1/16 custom tractor from scratch
 

Hello everyone!
I was reading this forum for a few years now. I always wanted to build RC tractor or truck. I started thinking about it when i was about 10 years.
But then i had no way of doing it... I lacked skills, and most important i had no way to get parts, and no money for them.
Now 10 years later I am almost 21 and I decided to start this build. Money is still a problem... So it will be unusual build using cheapest options I can find :D
But I don't want this build to be "cheap", so i will do my best to build it best i can. For example I can't afford buing things like truck axles... But i don't want to use geared motors as wheel bearings and power. I want to have real open diffs, like real tractor have. Later I probably try to make some kind of locking rear diff. I will build custom tractor just for fun, without trying to replicate real one.
So let's start :D

Most photos are self-explainatory, so i will keep text to minimum...

First i started to mock up rear diff and shafts... Problem was width. I am using traxxas shafts and ZD differiantial. Had to mod both to fit them together. At first i tried to shorten traxxas shafts, but they ended up to long anyway. Then i bought shortest shafts traxxas have - center shafts. The were OK for this purpose.

http://i.xomf.com/zcsnkt.jpg

Then i bought shortest shafts traxxas have - center shafts. The were OK for this purpose.

Re: 1/16 custom tractor from scratch
 

Checking width:

http://i.xomf.com/bbmxm.jpg


Making holders for traxxas bearing block:

http://i.xomf.com/pvycw.jpg

http://i.xomf.com/rdgbv.jpg

http://i.xomf.com/vkvyz.jpg


Hole for driveshaft:

http://i.xomf.com/xdqyv.jpg


I lifted diff a little higher to have better clearance underneath

http://i.xomf.com/ppbgj.jpg

http://i.xomf.com/djpnp.jpg

http://i.xomf.com/gyklb.jpg

http://i.xomf.com/ylmkr.jpg


Time for some frame rails:

http://i.xomf.com/yxdsx.jpg


Front section. Removed edges to have a nice fit in rails:

http://i.xomf.com/ncqpg.jpg


Frame taking shape:

http://i.xomf.com/gyjqb.jpg

http://i.xomf.com/kzsnb.jpg


I am working with basic tools...

http://i.xomf.com/gjhrw.jpg


Fits nicely :)

http://i.xomf.com/sccys.jpg


Starting to look like tractor:

http://i.xomf.com/nsjdg.jpg

Now waiting for more parts :D

Re: 1/16 custom tractor from scratch
 

;)well i definatly think you have the skill your work is realy good and i can't wait to see more keep up the great work and more pics have fun i can;t wait to see some video of it in the dirt

Re: 1/16 custom tractor from scratch
 

Nice work so far. How did you decide on the traxxas shafts and ZF diffs? Availability, price, size and fit? Can you give us links to the parts? It all looks like my style of prototyping and construction. Keep at it and more pictures please.

Jim

Re: 1/16 custom tractor from scratch
 

Thanks guys! I will do my best with this build :)


Rvjimd,

I decided to use traxxas shafts, because they are cheap and small enough. And quite realistic.
So naturaly i choose bearing blocks from traxxas too.

They are 1/16 parts, seen in lots of 1/16 traxxas models:

I will give links, but it is possible to find them cheaper and / or closer to you. For example in local RC stores. I normaly buy them from europe union countries for fast shiping, because I am from lithuania.

Traxxas:
Axle carriers / bearing blocks

Axles

Shafts I used to connect diff (had to buy two sets, to get 2 pairs of shortest)
And used a few yokes from some shafts to mod ZD diff outputs.

Bearings

Hexes (I sugest buying aluminum version)

There of course is lots of upgrade parts, like metal shafts, metal bearing blocks etc. So for bigger tractor I would use aluminium blocks, and traxxas differentials.
Good way to choose parts is to download manuals of 1/16 traxxas. Like Slash, E-revo, Summit.

I can't find ZD diffs anymore. I bought them for low price. They vere like 5 usd a piece. And quality is quite good.

Re: 1/16 custom tractor from scratch
 

Very good, thanks for the links, I will be watching for progress reports. :)

Jim

Re: 1/16 custom tractor from scratch
 

I like so far, very thoughtful planning.