Update

I'm still alive. And the project is still happening. Fulltime job and my boys are 13 and 10 and very active in lots of things. So barely enough time to work on this project. And pretty much no time to post about it. I try to post a little more frequently on Instagram (dozerbuilder01) but even that has been rare lately. Well, I start with the best part and work backwards. I started the dump bed. I originally didn't want to do this until last because it will just be in my way and I don't have room in my garage for something so big to sit off to the side. But I figured now it will annoy me into getting this project done. I don't have some of the front end in place in this photo but I do have most of it completed. That includes all of the handrails, steps, cab, grill etc.

Here's the hardrails and steps while it was still assembled.

Also working on how it's controlled. Didn't want levers linkage or cables running into the very small seating area. So most things will be computer controlled. I used a couple of Arduinos to control the shifting (this will have reverse, neutral, 1st and 2nd) and also to control the air suspension. I've written a program so it will self level.

I can't believe it's been 4 years since I posted here. Once it's done, hopefully I'll have a little time to do what I did with the dozer and catalog the build. However, I've also been a little bad with taking pictures. Again, with what little time I get in the garage, I just want to work. Hopefully I only have maybe another year left. It's really just a bunch of small details I need to finish up. It drives. It has a bed. I just need to finish weld things. Finish wiring. Run air hoses. And paint it. So we'll see.....

Another Update

Kind of a random update but here goes. I got the frame done and sitting on wheels and tires sometime last year. I'll eventually update the build pages properly but in the mean time, both front and rear suspension are simple swing arm with a track bar. Nothing fancy. 

Also completed the engine cradle. 

Now I've been working on the front end sheet metal and the support structure.

Also got a new radiator and fan mounted. Had to mount externally due to space. Also changed the manifold and muffler as well as the alternator for more output. 

As always, I try to post a little more regularly on Instagram @Dozerbuilder01

Thanks for checking out my build.

Ryan

Keeping the momentum going......

Progress continues. I have very limited time, so I tend to work on it when I get a chance vs updating this webpage. I do typically post on Instagram somewhat often due to the ease of doing so. So if you follow me there (Dozerbuilder), you'll see slightly more frequent updates.

I'll update the build index once it's completely done and I have more time. 

I've got some good momentum now. I hope it continues...….

Got Some Real Progress Now

I'm at about 75%-80% on the design now. I'd like to get to around 90% with the rest figured out while building (hose routing, controls etc). Things I don't feel like spending the time to model.

Most of the cad work left to do is on the front end. So I decided to start building the axle. Before I tabled this project some time ago, I was trying to use a GM 14 bolt and a 10 bolt from an S10. I'll create a detailed page once it's done but for now, here's some of the progress. Feels good to be making parts again.

I've also started collecting parts to keep the motivation going.

Rotary Weld Positoner High Torque Upgrade

Although I've had no problem with the somewhat limited amount of torque on my weld positioner, I've had a few users try welding very large pipe sections on theirs without much luck. From the pictures they've sent me, they were trying to weld four 6" (schedule 40?) Tee sections that were all facing the same way. The piece was about as big as the pallet it was laying on. I've been very clear about the lack of torque (which isn't needed when welding round or balanced parts) but I didn't want to give up on helping these guys out. So I tested a stepper motor with a gear reduction box attached to it. See the video for more information on this. Although I have not done extensive testing on this setup, I will update the plans soon to include information about this upgrade.

Disassembly Time

I paid around $700 for that mower. And it yielded a lot of good parts.

• 3 cylinder Kubota diesel engine with all of the accessories.
• Hydraulic steering valve, cylinder and wheel.
• 3 section hydraulic pump 
• Drive and control valve (that will be used for the dump bed) 
• Hydraulic drive motors 

All I should need to finish out the hydraulics is the lift cylinders and the rotary flow divider. Hoses and fittings as well. Which will probably end up costing more than the whole mower actually. 

I'll also be using different wheel motors for two reasons that will be explained later on. 

Finally Got Some Motivation Back

After yet another long hiatus, I finally got back to work on the dump truck project. I'll see if that motivation will continue. Read more about what I've done HERE.

The Variable Foot Pedal Control Is Final Done

It took a while to figure out. Mostly because I have been tied up with other projects. And especially two growing boys. But I finally got around to it. And I'm pretty happy with it.

I ended up making the original potentiometer a "speed range" selector. This video will explain the function a little better.

If you previously bought plans, I will send you the latest copy with the new code. Just respond to the email that I sent with the original plans.

Yet Another Long Overdue Update

Haven't posted anything since March. The garage addition was an overwhelming project that wasn't exactly exciting. However, it was necessary to give me more space for future projects. Now that it is mostly behind me, I'm ready to start working on projects again. I hope that my posts become more regular again.

I've received many questions about the weld positioner in regards to the amount of weight it can handle and how it functions when exposed to high frequency noise. I've created the following video to answer some of those questions.

