Do-it-yourself hydraulic drive to the wheels

DIY mini tractor

Sooner or later, any person living “on earth” is struck by the idea of the need to use a mechanical assistant on the farm. Plow or level the area, uproot stumps, transport several bags of cement, dig a ditch, etc. - there's a lot to do. But the prices for walk-behind tractors, motor-cultivators, garden mini-tractors and industrial-made snow blowers “bite”, and every time renting them is “a toad’s choking”. Therefore, the “Kulibins” of the FORUMHOUSE portal prefer to roll up their sleeves and make the necessary unit or mechanism themselves. It is this type of model, capable of giving a head start to its branded counterparts, that will be discussed in this article.

How to make a universal hydraulically driven mini tractor.
What tools are needed to make a homemade mini tractor.
How much does it cost to build a homemade mini tractor?

Side-swivel baby with hydraulic drive

A topic by a portal user with the nickname RoteRatte about how he made a universal flat-rotating hydraulic platform on wheels caught the attention of many. Of course, the “baby” in the photo below is capable of a lot.

Lift and transport FBS blocks weighing 200 and 500 kg.

Remove the fertile soil layer from the area.

Use a bucket to clear snow on roads in SNT in winter.

Moreover, as various attachments are manufactured, the range of tasks that a mini-tractor loader can solve will expand significantly.

About a year ago I took up the task of landscaping my site. There were a lot of things to do - level the site, pull out the old FBS blocks on which the old house stood, uproot stumps, etc. I was thinking about ordering a small-sized tractor to remove the topsoil, but the price tag for working on two sites with a total area of about 250 sq. m. I was charged 30 thousand rubles. Moreover, the “firms” also fed me with promises for 2 weeks. So I thought and thought and made a mini tractor, and then completed this job in 2 days.

From the idea to the implementation of the mini tractor in metal, it took RoteRatte about 7 months. The key to success is careful calculation, planning, as well as the maximum use of ready-made factory components and parts from automotive equipment.

After developing the concept of the device, the user ordered and purchased units that you can simply put at home and not think that their prices will rise. These are the engine (“390th” Champion with an electric starter, 13 hp), hydraulics (hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders), drives and wheels.

Rolled metal was left for later. RoteRatte also thought out the layout of the mini tractor in such a way as to minimize turning work.

Of the main tools RoteRatte used:

angle grinder (angle grinder);
household welding inverter;
simple drilling machine;
drill;
hammer.

Main technical characteristics of the mini tractor:

length – 2050 mm;
width – 1100 mm;
height – 1400 mm;
speed – 3-4 km/h;
weight – 400 kg.

Although the user calculated various parameters of the hydraulic system and drives on special calculators, the “baby” turned out to be stronger than intended. For example, a mini tractor can easily lift and drag concrete foundation blocks weighing 200 kg.

The “baby” drags a block weighing half a ton with a slight slip, due to smooth tires mounted on “Gazelle” rims of 16 radius.

The user also manufactured a set of attachments. These are two buckets.

The first with a volume of 250 liters is for light materials, and the second with a volume of 170 liters is for heavy materials, as well as a chain with a hook and a mini-trailer.

An interesting way is an unusual way of “uprooting” heavy FBS from the ground, which was invented by a user. The photo below demonstrates the RoteRatte know-how using a chain and a mini-trailer.

Hydraulic drive, the simplest

The simplest hydraulic drive consists of an engine, a pump and distributor and a hydraulic drive (hydraulic motor or hydraulic cylinder)

Hydraulic tank

On the drain line after the hydraulic distributor and before the hydraulic pump, it is necessary to install an expansion tank and filters; I used a hydraulic tank from ZIL.

It already has a built-in filter, but you may want to install an additional filter for finer cleaning.

Hydraulic pump

Engine

Engine

It's best to use it as powerfully as possible.
From experience I can say that 13 hp. It is enough for the drive with pump
to work fully, but until the system warms up the engine sometimes stalls under load, after warming up this does not happen. It is still better to use a diesel engine, although a gasoline engine also copes with its task. And it is better to use an engine with a larger power reserve. You can even use a used Lada engine. the engine can be bought for 5,000 rubles, but this is if you need a powerful hydraulic power station.

Hydraulic cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders

you can look for a used one. on Avito or disassembly. New ones in the store sell for about 6,000 rubles, you can find them cheaper, sometimes I came across hydraulic cylinders for lifting the cab for 3,000 rubles.

Hydraulic distributor

The simplest hydraulic valve

without fixation, it will cost from 3000 - 4000 rubles, but it is better to buy at once with a large number of sections, so that in the future you can expand the functions of your hydraulic drive by connecting additional operations.

Moreover, a 3-section hydraulic distributor will cost only about 8,000 rubles.

