Our country is huge and there are still many areas on its territory without a transport structure, where traffic is hampered by the features of the landscape.
In such places, special equipment, such as a swamp walker, is often required. Ready-made vehicles of this type sometimes cost incredible amounts of money or are difficult to obtain. Therefore, residents of remote regions have long learned to make such equipment on their own.
Homemade swamp rover project
Since the machine will be assembled from available materials and mechanisms, drawings of the swamp vehicle will have to be created in parallel with the purchase of the necessary components - rolled metal, engine, etc.
Obviously, you first need to sketch a rough sketch, which will reflect the main technical solutions, and in accordance with it, select the required metal, engine and complex chassis mechanisms. You can, for example, use the advantages of caterpillar tracks. Huge low-pressure wheels also have their advantages.
Only when the material has basically been collected can you begin to draw up a drawing with the exact dimensions of all parts.
Reviews from fishermen
We made such a machine over the course of a year together with my brother. The process is very labor-intensive and requires not only material costs, but also skill. I was lucky, my brother is a car mechanic, so the drawing was done very quickly. Despite the amount of effort, the device turned out well. Now we regularly go fishing, regardless of weather conditions.
Stanislav
I believe that installing a swamp vehicle is a very complex and lengthy procedure that does not justify itself. The use of such conveyances does not occur very often, and the cost of parts and labor is too high.
Vitaly
The car turns out to be big, and I would go fishing in it several times. However, it seems to me cheaper to buy a small Chinese all-terrain device and ride quietly, without wasting effort and nerves on creating such a monster.
Michael
For several years I made such a machine. The engine was used from the Zaporozhets car, the frame and trailer were made from corrugated sheet metal. However, it turned out well, low consumption, but the speed is low off-road. When loaded the speed increases. Now I'm building a small garage for storage.
Sergey
Once I rode with a friend on such a unit. Very convenient and allows you to move even in difficult places. I want to make such a vehicle myself, I’m still collecting materials.
Nikolai
Types of structures
The purpose of the swamp vehicle is to overcome swampy terrain, shallow water, impassable mud, and confidently transport cargo in muddy and off-road conditions.
The type of swamp vehicle undercarriage should be determined based on local operating conditions:
- A tracked all-terrain vehicle is a high-cross-country vehicle that confidently moves over rough terrain due to effective load distribution. However, such a car is unlikely to pass through the swamp. In addition, a do-it-yourself swamp vehicle on tracks is a highly complex design, the creation of which will require taking into account many additional nuances.
- A swamp vehicle with low pressure tires is an option that can be used in swampy areas. Plastic wheels provide not only full shock absorption, but also reliable overcoming of swamps, mud, and shallow waters.
- A floating swamp rover is a universal machine that guarantees overcoming obstacles of any complexity. When adhesion of wheels or tracks to the ground is impossible due to great depth, the machine switches to boat mode, moving with the help of a propeller.
- A specialized version of a swamp rover can be considered a means of transportation through water densely overgrown with aquatic plants. A do-it-yourself swamp boat is created on the basis of a regular “motor boat”, only it is equipped with a homemade engine, the blades of which rotate at the lowest immersion.
Instructions - how to make a swamp rover for a boat with your own hands
Before starting work, you need to prepare a drawing of the swamp rover. You can make the diagram yourself or take a ready-made sketch from the Internet.
The swamp boat must consist of two parts. The first is clamp fasteners, which are needed to install the engine on the transom of the boat. The second part is the motor itself with a shaft and a support platform.
Example of a clamp diagram:
Operating procedure:
Weld a steel base for sheet metal 4 mm thick according to the drawing.
It is better to use galvanized or stainless steel material. This way, parts of the swamp vehicle will be initially protected from moisture, but you will have to spend money.
Install the internal shafts and bearing mountings.
Here you will need the ability to work on a lathe or you will have to order ready-made components.
Prime and paint the structure.
Mount a gasoline engine from agricultural machinery (for example, a cultivator) on the support platform. Install a pipe with a movable shaft inside onto the motor shaft through a double cardan.
The pipe itself, adjusted to the level, is welded to the support platform and the cheek of the engine, positioning it at the desired angle down to the water.
