Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Ari, thanks for the technical info about the cylinders. Those inside-cutting tools are really small, but just right for what you are making. Is the rod and barrel material stainless steel? Piston? Maybe I'll try making some cylinders now.

Thanks again.

Ken

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Wow, this model is getting better and better. The quality of fabrication is very high, hope to see this model some day!
Dan

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

I have nothing to add except ... that is some amazing workmanship!

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

The rod is stainless steel, but the barrel and piston are made of aluminium.

Past few days I´ve been making the centershift cylinder, and the blade lift cylinder holders.
Next I start to make the blade lift cylinders:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k...6/IMG_3510.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k...6/IMG_3508.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k...6/IMG_3513.jpg

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

I love all the intricate profiling on those lift parts!

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

:eek::eek: Only 1 word for this entire build-WOW!! Just too bad you do not live in the States:(:(

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

I got the lift cylinders done:)

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k...6/IMG_3524.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k...6/IMG_3523.jpg

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Ari, you might have said already, but how many valves/channels you going to be using on this?

Good progress by the way..

Elliot

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Your speed and quality are both absolutely amazing!

What ball heads are you using?
I wasn't impressed with the metal heads I found (either not enough articulation or the ball would pop out too easily), so am back to using the Tamiya plastic ones, which are strong enough for me needs...

Cheers
Jens

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Just made a quick calculation, and it appears the there will be 7 hydraulic functions/valves :eek: + blade rotate control, drive motor control and all the possible electric switches (sound, lights, rotating beacon...):confused:
It appears that I don´t have enough channels on my radio:mad:
I will make all the hydraulic cylinders functional but I might not be able to use them all.

JensR,
I´m using these rod ends: http://store.rc4wd.com/Aluminum-Mini...l-1_p_637.html

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Thanks Ari!

I take it you are happy with them, so I might consider them if I run into the limits of the plastic ones.

As for controls, I have 13 functions on my grader, more info here:
http://www.rctruckandconstruction.co...ead.php?t=2056

I have since then added mechanical floating positions for the blade lifts. Each counts as a "on-off" channel on my transmitter.
I will try to get the 6x6 working and will add another ESC for the front wheels, with a mixer relating to the main drive.
I didn't want to spend a fortune and have looked at many ways of achieving this many controls while keeping it operational.
I have opted to go for a modified transmitter set-up, using two Turnigy 9x transmitters - more info also in the above thread. As you can see, this is rather backyards engineering, but someone with your machining skills could do some _really_ nice mounting/housing.
There's also a solder-yourself bluetooth kit from Germany that does a lot of channels: http://www.blauzahn-online.de.vu/
Not sure how good your German is?

I'm not an expert, but in my opinion having easy control of the grader is essential for operating it with fun and I had a good look at actual user interfaces and also some futuristic ones where I found patents.
I personally think that the Caterpillar M-series controls, which I adapted to my grader, are very intuitive and as your grader is a 14M, it would be a perfect fit.
Just an idea :)

Best wishes
Jens

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Thank you Jens, I´ll have to check on those.

Made a little video while testing the blade lift cylinders.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k..._Bladelift.jpg

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Very nice again, Ari!

I like how the circle side shift cylinders fits neatly even at full lift!

I notice a bit of slack when you lift the grader up, but that is admittedly a rather extreme manoeuvre!

What is the maximum clearance between the blade and the ground which you get?

Original has:
Maximum lift above ground 16.5 in
Maximum depth of cut 17.3 in
http://www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=308648&x=7

In 1:14.5 that would be 28mm and 30mm.

Cheers
Jens

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

I have some temporary loose bolts in all of the joints in the mechanism, so most of the slack is due to those bolts.

I can get the blade 26mm off the ground, and then the center shift cylinder starts to get pinched. Downward it goes about 35mm.

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

That's great!
I hope I do not sound too critical - I think your project is a dream! :)

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

You keep posting new progress and I keep watching intentively. :cool:

...and hoping you're making two of everything as you go. :D

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Great looking Grader. I'm curious about the weight. I fear you might not have enough weight to make it perform up to your design standards.

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

I´m estimating the weight to be little over 10 kilograms, is that enough, will just have to wait the test drive results;)

I got the wheel lean cylinder done. It was very difficult task to do, due the limited space for the cylinder lenght. I use only one o-ring in the piston and in the rod seal, to get the cylinder as short as possible. It has total of 18mm stroke. It appears to be holding the pressure (15 bar)
The wheels lean a bit more to the other way, but will just have live with it:rolleyes:


http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k...G_3547-1-1.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k..._Wheellean.jpg

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Ari, you are doing a great job. As far as weight, i don't think you will have a problem, since yours is made from aluminum. You're looking at about 22lbs @ 10 kilo. You may have to add some shot to the tire for traction. I have not weighted mine out yet but I think it's tipping the scale somewhere around 35lbs.

Keep up the good work!

Re: CAT 14M Motor Grader
 

Ari, awsome job man craftsman ship looks outstanding your attention to detail is insane can't wait to see the finished product.

Tony