Fowler 80hp Diesel Gyrotiller (MOC)

[doug72]

My latest MOC, a representation of a Fowler 80hp Diesel Gyrotiller. (the MOC is based on the fact sheet below)
The MOC has gone through several phases, i.e. build  - test - strip down - rebuild until satisfied with the result.
IMG_4145 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Originally I used 3 M motors to power all the functions:-

1/. Track drive with provision for 2 speeds, (1:1 & 3:1) but tracks still lacking power and straining the motor.
Changed to an XL motor without 2-speed gearbox for more track power at a slow speed and now OK.
The 3 cylinder engine and radiator fan are also driven by the XL motor.
2/. Steering via 3:1 reduction.
3/. Rear Power take off.
The battery box represents the fuel tank.
Provision for the driver is very basic as was the actual machine built by Fowlers - a full cab version was available at extra cost.

Track drive and steering
Built using a  subtractor unit with an XL motor for track drive and M motor for steering and controlled via PF remote.
First subtractor unit I built using the Z28 differentials was a failure causing tracks to be very jerky - replace with a unit using the 16/24T differentials which worked much better - final drive via worm gear boxes to each track.

Power Take off is provided by an M motor operated via a  PF switch in the cab.

IMG_4143 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Caterpillar tracks:
This took a long time to get working well - eventually settled on a track system similar to that used on the 8043 Excavator - modified by fitting track tensioning devices. (as per other posts)

Gyrotiller unit:
Consists of two Z60 turntables with cutting blades on a lifting frame that contra-rotate via a 3:1 reduction from the M motor.
The cutting blades are made from 8 clam shell bucket arms.(6100179)
The frame lifting system on the actual machine is via engine driven winch drums and chains running over quadrants and quite complicated to replicate in the space available so I settled on using manually operated mini linear actuators.
I may try a powered arrangement later.

I might also make a sand tray to see how it performs actually ploughing and make a video.

IMG_4144 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Its big brother a 170hp Gyrotiller is a monster on half tracks with a single steering front wheel and would be a challenge to build - maybe in the future !

UG7047 Fowler 170hp Gyrotiller 1935 World Ploughing Contest Crockey Hill York 9.9.16 by George Woods, on Flickr

I have seen one working at a Steam rally and they are an amazing sight churning up the ground with ease.
See web link:- http://tractors.wikia.com/wiki/Fowler_Gyrotiller

80hp-Gyrotiller by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr
Fact Sheet
The Fowler 80hp Gryotiller is a a large tractor built by John Fowler & Co. of Leeds, England. They were fitted with a pair of contra rotating bladed drums to cultivate ground like a rotovator or modern power harrow. They were often used to break ‘virgin’ ground as the rotating blades chopped up roots and bushes. They also broke up sub soil without bringing it up to the surface.

Edited October 22, 2016 by Doug72
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[Imanol BB]

This is a really cool model, these are the kind of functions that i like to see in a model, the blade implement looks very good, so as all the details of the model, i am very interested in future updates (and maybe a video), so far i think you have made an excellent work.

[doug72]

48 minutes ago, ImanolBB said:

This is a really cool model, these are the kind of functions that i like to see in a model, the blade implement looks very good, so as all the details of the model, i am very interested in future updates (and maybe a video), so far i think you have made an excellent work.

Thanks for the comments - I will put some close up pics up of the gyrotiller unit & underside of the chassis later.
Have an idea for powering the lifting frame - will see if I can squeeze it in plus another PF Rx.

[Boulderer]

I like this build. It's captured the rugged design of the subject really well. 

[doug72]

3 hours ago, Boulderer said:

I like this build. It's captured the rugged design of the subject really well. 

Thanks for the comment -  no computers, GPS or comforts when these machines were built !

Here are some close up images.

Track unit with side cover removed showing tensioning device suggested by Milan which works well.
Unit is a modified 8043 excavator design without the two top track rollers.

IMG_4146 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Underside of machine showing layout of motors and subtractor unit.

IMG_4147 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Top view of Gyrontiller unit.

IMG_4148 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Underside of Gyrotiller unit showing drive to each rotating tiller.

IMG_4149 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

At the moment the digging depth is too shallow as the gyrotiller unit frame pivot is too high.
This is to be lowered by 1 or 2L with new arrangement to power raise & lower remotely.
There is space now after 2-speed gearbox removed as it is no longer needed.

History & story of the Gyrotillers:-
http://tractors.wikia.com/wiki/Fowler_Gyrotiller

 

Edited October 23, 2016 by Doug72
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[AFOLegofan66]

very cool dude!!

[Didumos69]

Very  nice! I also like this kind of rugged down-to-earth builds. It shows what Technic is all about in my opininion.

[doug72]

2 hours ago, Didumos69 said:

Very  nice! I also like this kind of rugged down-to-earth builds. It shows what Technic is all about in my opininion.

Thanks  for the comment - I enjoy the challenge of working out drive trains to get various functions working in as small a space as possible.

Gyrotiller unit now modified for remote operation for tiller rotation & raise/lower unit.
It took a long time to get the pivot points correct to ensure it lowered to full working depth and raised so cutting blades clear of the ground for travelling. Lifting frame fitted with two shock absorbers to allow tillers to lift if hit an obstruction.
Two PF receivers now fitted and all 4 functions are now remotely controlled.
Driver elevated to a higher position to allow the PF cables to be hidden from view and see over the radiator !

Gyrotiller raised into travelling position
IMG_4151 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Gyrotiller lowered into working position:
IMG_4150 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

The completed model:
IMG_4152 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

[Jurss]

Put it on the ground, on some real sand/mud etc. 

[doug72]

10 hours ago, Jurss said:

Put it on the ground, on some real sand/mud etc. 

Definitely won't be tested on mud, too sticky but  dry sand should demonstrate the digging action.

Had a set back in that the tracks are very jerky when in motion and machine tended to adopt a "waddling" side to side motion.
Found one axle in subtractor unit not supported at one end - fixed but still the same !
Subtractor unit removed and two XL motors now drive the tracks.
Still a bit jerky but can't find a way to improve this - as the track links passes over the sprockets and track rollers the machine lifts slightly.

Anyone got any ideas on improving this?

Drive to the 3 cyl. engine is now taken from the Gyrortiller motor.

 

Edited October 24, 2016 by Doug72