessed and a brass valve on the end.

[@MakingStuff]

Yeah, I'm at the break in point on the engine and need to change the oil. Figured this one out the hard way. Thanks for the tip!

[@elkbgl]

Understanding directional tread patterns on tires, the V configuration of the lugs should point forward in direction of travel. Just my observation. Probably makes no discernable difference. Love the build and presentation. You have a new Sub!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for the info! The tracks were turned the correct direction later in the project. Works great now.

[@hazleborn]

1/2" skid plate under the length and angled up at the front, that will bring the weight balance lower and add protection. Then I would add 2-300 lbs of weight in the back as plates and or some type of hitch.

[@MakingStuff]

Got it fixed. See video posted today.

[@Mr.ninja69]

It would have been wise in my opinion to make your break rotors interchangeable as well

[@chrisgoldbach4450]

My biggest question is how can you make a cart with tracks that you can pull? The differential part is where I get lost. I want to pull a wagon out back but I need to be able to turn it left and right instead of just straight. Your the only one smart enough

[@TERRYB0688]

Hi how about extending the standing platform at the back and extending the handle bar mechanism, just a thought 👴🏻👍

[@09FLTRMM77]

MM77 Approved 👍🏼👍🏼

[@MakingStuff]

Right on!

[@Rebar77_real]

Looks like you're having a ton of fun building this beast. Great work!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@tedbastwock3810]

At 1:56 what is that, some kind of funky long drill bit??

[@lloyd4768]

I think you need some counter weight in back and extend the platform a little to the rear

[@MakingStuff]

Always an option, thanks for watching!

[@roadrunner4404]

I favor moving the engine back, and if required your handlebars and standing platform too. Moving the from idle wheels will steepening the angle of the tracks at the front. Maybe cut n reweld the entire track mount assy forward 3 inches on frame is easier. Testing will tell the tale.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for the tips!

[@dennishein2812]

Add counter weights, they do that with farm tractors and heavy equipment.

[@florentleider222]

Inspiring. I bet the price of the pair of tracks accounts at least for 2/3 of the whole price....

[@MakingStuff]

More like 11/32. LOL, thanks for watching!

[@nimquie1000]

Change the steering wheel around to the back ?

[@BuildItFixItDIY]

I enjoy your presentation and videos/content. 1 minor thing that won't make a hill of beans difference that I noticed is that the track was backwards. That is strictly aesthetic because this isn't an excavator or anything that needs to push (pull in your case) a lot, but. . .when viewed from the back, the lugs should angle downward on the outside edges like a tractor tire's do.

[@MakingStuff]

Already fixed. See video I posted today. Thanks for watching!

[@BuildItFixItDIY]

@@MakingStuff They haven't changed orientation from what I can see. Glad the balance thing got remedied and congrats on finishing it!

[@mlentsch]

How about an electric version... with all the major structural assemblies made from composite?? One giant outrunner for each track?

[@Merlogcz]

Hey Bob, really cool project you have there! Could you let us know what kind of differential + drive axle you are using?

[@MakingStuff]

It came from SurplusCenter.com

[@lotuselanplus2s]

Progress, one thing that you could do to help with the front heavy issue, the handlebar mount, what about making it straight/upright without the bend and putting it behind the engine and also a 2 square hollow section is more than heavy enough for the handlebar mount, looks like youre using 2 by 3 inch. if it weighs 30 pounds then moving it will be a 60 pound weight shift, its the easies and first thing that i'd try. Oh and one more thing, a motorcycle throttle might be a better solution than the thumb throttle, i've never liked them.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for the tips!

[@nunolourenco1532]

Reverse the lower buggy wheels and ride it backwards? Or move the whole engine to the back? Otherwise it seems you’ll have to move the engine a lot to the center. Lowering it also helps. If you are willing to sacrifice ground height, lowering the standup platform&engine would help a bit also, but a seated position seems a better option. And, don’t forget a squid plate on the front...

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for the tips!

[@petrasv7795]

Very nice project. Could please refer what kind of differential do you use ?

[@MakingStuff]

makingstuff.info/Projects/Personal_Tracked_Vehicle

[@waydweaver7596]

where did you get the differential?

