My build off options need some input

Alright kiddies I am going to enter the build off this year however I have two projects that I could enter so I decided I would take some votes and see if there is anything people would like to see built or think would be something different.

The two options are:
Skid deere
Simplicity 707 bulldozer

Both are 100% not started and pretty crazy but I have pretty much everything to do them so what I need from you guys is pretty much just opinions. Oh and I need to know if the onan counts as a outdoor power equipment motor since it came off a generator but its a 4 cyl.

Going to make/use metal tracks or rubber? Details man, details!!!

the skid deere is going to have over the tire tracks like youd see on a skid steer just to keep the rear simple because the rest is gonna be complicated. The simplicity is going to have rubber tracks I think because after a bit of research they seem to be a more reliable system than metal.


Skid deere style


Simplicity style

I am setting aside a pretty good budget for both of them and they will be complicated builds but they will be sick when done

And just for reference the projects as they sit now:


Simplicity


Sizzled deere

for a dozer, id go with metal. rubber tracks are great if youre staying on lawn and stuff, like we use them for our landscaping on out skid steers, but we tried using them in the woods pulling logs in the winter, and we were jumping them left and right, and we tore a set up too, they just cant handle it in the woods

Regarding the engine... Rules state OPE engine of 1 or 2 cylinders.

@Doc Sprocket wrote:

Regarding the engine... Rules state OPE engine of 1 or 2 cylinders.

bah thats no fun

@willis923 wrote:

@Doc Sprocket wrote:

Regarding the engine... Rules state OPE engine of 1 or 2 cylinders.

bah thats no fun

Neither is gonorrhea.

Guess that limits to the dozer lol I would put the T111 deere in but that will be done sooner than the build off end and I think itd be unfair to bring that much awesome to the table :p As for the track thing I suggest looking into severe duty tracks bud I saw some pretty nasty tracks but there is also the option of using snow mobile tracks as someone from work pointed out so there are options for the tracks all have advantages and disadvantages.

Metals tracks would be easy to manufacture but time consuming rubber tracks require a significant amount of tension to keep from jumping snowmobile track knobs arent designed for pushing hard so would likely roll over under load all three would cost around the same (mind you I am pricing the rubbers on ebay used or "used"

So what we have when it all boils down:

Metal tracks take time and money but are fairly durable when built right (stupid simple design)
Rubbers cost a decent chunk but parts are easy to modify and pretty durable
Snowmobile tracks would be mildly complicated and cost the same as above and need a sturdy design mildly durable?

So now we sit on the coolness factor :p rubber tracks are kinda generic metal tracks sound cool and snowmobile tracks would look pretty sick. Im sure you guys will have something to add so feel free

metal tracks would be best but ehhh, just make sure its something u can build and you know it's doable in the time frame period, just make sure you count in the facts of building it how much it will cost ect what im doing making sure what i build is something i know i can build and wont cost me alot i have about 500 to play with for this build

I'd go with rubber, be it link belt, conveyor belt, or snowmobile track. Lighter, quieter, less maintenance.

MTD2fst4u wrote:

metal tracks would be best but ehhh, just make sure its something u can build and you know it's doable in the time frame period, just make sure you count in the facts of building it how much it will cost ect what im doing making sure what i build is something i know i can build and wont cost me alot i have about 500 to play with for this build

metal tracks would be easy to build it's just that it'd take time really and according to math they would also weigh around 500-600# mini excavator tracks are in the 200-300# range. Thanks for the idea doc didn't think about weight.

I'm going with Doc on this one.  Rubber conveyor belt+steel cross links=good results.  These tracks have been going strong for 2+ years in sandy/loamy soil and have given good tractive results in all seasons.  

go with the simplicity