[MOC][WIP] Compact wheeled excavator

[agrof]

Hello All,

I decided to reveal my ongoing project, maybe it is interesting to see it under development. No, no buggy this time.

Project background:

I wanted to build the great excavator from Yannmar, and recently we got the first impressions of the upcoming Volvo EW160E set. These two impulses made me think: what if I would build my own ultimate wheeled excavator instead... My budget allows me some Bricklinking (as I don't want to buy any of the 2h sets), so why not?!

I really love to interact with my Lego models (no, not that way), so there was no question about to go in playability for bi-directional gearbox, instead of RC. And gears. Plus some gears. Oh and yes, actuators. And some gears too.

After the analysis of Yannmar's MOC, I set up my challenges:

• develop the gearbox and the model as compact as just possible,
  
• add motorised functions to the base construction,
  
• realistic proportions, but will not be based on any real excavator,
  
• smooth visual appearance,
  
• use my "laying-around in the box" linear actuators,
  
• 1 motor to serve the whole modell,
  
• modularity,
  
• and user-friendly building experience.
  

In the last 2 weeks I started to build, and document in LDD paralell, the actual version is: V4.2.

There will be 5 motorised functions via bi-directional clutches, 3 for the upper structure, 2 for the lower (front and rear equipments), I really-really hope, that 1 L-motor will be able to handle these, now I am counting 53 gears to get moved (ok,not each in the same time...but should be poke-yoke).

Planned manual functions: front axle steering, superstructure rotation (knob and/or manual), openable door (done). Battery box is fixed to be able to turn it on only in one direction, so the poor user has not to learn every time, which lever movement controls which direction.

Upper structure with gearbox is built, and works fine, I am currently on finding time to start to build the base. The upper gearbox is 11x7x7 stud, contains 3 clutches (based on Yannmar's gearing), and one PTO downwards. The lower gearbox is 13x7x3 studs, with 2 clutches, and some weird connections. I might need to bring the mighty silicon lubricant in the game... first, let's see what happens.

Although it might look quite finished, it is still CAD theory, I need to check the connections, stability, gear ratios, functions speed, etc... so there is lot to do. The design will change for sure here and there, but approximately You can get an idea.

877 parts on the deck actually, I assume with the arm and everything we will end at ~ 1100 pcs. If once it will be finished, LXF file will be shared.

Sorry, I will not shoot all the bullets yet, but of course I don't let You aimed without some screenshots.

Have a nice evening!

[JJ2]

Looks great so far Cant wait to see it finished

[jgw]

I don't like you anymore

[pgplay]

Looks amazing, looking forward to next steps and a working model - should be a joy to look at and see it work

Edited February 10, 2016 by pgplay

[2LegoOrNot2Lego...]

So far so good! I really am curious how you will all functions in there...

[agrof]

@jgw: I don't feel like competition, also You plan a pneumatic version, which a different challange. I am interested to see Your project.

I have to rework some connections for the arm and the cabin, next week I will be abroad. Till that here is a live pic, for size comparsion, currently on the tracks of 42006:

Lower gearbox is built, and seems to work as planned too, without generating too much friction.

[jgw]

I really like this one! Maybe some day instructions or something? Pictures of my project are coming within a few days.

[agrof]

I received the wheels, lower structure prototype is ready, and works fine.

The L-motor is able to serve all the planned functions, check.

Steering done (a bit limited in angle, but safe, and works), check.

Superstructure rotation done, check.

Rear stabilizers work fine, they can lift the model with some mms, check.

I am not satisfied with some connections, so update will come.

p.s.: LXF file will be shared, as soon I will finalise the model.

Edited February 14, 2016 by agrof

[Kumbbl]

Looks very promising!

From an AFOL who build yanmars excavator some month ago...

[2LegoOrNot2Lego...]

Impressive!

[jorgeopesi]

Great concept.

[zweihander]

Looking real good so far, nice and compact. I like how the tyres look spot on for this. Can you tell me which set those are from?

[agrof]

These: http://www.bricklink...asp?P=2995&in=S

Edited February 15, 2016 by agrof

[JJ2]

Looking better

[agrof]

Hi All,

small progress, cabin is quite stiff, I can lift the whole modell by it.

The biggest headache will just come... the arm design.

[Thirdwigg]

It's a very clean design. Those tires look great in this application.

[Kumbbl]

Why not just using yanmars arm? It looks good and works well...

[agrof]

One word: Challenge.

[Alasdair Ryan]

One word: Challenge.

You seem Hungary for another challenge.

I am enjoying following your progress on building this excavator,a wheeled excavator is defiantly on my list of stuff to build.

[Lipko]

You seem Hungary for another challenge.

So Hungary he could eat Turkey

Anyhoo, I love the build so far, so clean looking

[BusterHaus]

This is coming along nicely, I like all the functions you included. How is the steering controlled?

[agrof]

The steering is a pretty basic setup, like this:

[Technic Jim]

The steering is a pretty basic setup, like this:

*snip*

How tight is the lock, it looks quite big from this pictures/render thing?

[agrof]

See post #8, there You can see the max steering angle. Unfortunately not much, but also not that bad.

I used the natural play of the beams, it has a benefit, that it stops the steering right in time, just about 1-2 mm before the tires could reach the gearbox.

[Dafgek81]

Sorry for maybe bumping, but curious on the progress.

How is it going??