I always count the number of operations I need and try to buy one more section, and very often it turns out that it’s not in vain; as work progresses, there is always a desire to add some function.

High pressure hoses (HHP) and fittings

All components must be connected to each other using high-pressure hoses (HPS), any workshop will help you repair the HPS, just bring them the kit that needs to be connected and tell them the sizes of the hoses, they will select the fittings themselves. Inch thread, metric thread, you won’t have to figure it out if you turn to professionals.

How to make hydraulics

Using a similar mechanism on a mini tractor allows you to get a number of advantages. But the most important thing is that it ensures the stable functioning of additional elements.

Self-assembly of such a structure is very simple; it is important to have a sufficient level of technical knowledge, as well as strictly adhere to the diagram or drawings. To assemble such a device, you need to prepare a number of tools and parts. The sequence of work itself in this case looks like this:

First, drawings of the future structure are created.
All required parts are being purchased.
Their installation is carried out, as well as the installation of the hydraulics themselves.
After this, the parts are calibrated, and the functionality of the structure along with the transmission is checked.

According to its diagram, the hydraulics for a mini tractor with your own hands consists of the following elements:

Hydraulic tank where oil is poured.
Power point.
Hydraulic pump, as well as distributor.
Connecting hoses.
Special hydraulic motors, as well as pistons.

Sometimes, to supplement this, various filters are installed that change pressure indicators and other data. This prevents possible contamination of the pump as well as the power plant from contamination. In the process of drawing up a diagram of the future design, it is important to consider:

The hydraulic pump must be placed under the tank. This will allow the oil to flow to it by gravity, which reduces problems for the hydraulic system during the starting process.
For the correct functioning of the mechanism for a long time, it is important to first calculate the power of all combined elements in the unit. It is taking these data into account that the hydraulic pump itself should be selected. When the power of one is not enough, additional installation of an auxiliary element is required. The latter will begin to work when the maximum load in the system is reached.
To ensure long-term and trouble-free operation of the unit, sensors must be installed to measure the pressure level in the system, as well as filters designed to clean the oil.

How to install hydraulics on a mini-tractor yourself

Do-it-yourself hydraulics are installed on a mini-tractor so that the equipment can work with mounted units. Any mini-tractor is designed to perform a wide range of tasks. These machines can plow the ground, mow grass, level the ground, and perform the functions of a front loader and excavator. To perform the above work, the mini-tractor uses appropriate attachments.

The hydraulic system is responsible for the operation of additional units and mechanisms. If you assemble a mini-tractor with your own hands, hydraulics must be installed on the homemade product. Factory models are equipped with a hydraulic system at the factory. However, there are times when the basic hydraulic circuit is not enough to complete the required work. In this case, an additional hydraulic distributor is installed. Let's consider both options.

Hydraulics for a DIY mini-tractor

If you decide to make a mini-tractor yourself, then without a hydraulic system such a design will not be considered a full-fledged agricultural machine. You can assemble the hydraulic unit yourself. The necessary elements can be removed from any old equipment.

The heart of any hydraulic system is the pump. This device ensures the movement of fluid throughout the system. Hydraulic fluid enters the pump from the oil tank. The pump itself is driven by a diesel engine, which is equipped with a mini-tractor. NSh-10 can be used as a pump. The oil, pushed by the pump, enters the hydraulic distributor through flexible hoses.

It is unlikely that you will be able to assemble this complex assembly with your own hands, so you need to remove the distributor from any broken tractor. The best option would be to use the R-80. These hydraulic valves are installed on MTZ tractors.

After the distributor, the oil enters the hydraulic cylinder, which is responsible for raising and lowering the attachment. The finished structure is installed on the frame of a mini-tractor as close as possible to the drive axle.

How to install

When all the components have been purchased, all that remains is to assemble the minitractor, in the process connecting all the elements. To do this, the engine must be connected to a purchased hydraulic pump. Further from it, the tubes are connected to the distributor, after which directly to equipment in the form of pistons, motors, as well as a hydraulic tank connected to the pump. In this case, it is necessary to install filters between the tank and the pump, which are necessary to clean the oil.

Upon completion of installation, all systems must be checked. If problems are identified in operation, all hoses are examined for integrity, as well as tightness of connections. When everything is good, the unit is tested during a test drive. At this time, correction is made to the functioning of the steering hydraulics, as well as movement, if there are deviations. The floating steering system should be eliminated.

Hydraulic motor as a hydraulic pump

Hydraulic motors for the most part are capable of acting as a pump, with this option indicated in the documentation.

The hydraulic motor, as a rule, has a separate drain line with outlet to the tank for any operation option.

The efficiency of the motor in pump mode is slightly lower than that of an irreversible pump.