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆🏆🏆👍🇺🇲🙏 It's one thing to think of something, but it's entirely something else to actually make it and have it work.. Genius..., persistence will pay off👍 I'm no expert... But, what is you have a seat toward the back? It might add weight for balance lower the center of gravity. Thank you for sharing

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@BeAutifulScenery-2]

I like your cat

[@marvinhillAllthrwaytolife]

Where do I get the shaft differential

[@mattesmiol7466]

Nice project! One question, does it have reverse?

[@MakingStuff]

Nope

[@kenlautsch4410]

Hopefully you read this did you find brake master cylinder and caliper more than strong enough

[@romellyarde907]

this is nice but where did you get the dif from and what type

[@MakingStuff]

makingstuff.info/Projects/Personal_Tracked_Vehicle

[@pecintaalatberat4555]

Tinggal.bikin bucket untuk langsir sawit

[@MakingStuff]

It's almost finished, what changes would you make to it for better performance?

[@Crewsy]

When I first saw your post on Instagram mocking up the handlebars I thought a pivot point where the vertical bar angles back would be good. You could have a spring setup like your bogies to hold the handlebars up but still provide some movement when needed. I hope your modifications work to improve the balance.

[@jwiereng]

6:41 why not use plasma to cut holes for caliper mounting bolts?

[@MakingStuff]

Good question. It doesn't make small holes very well. I used to make them undersized and then drilled them out with a bit to et a cleaner hole, but that would often make the holes out of place or alignment. It easier to just drill them out manually when you are only dealing with 2 holes.

[@balloney2175]

Hey Bob, your cat is watching (index 0:31). You better work properly. She said you don't have a plan, hence, the mistakes.

[@Hollywood4Fun]

I'm just curious - what program do you use to draw your plasma cut parts. I'm in the middle of a small CNC plasma cutting table build. I played around with illustrator to create some black and white SVG files which I then brought into open builds cam to create toolpaths. It's all new to me but nevertheless an enjoyable learning curve. Thanks for the great vids. Are you running Mach 3 on your plasma controller?

[@voyeger4464]

standing area looks too small(it looks like it is just 12"-15"? )if you make the stand such a way that you can stand keeping your legs spread it would be helpful in keeping a balance during maneuvering the vehicle. Maybe you can weld a plate over the rubber track so you can stand up spreading your legs as you require.

[@MakingStuff]

It's 22" between tracks. I can't move them out any more than that due to the width of the diff. Thanks for watching!

[@gettosurfer]

I looked in the parts listed in the video description. Couldn't find the axle.

[@MakingStuff]

makingstuff.info/Projects/Personal_Tracked_Vehicle

[@dogbreath312]

I’m curious, I apologize if I missed this in the comments, but do you have drawings for this project? I really thought this was an outstanding vehicle. Kudos for this!

[@MakingStuff]

No, sorry

[@randallservidio5919]

It almost looks like your side frames (track assemblies) are backwards. If you swapped left side to right and vise versa in rev #2 it would work out better.

[@MakingStuff]

Yeah, I think moving the bogey wheels forward will fix that. Thanks!

[@jeffnoordyke9351]

Maybe this isn't a big deal but, are the tracks facing the right direction ? Just going by the tread pattern.

[@MakingStuff]

No they weren't when this was filmed. They were turned the correct way later on in the project.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Bob, I cannot find where you list where you found the differential. Did you get it on eBay or was is someplace special? Excellent video series and a new subscriber.

[@MakingStuff]

I got it from Surplus Center but it looks like they no longer carry it. I will update the web page, thanks for letting me know. You can find it here. www.staton-inc.com/store/index.php?p=product&id=179

[@Biokemist-o3k]

@@MakingStuff Wow I did not know that Peerless made that. Thank you so much. I am going to try and replicate your incredible bogie setup for a mini dozer that I am going too try to build. Everything is soooo expensive though. Thank you so much.

[@tedtenny]

Be careful with electrical erosion when welding near bearings!

[@JasonVladimir]

Thanks for sharing your advice, Ted! I just learned something.

[@NotaRobot_gif]

What size chains are you using? Thanks!

[@MakingStuff]

#41 roller chain.

[@sandasouthern9475]

Was is the measurement for the track if it layed flat on the ground off the machine.