I do plan to get back to the dump truck build. Along with the garage addition, I really wanted to build a cnc plasma table to help manufacture a lot of the pieces for it. The plasma table is almost complete and I will share that build very soon.

I also plan to make a small go kart for my children first. I want a small project to get my motivation back after the addition. I'm making a square tubing bender for it and I'll be using a snowblower engine that I found in the garbage.

All of this will hopefully be shared in the near future.

Ryan

Mini Mining Truck Update

Finally found the donor I've been looking for. Click the picture for more information.

Best part about it? Here's a hint.

First Snow Of The Year

Had two weekends in a row with about 6" of snow each. More snow is expected this coming weekend as well. So it was time to play....

The little snowmobile was a gift from my parents to my brother, sister and I back in 1989. It's an Arctic Cat Kitty Cat. I loved that thing. My Dad kept it all these years and now my kids had a chance to ride it. So we took it to an open field by my house.

Relaxing.....

Long Overdue Update

It's been a long time since my last update. I've spent the summer planning a garage addition and late summer/early fall building it. This ended up meaning new siding for the whole house and fixing issues that were found once the old stuff was removed. Of course. And other than the concrete work, I did everything myself. The outside is finally done but I still have to finish electric, insulation and drywall on the inside before I can get all of my machines back into place. 

The mining truck is still going to happen and this addition was the first step. The second step is to build a plasma table. Something else I've wanted to do for a long time. So I've also been collecting parts for that as well. It will be the first project in the new garage. I ended up going with a Precision Plasma gantry that uses linear rail instead of the typical cold rolled steel. I'd like to run a router on it as well (for wood only) so I wanted something a little more precise. The rail is very heavy duty and looks to be very nice quality.

 

Precision Plasma Gantry Kit and Speed Demon Linear Rail

 

I'm anxious to get back to some projects and having my sons help me out with them. I still have a lot of design work to do on the mining truck. And I still need to determine some of the parts I'm going to use before I can do more. I'm really trying hard to fit a 3 cylinder diesel in it. First, they are very tall and the additional need of water cooling will eat up more space I already don't have. So we'll see what I can come up with. I don't think it would be right if it wasn't a diesel.  

That is all for now. 

Ryan

Update

I finally made some progress on the dump truck build. However, I took a small detour to build a rotary weld positioner. I needed it to recenter the Hummer wheels that I am using. I'll have a more detailed update soon but here's a preview.

Click the picture to see more information.

Build Guide Now Available

I've finally decided to write a build guide for the mini dozer that I've built. I also include track frame rail plans. You can read more about this guide HERE.

This is new to me so I welcome any feedback in regards to content or pricing. Please contact me using the form at the top of this page if you have any questions.

2015 Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club National Show

The Rock River Thresheree in Edgerton Wi hosted the annual Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club show this year. I have never been to this show before and I've never been to an ACMOC event. So far, I have to say it was the best show I've attended to date. The show had a lot of variety including a steam driven pile driver, a couple of dragline shovels, a big "sand box" for all of the dozers, graders, shovels etc and a steam locomotive that runs around a 1.5 mile track to name a few things. But on top of all that, I was able to meet a lot of great people from the club and see a good amount of vintage Caterpillar equipment.

So I took my sons little dozer around and snapped a few pictures next to the big boys. Click on the picture below to see more from the show.

Update

Started chopping up axles. See the rest HERE.

The New Build Begins....

I've had a renewed interest in my Jeep lately. And I've been offroading twice this summer so far. That's more than past years. Wanting to do some upgrades, I purchased a Chevy 14 bolt full float axle from the junkyard a few weeks ago. I was planning to find a Dana 60 for the front. Don't really need that much axle but I like building things. Obviously.

However, I haven't stopped thinking about the mini truck build. I have more ideas and ambition than I have time or money. The design has stalled a little because of the lack of parts. Like the dozer, I need to know what parts I'm going to use so I can model it properly.

I need to start from the back and move forward to know how much cab space I'm going to have. And I struggled with what I was going to do about the axle. As I was sitting there looking at the 14 bolt, it dawned on my. I needed a fairly narrow axle but I wanted the outer bearing support of a full float axle the handle the dual tire setup. So I went back to the junk yard yesterday and picked up the narrowest axle I could find; a 2wd axle from an S10. I have a plan to graft them together. I'm going to start modeling it in cad and will explain more soon.

Update

Added a new video yesterday. My younger son rode the dozer for the first time yesterday. He loved it. Can be seen HERE.

I'm going to take it to the Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club National Show. More info can be found HERE.

Haven't done a whole lot lately. Trying to clean up the garage a little. Going to start buying some parts for the mining truck soon. I need to know exact dimensions so I can continue the design.

The Next Build

I'm still a ways out on this one but I've been slowly working on the design. I've started a new page to show progress.

New Keychain

I found this at an antique store in Iowa a few weeks ago. I've been looking for something like this for some time now. I think it looks pretty good. Click HERE to see the build.