Weld a curved section of pipe on the side into which to insert and secure the handle with bolts in a position convenient for the hand. Install a plate over the propeller to reduce its cavitation. If the boat will be used in a rocky river, it makes sense to install a protective cover underneath.
Drawing and description of the platform for installing the PLM swamp rover on a boat with your own hands:
Before installing the finished structure on the boat, you need to assemble the opening plate (which works on the principle of a book). A support platform with a motor and a propeller is attached to it so that a person in the boat can adjust the depth of immersion of the shaft in the water.
Advice! Since self-assembly often uses the first available parts, it is recommended to pre-coat all metal surfaces with waterproof paint. It is needed to protect the base from rust.
Materials and mechanisms
The reliability of the entire machine will depend on the strength of the structure. Need to purchase:
- Rolled metal – angle, pipe, medium-sized channel, steel sheets;
- You can try to use an old frame from a used SUV;
- Powerful engine;
- Tracks or large wheels, which depends on the type of chassis;
- Steering.
Reworking a walk-behind tractor
Walk-behind tractors are rightfully considered one of the most versatile types of agricultural machinery, which is why they are often used as the basis for various home-made units. Among them, home-made 4x4 mini tractors with a breakable frame are very popular, as well as caracats made from a walk-behind tractor, which in terms of technical indicators are in no way inferior to other types.
To successfully manufacture such a device from a walk-behind tractor, you will need to follow the following instructions:
- Weld the frame using a metal profile/pipe.
- Mount rear and front drives. To simplify the process, it is recommended to take the front axle, steering system, and other elements from the vehicle’s chassis.
- Install the motor, as well as the gearbox included in the design of the walk-behind tractor.
- Construct and secure the slopes, and then roll in the resulting structure.
- It is important to note that for this type of swamp vehicle it is recommended to use a wheelbase with increased belt-type traction. Motoblock structures, as a rule, have impressive dimensions and can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, which makes them universal and reliable off-road solutions
- In order for the karakat to have the necessary characteristics, it is necessary to use high-power walk-behind tractors, since the vehicle must not only move successfully, but also transport the driver, as well as various loads.
Necessary tool
Mechanics who undertake to develop and assemble homemade swamp vehicles obviously already have a full set of wrenches, screwdrivers, files, a metal saw, pliers, pliers, and a variety of fasteners of popular sizes.
You will also need a soldering iron, a welding machine, and a pump for inflating large wheels.
Homemade all-terrain vehicle on tracks, where to start
Drawings of a homemade tracked all-terrain vehicle can be downloaded from the Internet; there is a huge selection of options. And if you have a technical education and the necessary skills, you can create your own unique drawing or change some details from an existing drawing. For example, you can install a more powerful engine or expand the dimensions of the equipment. It’s a good idea to have an additional notebook in which you can write down all the necessary dimensions of the parts, because you can’t remember everything.
1 — tension roller, 2 — fuel tank, 3 — windshield, 4 — instrument panel, 5 — gas pedal, 6 — brake lever, 7 — gear shift knob, 8 — kick starter lever, 9 — seat, 10 — top support roller, 11 — band brake casing, 12 — axle shaft bracket, 13 — drive sprocket, 14 — carburetor, 15 — fuel pump, 16 — fan casing, 17 — axle shaft, 18 — differential, 19 — M-62 engine, 20 — driven shaft, 21 — axle shaft, 22 — intermediate shaft, 23 — brake rod, 24 — drive
Before you start assembling any all-terrain vehicle, you must understand exactly what it should be like. And then move on to the design details: select the necessary spare parts: engine, gearbox, chassis and brake systems, transmission, cabin elements, etc.
It is also necessary to calculate the total, useful and curb weight of the unit and then proceed to distribute the mass along the axes and determine the center of gravity of the all-terrain vehicle as a whole and each unit.
Crawler all-terrain vehicle:
A homemade all-terrain vehicle with a breakable frame is a technique that can be constructed from parts that are lying around idle in the garage. Therefore, after looking at the drawings, you may be surprised to notice that you already have an almost finished all-terrain vehicle, you just need to put it all together correctly.
The most difficult task is assembling the wheel chain. The caterpillar can be assembled from lugs. The lug strips can be welded to sections of bent channels, to which the tracks are actually attached using bolts. By the way, the shape of the lugs should completely match the profile of the tire. The wire rods must be beveled and all welds must be cleaned.
