First custom project: CAT M322D Wheeled Excavator

[ptebbe]

Ever since I acquired my first RC excavator 3 years ago (a Stahl 922) I've been wanting to build a wheeled excavator. At that time I had a small shop in my garage I used for building and *repairing* model airplanes. I had no metalworking experience, whatsoever, and I had no experience with RC hydraulics. I decided to completely rebuild the Stahl, and in doing so I gained the experience needed to complete this project. I purchased a band saw, a lathe and a mill, and in the process of building this model I taught myself (via mostly Youtube) how to work with metal.

I must credit Ari (Hemi1966) with giving me the motivation and design insight to build this excavator. He was kind enough to share with me his entire photo library of his own M322d build. I copied his design if most regards, with some minor modifications. Thanks Ari !! I also read thru numerous build threads of some brilliant builders on this forum and have learned so much in the process.

I'm going to do a sort of "reverse" build thread, and show the final product before going into the details of construction. I started working on this project in September 2014. (I never said I was fast.)
Paul

[realist1903]

It doesnt matter how long it takes, result is really perfect.

[jdwtrans]

Man after my own heart, that looks stunning!

[doodlebug]

Cool!

[Hemi1966]

Originally Posted by doodlebug

Cool!

It turn out nicely, great work Paul.
I also look at the videos you have on Youtube and it also works great

[sparkycuda]

A truly awesome model! This forum is a great place for sharing, learning from others, and demonstrating individual skills. This project brings all of those things together. Congratulations!

Ken

[ptebbe]

Thanks all!!

The model features:
Drivetrain: Servonaut S23 ESC, Robbe axles (fixed diff locked, turning axle open), Robbe transfer case/gear reduction unit, Fulda Crossforce tires on Robbe plastic wheels (painted.)
Hydraulics: Leimbach pump and 5 valve channels, leimbach cylinders (14mm on arm, 9mm on stabilziers and plow)
Power: 4000mah 11v LiPo
Radio: Spektrum DX-18, 12 channels required
Body: all aluminum except for body shell which is from a plastic 1/16 Bruder excavator. I had initially wanted to custom build the boom/arm/bucket but due to time restraints I decided to use a spare Stahl 922 arm/bucket I had around. Lower body made from 3" square aluminum tube.
Finish: all powder coat except for plastic parts which are painted.
Lighting: Custom LED lighting system with 4 front headlights, tail-lights, and backup lights.
Sound: Servonaut SM3 with mini-model railroad speaker.

More to come.....

[ptebbe]

Youtube Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQlxGGRjy8Y