It can be done, but it's pretty out there. Sounds to me like you need a GT with a FEL. Honestly, by shopping around and waiting you could probably pick one up better built and less expensive than you could build one.
Home-made CUT -- advice on component selection?
So, I'd like to build a tractor, because everything I've found out there is either too expensive or doesn't do what I want.
Needs:
Wants:
So, what I'm hoping to get some input on first is the very basics: Where to begin with a frame? Weld one together myself, or scavenge one from somewhere else? I'm gonna be beating the crap out of this thing, so the frame needs to be STRONG! Ditto on the axles.
How about the engine? What size? Hydraulic pump? What parts am I better off fabricating myself vs. scavenging from somewhere else?
Also, the frame is going to need to be very small, yet also very stable. It's primarily going to be used in a large suburban yard with a ridiculous maze of flowerbeds, raised beds, and all sorts of other ornamental crap scattered about. The entire machine, w/ wheels, can't be wider than 48".
I've been thinking that it'd be pretty handy to be able to hydraulically control the clearance of the machine. Higher if I'm just mowing, lower if I'm using the FEL/Backhoe. Is that idea best left in my dreams, or is it realistic?
:trink40:
:greendr:
Needs:
- 42" MAX Mower Deck
- Detachable FEL
- Detachable Backhoe (front or rear mount)
- Fast hydraulics -- small buckets, so it needs to SPEED!
- Small frame
Wants:
- 4x4
- Generic mount-points for attachments from brandname manufacturers
- Fold-down hydraulic stabilizers for excavator
- Bolt-together construction for super-easy maintenance
- Weather-proof/resistant exterior so it can be left uncovered outside
- Narrow turning radius
So, what I'm hoping to get some input on first is the very basics: Where to begin with a frame? Weld one together myself, or scavenge one from somewhere else? I'm gonna be beating the crap out of this thing, so the frame needs to be STRONG! Ditto on the axles.
How about the engine? What size? Hydraulic pump? What parts am I better off fabricating myself vs. scavenging from somewhere else?
Also, the frame is going to need to be very small, yet also very stable. It's primarily going to be used in a large suburban yard with a ridiculous maze of flowerbeds, raised beds, and all sorts of other ornamental crap scattered about. The entire machine, w/ wheels, can't be wider than 48".
I've been thinking that it'd be pretty handy to be able to hydraulically control the clearance of the machine. Higher if I'm just mowing, lower if I'm using the FEL/Backhoe. Is that idea best left in my dreams, or is it realistic?
:trink40:
:greendr:
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
you could build off a suzuki sameri frame and running gear
i think an articulated machine would be the easiest to build with 4wd. just buy a separate machine for mowing. craftsman lawn tractors often go for next to nothing
Well make sure ya take some pics for us.
I gotta ask a few questions..
Do you have every weekend for the next 8 months or more to dedicate to this? Why i ask is with out that time it will be sitting there waiting for you for a long time.
Do you have a shop full of tools and a few that you havent used yet?
Are you a great welder?
Are you good with hydro set up?
Do you have every weekend for the next 8 months or more to dedicate to this? Why i ask is with out that time it will be sitting there waiting for you for a long time.
Do you have a shop full of tools and a few that you havent used yet?
Are you a great welder?
Are you good with hydro set up?
Don't have every weekend free, but I do have lots of spare time. I work from home, so finding time to work on this project shouldn't be too hard. Even if it does end up sitting unfinished for a long time, I'm not too worried, since a lot of the fun is in building it, anyway.I gotta ask a few questions..
Do you have every weekend for the next 8 months or more to dedicate to this? Why i ask is with out that time it will be sitting there waiting for you for a long time.
Do you have a shop full of tools and a few that you havent used yet?
Are you a great welder?
Are you good with hydro set up?
I've got a nice big shop/barn with lots of tools. Mostly woodworking, but a couple metal brakes and a lathe in there too. I'm not the best welder, but I plan on harassing a buddy of mine (whose been welding since he was 10) for some help when I need it.
I'm stuck on your last comment, though: good with a "hydro set up"? All I can think of when I read that is hydroponic farming... which I almost exclusively correlate with one particular crop... :rauch10:
I agree, in general I've found the mowing deck will get in the way when using the loader and the loader gets in the way when mowing. Lawn tractors are easy to get to mow with. Haveing two machines will eliminate your desire to have the hydraulic height adjustment, The best set up would be an articulating loader or mini skid steer, and a zero turn mower. The way used equipment is showing up lately I don't think it would be worth while to build a loader. I've seen Case 646 loaders selling for $2500 dollars lately, 2 years ago this was a $6000 machine. Everybody is hurtin and trying to dump their older machines. Just my 2cents, good luck, Edi think an articulated machine would be the easiest to build with 4wd. just buy a separate machine for mowing. craftsman lawn tractors often go for next to nothing
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Is the point of articulation on articulated tractors a problem when lifting a lot of weight on one end of the tractor? I'd think it'd put a ton of stress on that one joint.
Using a suzuki samurai frame sounds pretty cool. Although, if possible, I'd like to stick with a traditional ladder frame. I think that'd offer me the strongest frame for the small size I'm aiming for. Correct me if I'm wrong, though!
Using a suzuki samurai frame sounds pretty cool. Although, if possible, I'd like to stick with a traditional ladder frame. I think that'd offer me the strongest frame for the small size I'm aiming for. Correct me if I'm wrong, though!
