Skid steers are great fun if you get to drive one on a construction site. [ProfessorBoots] has long been a fan of the diminutive diggers, and decided to make a 3D-printed version for his own pleasure.
The build uses a chassis printed in several colors which adequately recreates the charms of a full-sized skid steer. The brains of the operation is an ESP32, which receives commands over WiFi for remote control. A pair of geared N20 brushed motors are driven from a small H-bridge controller, each one driving one side of the skid steer. A toothed belt was 3D printed to allow each motor to drive two wheels on one side. Meanwhile, a pair of servos are charged with both lifting and tilting the bucket. Yes, you heard correctly – you can actually pick up and carry objects around your desk with this thing.
It’s a neat build and could be your introduction into the world of RC construction machines. Video after the break.
Cute!
RC construction equipment is a big deal in Europe. There are lots of YouTube videos of major gatherings where RC enthusiasts recreate construction projects.
“Skid steers are great fun if you get to drive one on a construction site.”
Yeah, it’s all fun and games until foreman discovers the ground is f… up, again.
18000 kg HSW Ł34 articulated loader when operated by an experienced operator will do less damage to surface than 4000 kg Bobcat.
The bobcat operator should still try not to make tight turns when not needed, to save the surface and the tracks, even though it’s a disadvantage.
Very nice!
I would love to print it and add a set of grippers ot the side of the skid steer shovel so than it actually can grab and pick up stuff, like a can of your favourite drink.
Cool, hopefully I won’t fall asleep driving this one
Tripped on this video of the history of the invention of skid steer loaders last week. Probably some people here that would find it interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfgEr-nPCv8
Puts me in mind of the Rokenbok toys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuDrEZ_r2AQ&ab_channel=RokenbokEducation
Now I want to 3D print a set of trucks and assemblers to run physical analog of Factorio. That or have little yard trucks that actually move around on a model train diorama. It would be pretty cool to see a gravel quarry actually load bulk material onto trains that could carry it to another part of the room to offload it.
This is awesome! Great project boots!
Like many commenters on here, I’m pretty sick of links to Youtube videos. So I must point out that this video DOES link to .stls (if you want to print it yourself) and a kit, for if you’re in a hurry :-)
Thank you Lewin Day and Professor Boots.