Of course, such a system also has its disadvantages. Oval lugs will slip on dense snow and slide on ice. But as an advantage of this system, one can note the ease of control compared to direct lugs, especially when cornering.
But if you coped with the task with dignity and created your own homemade tracked all-terrain vehicle, post a video and recommendations on how to create it, perhaps your advice will be useful to someone.
Engine for swamp vehicle
The engine power for a swamp vehicle should be selected depending on the expected load. In one case, a motor from a walk-behind tractor is quite suitable, but in another, a powerful engine from a car is required.
- Motorcycle engine. For off-road travel after heavy rain, such a motor is quite suitable, but, of course, it cannot cope with a heavy load.
- Car engine from ZAZ, Niva, Oka, LuAZ, Bukhanki. These unpretentious motors will do the job quite well if you install them on a swamp vehicle. They operate stably in different modes at low and high air temperatures.
WHAT IS BETTER, BUYING A SWAMP RUVER OR MAKING IT YOURSELF?
People who have enough money don’t think twice and buy whatever they see fit. As a rule, their interest is concentrated on making money. Those who do not have much money are thinking about making it themselves: in any case, the machine will cost much less. In addition, such people have a genuine interest in the manufacturing process itself. But this does not mean that everyone can do it. Despite this, self-production has its advantages: it is quite possible that you will be able to assemble exactly the machine that is needed.
Most fishermen prefer small-sized devices, which cannot be said about factory products that cannot satisfy all customers. They are either too big or too wasteful.
If you decide to independently produce this type of transport, you will have to face some difficulties. For example:
- Automotive knowledge required.
- You must be able to work with many plumbing tools and devices.
- You need to be prepared for the fact that this will take a lot of time and you shouldn’t expect that you will get a good car the first time.
- In addition to time, other costs will be required, including money.
- At the initial stage, it would be good to study some options for manufacturing such machines in order to decide which option is more suitable.
Wheel for swamp vehicle
To make all-terrain wheels, you need to find 4 large-diameter tires and cut out a lot of windows in them on the sides and the supporting surface.
You should get an openwork lattice structure made of rubber. A camera is inserted inside the resulting frame and inflated.
How to make an all-terrain vehicle from a walk-behind tractor?
An all-terrain vehicle with an engine from a walk-behind tractor is manufactured following a certain scheme:
- The base of the device is created. Ready-made frames are most suitable. You can take them from old Ural and Izh vehicles. Such frames are durable and maneuverable;
- Rear axle. Includes rear and front suspensions, which are assembled from a strut, strut and steering bushing;
- Wheelbase of the unit. You can use an old spare tire from trucks. The walk-behind tractor with low-pressure chambers is easy to operate and quite maneuverable;
- A prefabricated motor structure is installed to allow the all-terrain vehicle to perform its functions;
- If the installation of the motor system is completed, the transmission, exhaust elements and brakes are installed. The latter can be taken from an old car or motorcycle.
Installation
The swamp vehicle must be assembled according to a pre-developed algorithm.
How to make a swamp vehicle with your own hands:
- A frame and shock-absorbing springs are assembled from parts prepared to size.
- The body of the swamp vehicle is installed.
- The engine is installed and connected to other functional units.
- Wheels or rollers with tracks are installed.
- The interior decoration is being carried out.
Review of famous mini all-terrain vehicles
Every year new models of small all-terrain vehicles appear on the market from automobile manufacturing enterprises and self-taught designers. Vehicles differ from each other in power, technical characteristics, functionality and price. A review of models is compiled according to the characteristic that unites them.
Among amphibious tires, the following brands are noted:
- ZIS-5;
- KIT-TM-06;
- ZID Barkhan;
- Shogrash;
- VEPS.
Their cost ranges from 170 to 330 thousand rubles.
The tracked range of mini-all-terrain vehicles is represented by the following models:
- Tinger Scout 420;
- Pelec Mini:
- RASH;
- Mirage T;
- Okhotets and others.
They cost from 190 to 400 thousand rubles.
Model Hunter
The 6-wheeled amphibious all-terrain vehicle Okhotets has a beautiful appearance and high technical capabilities. The unit is capable of lifting weights up to 300 kg. It is equipped with a Chinese Lifan engine with a power of up to 18.5 hp.