[@MakingStuff]

It's about 7" wide and 4 ft long.

[@nathanmccorkle4278]

Just put the steering on the opposite side from the engine and ride it in reverse? I guess you'd need to reverse your drive with some gears though

[@resurrectionchopshop8471]

What part of Tennessee are you in? I’m in East Tennessee

[@MakingStuff]

South of Nashville.

[@presh6969]

How does it moves from left to right like steering wheel?

[@MakingStuff]

Steer with brakes.

[@victoryfirst2878]

What I am wondering is what is the footprint weight of the machine and operator of pounds per square inch ???? Will this be able to turn without chewing up the grass ??? Thanks

[@MakingStuff]

It did not tear up the grass when I was spinning around in the snow. I'm sure if I stayed in the same spot and spin around several times it would tear up the grass. I think the pounds per square inch are rather low because of the amount of track that has contact with the ground. It barely leaves any tracks in the grass and dirt.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@MakingStuff You are right on with your assuration of contact pressure. What is the machines weight, what is surface area of track contact pad and how many contact pads are their ??? Thanks This way I can figure out what you have pressure wise. Have a great day fella too.

[@lotuselanplus2s]

Hi, another thing, what if you reverse the front road wheel, ie: make it a leading link instead of a trailing link, it would still articulate but it would be then 8 to 12 inches further forewards.

[@diabolicalmachine]

I was thinking this also but I'd be surprised if he has enough track length to do that.

[@lotuselanplus2s]

@@diabolicalmachine Compress each of the springs for the road wheels and combined they just might give enough free play to the track to get it done, would make the whole vehicle a bit lower to the ground and more firmly sprung at the same time.

[@MakingStuff]

Yeah, if I turn the bogey wheel assemblies around facing the other direction it will move everything forward 6 inches.

[@lotuselanplus2s]

@@MakingStuff I was thinking of turning the first and maybe the second one, not all because then with your weight on the back and a lot of overhang on the tracks it would always want to wheelie as it were,

[@timwight9471]

Will it be more like an atv or more like a tractor?

[@MakingStuff]

Just something to ride that looks cool.

[@jaybakardi5470]

Would that be a slip diff?

[@MakingStuff]

Yes

[@gregspangler5155]

dont need chain tentioner

[@clayton203]

What company makes that drive assemble,,limited slip, axle

[@MakingStuff]

Link in description and web page.

[@clayton203]

@@MakingStuff thanks

[@jwiereng]

5:36 brake hose - not cable

[@bonjournito]

Confusing! How you control the speed of the vehicle?!!

[@MakingStuff]

It has a throttle.

[@deanlutz7528]

I'd put me a forward facing outrigger with a swivel wheel on it and call it a project. It might even save you from busting your you know what.

[@surplusdoctor]

I would relocate the engine over center of gravity, and put a seat over the engine.

[@gregspangler5155]

make good snow dog

[@johntaylor1947]

better to have too much HP. than not enough.

[@paulwyleciol3459]

not very clever what you said though: Why not extend the steering a little back and put the platform back on that you stand??? No additional weight, and nobody cares if the thing itself is unbalanced as it doesn't go without the "200 pound Gorilla" as the genious youtuber AvE would call you :-) Anyways: The whole machine is gorgeous, keep the good work up! THUMBS UP

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@nutroll4205]

Those plastic wheels are Gona fail. you should look for a different set of wheels that will last a little longer.

[@MakingStuff]

If they fail I can always make some better ones. Thanks for watching!

[@gizmobowen]

I'd like to suggest that your good luck is due to your feline assistance.

[@MakingStuff]

Yeah, that's Angel. She keeps all of the mice out of the shop. Thanks for watching!

[@dave_ecclectic]

Put some weight on and get fat like me. Then it will balance perfectly. (since it rhymes it must be true.)

one of main advantages of track vehicle is the stability, which u've completely lost in ur design (hardly to call a design since mostly every part of ur experiment was experiment for it self o.O)

man, with this whole project u will be only blocking half of turning power, when u could do vehicle to do 360 in place if u wanted to, with some more sketches and a bit more planning? (and few more welds and sprockets ofc) o.O

this part i woun't even like ^.-