BareBones Excavators
 

I was looking for an excavator and came across this.

http://barebonesexcavators.com/products.html

This is 20lbs heavier at 63lbs than the 4200xl and bigger.
It will lift 80lbs
I am going to save up for this one.

Has anyone bought this?
I'd love to see one in action.

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

Looks very promosing provided I can add all the components right.... My only concern would be for me to get the tracks fully functioning and a good hydro installed....

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

I think they said you can put the 4200xl hydraulic kit in it so that would make it easier to get the parts all in one place.
rc4wd also has the modified radio for it.

I just love the size and weight, it should be able to out dig most any production model.

As for the track motors and turntable, that shouldn't be an issue , it's ready to just install your choice of motors

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

Looks very nice but also looks like a lot of work to get it going. There are no hydraulic lines on the boom. Wish the video and pictures would should a little more of how it's built. Surprised they don't sell a "finishing" kit.

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

It seems strange they don't have a working model. Definitely a good start though. I emailed them for availability. The price isn't bad at all for what you get.

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

When you look at some the build threads here on the Vario hoes (and other brands as well) I wonder if by the time you buy all the components the price of the BareBones is any cheaper. Maybe it can be built cheaper but the quality of parts will surly suffer.

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

Same thought here Clause..... by the time I add up all the add ons is it really going to be more cost effective.....just not sure!

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

Found this on you tube....

http://youtu.be/eSR272C7ITU

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

That video is on their website too, still doesn't show any provisions for any components. I wonder if for the track drives they just expect you to bolt gear head motors on? I hate the look of gear head motors hanging on the insides of the track sprockets.

Borrowing these photos form Azonic's Vario build, I love the way vario hid the drive motors in the track frames. Hopefully Barebones has something like this but I don't know. I'm reminded of the old saying "you get what you pay for".

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...8-17225705.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...8-17225721.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...9-09234453.jpg

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

Interested.

Re: Found awesome excavator
 

Crash-that is a strange video :confused: I personally would be very afraid of a machine that is shown NOT working. Probably made from junk!! Just my opinion.

Re: BareBones Excavators
 

It looks to be CNC cut parts, whether laser or waterjet, doesn't matter. But it's not designed around any particular components installation, and that will determine how much cutting & whacking you'll have to do to get it working.

The excavator itself is not going to lift 80lbs, but rather that may be the force the cyls are capable of at their maxium pressure... although they look like in the pics to be generic air cyls... so one might as well build their own so they look & function more prototypical and the fittings be in the correct locations.

$1500 is not a bad starting point, the hard part of CAD & laser cut parts is done.

I see on their site that they are considering to design a front shovel & I would certainly be interested in buying a shell of that model. ;)

Re: BareBones Excavators
 

I have tried both sending them a message and phone calls but no answer yet so I guess we will have to see if it is legit first. If it is it does seem like a great start to an excavator. The price does have me a little sceptical as well as no video of one working under its own power.

Travis

Re: BareBones Excavators
 

I too will be following them for a shovel. Looks promising.

Re: BareBones Excavators
 

I tried calling too no answer . If legit , it would seem a side deal that father and son went together and got a bunch run at 1 time . I'm concerned with the way the carbody and track frame mates . Bearing assm. or a bolt like Don cambles models :confused:

Re: BareBones Excavators
 

I'm interested in what you guys find out, keep us posted. For me this is what I'm looking for. As I don't have the ability to cut odd shaped parts. No cnc but can do all the other stuff. And yes I would rather not even have the cylinders.

Re: BareBones Excavators
 

$1500US is a lot of money for a skeleton if it isn't set up to fit certain drive and swing motors or like Steve said, doesn't have a swing bearing. Looks like the tracks are bolted onto some sort of roller chain which isn't a bad thing but definitely isn't as nice as cast pads(look carefully and you will see some are mounted crooked). I wonder if it has a tensioner on the tracks or if they are fixed? I can see this costing as much as an RTR RC4WD hoe by the time its working. Maybe it's a good score? I guess if someone gets a call back from them then we will get some answers!

Re: BareBones Excavators
 

I watched the video.:eek: safe to say I've watched a few hundred hours of Rc equipment on YouTube but this is the first time I've ever seen a guy manually dig like that! :lol: what exactly did he think that was demonstrating?:confused:

I understand they may not be in the hydraulic and electronics business and just the metal but ya gotta show people the machine in Rc action right?

Re: BareBones Excavators
 

Mario I would have been much more confident in the machine if He would have made some engine noises with His mouth while doing the play digging.:D Maybe a vrooom, vrooom!! or a Grrrhhh, Grrrhhh!

Re: BareBones Excavators
 

Agreed!! Sounds like 80lbs for sure! :lol: