Did not even know there was a forum for DIY Go Karts. I think I've just found my source of entertainment for the next few weeks. Anyway, the reason I'm here is I'm in the process of designing a tracked vehicle with parts used from a go kart. I've got an 80's honda fourtrax 250 motor, transmission, and a seat from a Toro lawnmower. That's where I'm starting. I'm gonna fabricate a frame, suspension and steering. Steering is gonna be like a skid steer. The suspension is gonna be simple as well. I've got some good ideas, but nothing major is set in stone just yet. I hope this forum expand my knowledge base and make this project reality.
Georgia
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Welcome! For the tracks, if you can't get skidsteer ones or don't want to pay that much, large 18 wheeler tires work if you cut out the side walls and put holes in them to be driven by the drive gears. Here is a link to a thread from a while back of a skidsteer type of tracked vehicle I made (drew up). It uses opposed belt tensioners for forward and reverse. You can download the SketchUp file and SketchUp (it's free) if you want to play around with it and view it 3D.
Oh, nice. Thanks. I've got some tractor tires I found real cheap that I'll use for the tracks. Just gonna cut the sidewalls out. I tried downloading your most recent file, but it's set to private and can't get it. I've used sketchup a few times, but Solidworks comes easier to me. If I can just figure out how I want to suspend the thing, I can get moving. I thought about doing a ripsaw-like setup, but that's a lot of time and more money. I'm just looking for an un-miserable ride. I saw the small PTV that the guy sells plans for on ebay, but all the wheels were rigid. I need some sort of suspension. I'd really like to see how the guy did it that has the diesel one.
Doc Sprocket
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Hey- Welcome to the insanity! You have to keep us informed on your build, I've been thinking about something like this for awhile, I've just got waaay too much on the go right now to actually do something about it. I'd love to trade ideas though. Here's what I have to work with, courtesy a friendly neighbour. 18hp Wisconsin industrial engine, 2cyl, electric start, gas. Mounted to that engine is a hydraulic pump. I also have two hydro motors, some hoses, and some associated goodies. As you can see, I'm thinking about making it hydro drive, which certainly sorts out the forward/reverse/skid steer thing rather easily. I think my biggest problem is trying to figure out how to make decent enough tracks (that will stay on) without breaking the bank.
A simple and dirty skidsteer system would involve using an open, automotive-style differential. Power is delivered to the diff thru the pinion gear as normal. Each output would drive a track. A brake would be connected to each side (as normal) but controlled independantly. Thus, driving along, you'd apply the right brake to steer right, and the left brake to steer left. A reverse gear could be added somewhere, but you would not have the ability to drive one track forward while the other is reversed. On the upside, this certainly would be the cheapest and simplest method.
Anyhow, keep us in the loop. Cheers!
A simple and dirty skidsteer system would involve using an open, automotive-style differential. Power is delivered to the diff thru the pinion gear as normal. Each output would drive a track. A brake would be connected to each side (as normal) but controlled independantly. Thus, driving along, you'd apply the right brake to steer right, and the left brake to steer left. A reverse gear could be added somewhere, but you would not have the ability to drive one track forward while the other is reversed. On the upside, this certainly would be the cheapest and simplest method.
Anyhow, keep us in the loop. Cheers!
Doc Sprocket
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How do you even cut tires decently? Aren't they incredibly difficult to cut?
r97
Measure twice cut once
if your ok with used tracks, check ebay, a tracked vehicle is something i wan't to make, so keep us posted!!!!!!!!!!
Bluethunder3320
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a tank? i think so. 
i remember this TV show designed something called a ripsaw and they built them for the army. they were wicked fast and pretty interesting.
i remember this TV show designed something called a ripsaw and they built them for the army. they were wicked fast and pretty interesting.
fowler
New member
r97
Measure twice cut once
make a tank, or this thing (i can't decide, track, or screw)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uynmApjhWI
these guys have a fun job,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HyZ-raQseg&feature=related
this is funny and awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mr_pCrhTkk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uynmApjhWI
these guys have a fun job,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HyZ-raQseg&feature=related
this is funny and awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mr_pCrhTkk&feature=related
Doc Sprocket
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The screw drive thing is cool, I've seen it before. Unfortunately, it'll mangle the grass, and the pavement will mangle it.
r97
Measure twice cut once
yea, first time i saw it was when i was like 8, one of the comments is "so much for the tread lightly program, i guess its not California approved" lol
fowler
New member
that racing track car thing is my far the most awsome thing iv ever seen
my life is not complete till iv got one
someone made a modern version and travelled from Alaska to Russia across the ice and sea to make the claim they travelled from North America to Aisa
i saw the doco it was realy cool
my life is not complete till iv got one
someone made a modern version and travelled from Alaska to Russia across the ice and sea to make the claim they travelled from North America to Aisa
i saw the doco it was realy cool
fowler
New member
the rip saw thing
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