Reversible hydraulic machines

A hydraulic pump capable of operating as a hydraulic motor is called reversible. Another name for reversible hydraulic machines is a pump-motor.

If a hydraulic machine is capable of changing the direction of movement, then it is called reversible .

Article source: https://www.ugm74.com/stati/hydraulic-motor-pump-what-differences1/

Advantages

Having figured out how to make hydraulics for a mini tractor with your own hands, it is worth considering the main advantages that such home-made devices bring. Positive properties include:

Possibility to use attachments.
In the process of creating a diagram of the future unit, it can be supplemented with other devices.
Controllability increases, as well as the ability to customize it “to suit you.”

The main disadvantage is the waste of time required to create such a structure. By assembling the hydraulics for a small mini tractor yourself, you can significantly increase its performance and also simplify its management. It is important to strictly adhere to the drawings, purchase high-quality parts and avoid inaccuracies.

How a homemade hydraulic system works

Let's look at how hydraulics work on a mini tractor. Manufacturers of diesel mini tractors answer the question of what kind of oil to pour into the hydraulics very simply: the simplest oil is M-8DM or M-8 V. However, in winter it needs to be changed to a more viscous substance.

Many people are interested in the problem of excess pressure on the structure. Therefore, in order to regulate it, some craftsmen install a distributor that operates on two pistons - it distributes the pressure in the required way. A self-made unit, like hydraulics, requires the installation of some ready-made parts, including a distributor. It can be removed from MTZ.

Once the system is connected, it is easy to start. With the unit running, the equipment will need to be run in to check that everything is working correctly and without failures. On a machine with a homemade hydraulic system, you need to check the oil pressure in the engine and the serviceability of all components, and then check the tractor in operation.

DIY mini tractor

How to make a universal hydraulically driven mini tractor.
What tools are needed to make a homemade mini tractor.
How much does it cost to build a homemade mini tractor?

Side-swivel baby with hydraulic drive

Lift and transport FBS blocks weighing 200 and 500 kg.

Remove the fertile soil layer from the area.

Use a bucket to clear snow on roads in SNT in winter.

Moreover, as various attachments are manufactured, the range of tasks that a mini-tractor loader can solve will expand significantly.

Minitractors with hydraulic drive

Hydraulics for a mini tractor is an indispensable element of an agricultural machine, the main function of which is to ensure the ability of the unit to work with different types of attachments. Almost every modern mini tractor is equipped with a hydraulic system, but there are still models on the market that do not include it. In this case, you can assemble the hydraulic system yourself. Homemade hydraulics will significantly expand the functionality of a mini tractor and allow it to be used not only in the field, but also in the local area.

What are the advantages of hydraulic drive technology?

Most modern mini tractors are quite rightly equipped with hydraulic systems. Unlike equipment that does not include hydraulics, they have a number of advantages:

ease of operation - an agricultural machine with a hydraulic drive is capable of turning almost in one place, which allows it to be more efficient when performing a number of jobs - mowing grass or plowing the soil;
the ability to aggregate different mounted implements - for mini tractors with hydraulics you can use a mower, seeder, milling cutter, harrow, trailer for a mini tractor and a number of other implements;
improved braking system - hydraulics on the mini tractor make it possible to brake the unit by reducing the amount of oil supplied. If the handles that control the load distribution are placed in the neutral position, the wheels of the minitractor will be completely blocked. This method is intended for emergency braking and can be used instead of the parking brake;
The hydraulics on a mini tractor have a fairly high strength, thanks to which they are able to withstand heavy loads without increasing the pressure on the agricultural machine.

The nuances of making a caterpillar tractor

Homemade tracked mini tractors are a technique whose main feature is high maneuverability and good cross-country ability. Also, a tractor on tracks creates minimal pressure on the soil, which cannot be said about its wheeled counterpart.

To make a mini tractor on caterpillar tracks, you will need the following structural elements.

Frame. It is made from a profile pipe or channel.
Engine. For a caterpillar mini tractor, it is better to use a diesel engine.
Main bridge. As in the manufacture of a wheeled tractor, for a tracked unit you can also use a ready-made axle from an old car, which should be shortened.
Transmission. The ideal option would be a box from GAZ-53.
Clutch. A clutch block from a GAZ-52 will do.
Caterpillars. They are made from tires from the wheels of large equipment, for example, from a tractor.

To make tracks, you need to take 2 tractor tires and cut off the side parts of them. These tires are then put on the wheels mounted on the frame, as shown in the following photo.

In order for the tractor to turn, a differential must be installed on the rear axle, which will disconnect the right or left wheel from the drive. Also, each wheel must be equipped with a brake that can be controlled separately. When you press the brake pedal and shift the differential, one wheel of the drive axle stops, while the opposite wheel continues to rotate. Due to this, the tractor turns in the desired direction.