All components and parts are completely similar to VAZ spare parts. They are easily replaceable, because available for sale.
The cost is 220-339 thousand rubles. depending on modification and configuration. This is a lightweight all-terrain vehicle, it fits in a light trailer or Gazelle body.
Pelec mini
A compact tracked all-terrain vehicle, this helps it move through dense forests. The complete package includes the following additions:
- roll cage;
- awning;
- tow bar, etc.
- Pelets mini easily overcomes forests, high steeps, steep banks, holes and ravines. It can remain in water for a long time due to the sealed body structure.
- The Karakat has a gasoline engine, centrifugal clutch and hydraulic disc brakes, a spacious interior for the driver, passengers and luggage.
- Rush is quite large in its category
The Rush all-terrain vehicle is one of the largest in size among the line of mini-all-terrain vehicles. It will not fit in the back of a Gazelle or in a car trailer.
In addition to the size, it differs from the classics in its special pendant. In it, a rubber track is installed on large-diameter pneumatic rollers.
Model Beaver
This is the most durable mini-all-terrain vehicle model. Operates over a wide temperature range. The beaver is used for work in the Arctic and the Far North, and copes just as well with tasks on the slopes of the southern mountains.
The design is based on GAZ. This is a set that includes a minibus and a diesel tractor. It has a wide track and increased ground clearance. Due to this, he can pass any obstacles.
By creating a model with his own hands, the owner receives as a result an individual vehicle with the necessary characteristics and capabilities. During the design process, he studies the structure of the all-terrain vehicle in detail, and this helps in the repair and operation of the vehicle.
Useful tips
The factory swamp vehicle, of course, is distinguished by maximum reliability and efficiency, but it is quite expensive. Because of this, craftsmen are increasingly turning to the idea of creating a swamp rover with their own hands.
This is also a great way to give a second life to old vehicles - a mini-tractor, a motorcycle, a Zaporozhets or a Loaf. The most common version of this homemade product is converting an old motorcycle to low-pressure tires.
To prevent the cameras from slipping, they are pulled with adhesive tape over a certain distance.
Serious homemade products are built on the basis of military and medical “loaves” that have a spacious body. Such a vehicle can take on board a whole team of fishermen and hunters, or be loaded with a large amount of cargo.
- Homemade platforms are not as reliable, since, of course, no preliminary tests are carried out.
- As you can see from the photo of a self-made swamp rover, everything is done “by eye,” so it is possible that the frame will not withstand a critical situation.
- However, the frame and body can be welded with a large margin of strength to compensate for the likely critical loads.
It is important that if you have inexpensive metal, a used engine, axles, shafts and rubber, a homemade swamp vehicle will cost several times less than a factory one.
The decision to create a swamp rover with your own hands may be due not only to economic considerations. Factory models, firstly, are cumbersome, and secondly, they are an average solution to the problem that does not take into account local specifics.
Perhaps a fisherman, mushroom picker, or hunter simply does not need any of the options present in factory models. Thus, there is nothing left to do but make a swamp vehicle with your own hands, so as not to overpay for excessive comfort or super-tightness, when you can get to the place on a three-wheeled “karakat”.
Features of operation
A homemade swamp boat motor cannot be compared with purchased models in terms of characteristics. It is not recommended to use it in shallow water with a lot of plants, as the power may not be enough. The screw will become tangled and fail. We must not forget about periodically turning off the engine to cool it down.
Swamp walkers are characterized by low speed. A PLM made with one's own hands, in comparison with a conventional propulsion unit for a boat of the same power, can lose from 30 to 40% of speed. Knowing this, there is no need to try to modify and improve your model - the boat will not move faster.
Due to its design features, the swamp rover is a large vehicle. This must be taken into account when planning how to store and transport the engine to the place where the boat is launched.
Don’t forget that the swamp walker itself is noisy, and a self-made one has a special sound effect. During long treks, the noise pollution can be noticeable and ruin your vacation.
The swamp rover will be useful for frequent boat trips to unexplored areas, when crossing forest lakes and bays that are covered with vegetation. If you assemble the propulsion unit yourself, you can save a lot of money. However, we should not forget that the capabilities of such technology are limited. Therefore, you need to use a homemade swamp rover on a boat carefully.
Author: Pavel Uspensky, especially for Motoaria.ru