There was guy on e-bay a few years ago that was taking Honda CRV's and stripping the bodys off then using honda quad parts to make a huge quad with the CRV;s engine. when they were done you could not tell they weren't a factory quad. If you could find a smasshed CRV or Samuri, either might be a good start. Good luck Ed
If you just want to build it for fun, go for it. If you need something in the interim why not look at this:
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=92220
It might help you decide what you really do and don't need.
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=92220
It might help you decide what you really do and don't need.
If you could find an old jeep that is in pretty good condition that might be a good starting point. And even then every thing that Team green said will still apply.
The best one I've seen here on MTF and just about any other place,is the articulated Case one someone built..a 4wd articulated loader is hard to beat..but I dont know if it can be used to mow with a deck,but you could always use a pull behind unit..but I agree with the fact buying a used Case loader IS going to save a LOT of work,and potential for failure,or money wasted..it looks easy to build one,but DOING it isn't,and sometimes you dont realize that until your in over your head..
Hey MONOLITH!! Take a look at this http://www.cadplans.com/cadtrac.htm I thought of building one of these once, This way you would get all the designing done for you. I have the CADDIGGER and they seem pretty complete.
if you went articulated you could have a front mount deck that pins on to the loader
The strength of the articulated joint isn't a problem as long as its build heavy enough for the intended use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6joivyeAt-Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kec3s8Q7Hio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85EeYQdakLw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6joivyeAt-Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kec3s8Q7Hio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85EeYQdakLw
Wayne, are you sure that tractor is heavy enough for the intended use?:sidelaugh Seems a little small for that driveway! All jokes aside that thing is awesome, I thought it was funny one of the coments asked if it was in four low, you came back with no that's the high range, :sidelaugh Have you ever thought about adding a loader to it? Ed
Is THIS the one you're talking about?The best one I've seen here on MTF and just about any other place,is the articulated Case one someone built..a 4wd articulated loader is hard to beat..but I dont know if it can be used to mow with a deck,but you could always use a pull behind unit..but I agree with the fact buying a used Case loader IS going to save a LOT of work,and potential for failure,or money wasted..it looks easy to build one,but DOING it isn't,and sometimes you dont realize that until your in over your head..
It works pretty well, and I'm still happy with it. However it WAS a lot of work. My plan is to some day make the bucket quick detach, and build a backhoe to use in it's place. I'm not sure about using it for a mower though. I'd probably get a cheapie lawn tractor to use as a mower, but that's just me. Good luck and remember to post lots of pictures.
I agree with the two separate machines, a dedicated machine for grass would be cheap enough and less weight to be rolling on the lawn as you cut it. You could spend $1200 on a mower deck attachment for the one machine or buy a average size box store machine for the same money and less work.
I can see the loader project getting expensive fast depending what you want to put on it, especially with some high volume fast acting hydraulics. If you are looking for some ideas on amore conventional style tractor build take a look at my little project "Spring time build" The project is taking longer than I wanted and may turn into a spring time build of 2010 also. The build is easy it's just finding time to get anything done.
If you decide to take on this heavy duty project I would suggest the following tools and parts. 200 amp welder minimum, horizontal band saw, 14" metal cut off saw, heavy duty drill press or even better a mill & drill, decent size metal lathe, 5" angle grinder and a complete set of hand tools. This is basically my tool set and I find it to be just enough.
For parts i can just say oversize everything! and it will end up to be just enough. I would also say a diesel engine would be the best source of power.
I can see the loader project getting expensive fast depending what you want to put on it, especially with some high volume fast acting hydraulics. If you are looking for some ideas on amore conventional style tractor build take a look at my little project "Spring time build" The project is taking longer than I wanted and may turn into a spring time build of 2010 also. The build is easy it's just finding time to get anything done.
If you decide to take on this heavy duty project I would suggest the following tools and parts. 200 amp welder minimum, horizontal band saw, 14" metal cut off saw, heavy duty drill press or even better a mill & drill, decent size metal lathe, 5" angle grinder and a complete set of hand tools. This is basically my tool set and I find it to be just enough.
For parts i can just say oversize everything! and it will end up to be just enough. I would also say a diesel engine would be the best source of power.
Yup,thats the one!...in my estimation that machine was well thought out in advance,and actually worked very well for its intended purpose--which doesn't happen too often on a home built tractor..
I know,I've biult a few and have yet to be satisfied with the end results,and I've ended up taking them apart and starting over or just using the parts for other things instead..its not easy re-inventing the wheel,its sometimes best to fix a factory built machine you KNOW will work in the end,instead of trying to "cheat" and save money building it yourself..
I too,agree a separate tractor dedicated to mowing only,would make more sense than trying to build a "do it all" machine--they have different needs--as an example,a loader needs 4wd and a low range,while using it as a mower would be too slow and rip up the lawn possibly..landscapers know a "zero turn" stand up mower beats a "lawn tractor" for mowing,so they have both,and use the tractor for pulling and other chores..
I know,I've biult a few and have yet to be satisfied with the end results,and I've ended up taking them apart and starting over or just using the parts for other things instead..its not easy re-inventing the wheel,its sometimes best to fix a factory built machine you KNOW will work in the end,instead of trying to "cheat" and save money building it yourself..
I too,agree a separate tractor dedicated to mowing only,would make more sense than trying to build a "do it all" machine--they have different needs--as an example,a loader needs 4wd and a low range,while using it as a mower would be too slow and rip up the lawn possibly..landscapers know a "zero turn" stand up mower beats a "lawn tractor" for mowing,so they have both,and use the tractor for pulling and other chores..
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
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