Utility cart?

[carter]

I would like to build something of a workhorse of a cart. I'm thinking of putting mounts for standard tractor/4x4 equipment, slots for weights for traction, and some big tires on back. I would be using a JS and I'd probably put it in an extremely low reduction, something like engine10T>JS In 60T>JS out 10T> Axle 35T. I am well aware that that is a 21:1 ratio, I wan't this thing to have more power than a rich white protestant american male. What would I be looking at for this in terms of frame fabrication? Would I need to use steel thicker than 3/16"? could I just use some 3/16 Tube steel with lots of cross-members to handle all the torque involved?

Also, where can I find some BIG tires for this thing? Think bigger than normal garden tractor tires.

 

[chris_the_poser]

Sounds cool but I don't think you need steel that thick look at most roll cages they just use big thinner walled tube because it is strong and not as heavy and triangles are going to help strengthen things up

 

[carter]

Well I know about the triangles thing, I just wasn't sure what body materials to use.

 

[landuse]

You could source tyres from those mini tractors that you see used on farms, not the big things.

 

[carter]

^those are fairly expensive. WHat are the measurements? are 8.3x24 tires 2 feet in diameter/radius?

EDIT: not sure why I'm looking online, I live in northwest indiana, we have more corn than durango's have design flaws.

 

[landuse]

^those are fairly expensive. WHat are the measurements? are 8.3x24 tires 2 feet in diameter/radius?

EDIT: not sure why I'm looking online, I live in northwest indiana, we have more corn than durango's have design flaws.

You should have a lot of wrecke tractors lying around then that you can scavenge off

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Durangos? I was quite happy with mine, other than the horrible fuel economy...

You should do a Google search on homebuilt tractors. I've seen quite a few interesting examples.

 

[chris_the_poser]

Off topic but where do you live in Indiana I might not be that far away

 

[DaiSan76]

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10181&highlight=Military

This is way cooler than some tractor.

 

[devino246]

I'd use 3/16" thick c-channel to make something similar to a truck frame.

 

[carter]

Off topic but where do you live in Indiana I might not be that far away

NW, bout 10 minutes from the lake.

I hear alot about the newer ones rusting out really fast and the tranny's going bad.

and why C channel? is it stronger than tube?

 

[devino246]

and why C channel? is it stronger than tube?

Doesn't trap water, easy to notch to make angles, easy to weld to, relatively strong, and not incredibly expensive.

 

[carter]

Doesn't trap water, easy to notch to make angles, easy to weld to, relatively strong, and not incredibly expensive.

makes sense, I'm gonna give mcmaster a try for my first order of materials, see how they treat me, anyone got an prior experience worth sharing?

 

[chris_the_poser]

Well locally there is wefab and parkan by the lake which one do you mean there are a lot of lakes around here

 

[carter]

lake michigan, I'm in portage

 

[chris_the_poser]

Oh ok makes since then bout 1hr 45mins away from places I listed bit I've got metal locally and it was pretty cheap

 

[carter]

Well I don't have my license yet, so that drive is gonna be a no-no. I'll just get it shipped when the time comes.

 

[chris_the_poser]

Yeah sounds good. good luck man

 

[carter]

Well I'm still comparing metal suppliers for the best deal, I found MFG supply and they look decent. how would http://www1.mscdirect.com/eCommerce...7h9g?cm_re=Category-_-BodyLink-_-Channel+Iron the 1 1/4" width 1/8" wall stuff hold up? or should I go to mcmaster and get the 3/16 stuff?

 

[joejoeguns]

Hey carter I live in portage too,If you want steel theres a place on rt.20 called steel city steel right in portage.Also we have AAA in highland on Indy BLVD. either one will have all the stock you want.I buy a lot of specialty stuff from Mc master Carr, If I order in the morning I get it the next day at the most two days.I get most of my sprockets from tractor supply in Valpo..They sell the hubs and sprockets seperate so you can weld any combo you want.