Buggy Lifter

[Nutz4sand]

Very cool item. Just to add to complexity you might see about a way to make it go from four wheel opposing to crab steering (and back).

The only reason I say this is the military used to have issues with four wheel steering trucks. They could pull up to a side dock relativley easy. But upon leaving they would always run the butt end into the dock. Sound wierd but if you research it you will see.

It would be similair with trying to put a buggy near the wall.

[Engineer]

For my final project in college we built a 4-wheel steering car.  We used a handle for steering, and when you pushed forward, it was crab steering so the vehicle would go sideways, like to parallel park.  In the center, it would steer only the front for conventional steering, and if you pulled back, it would steer 4-wheel opposed for maximum turning radius.  The design was very simple to make it work, but it might require drawing a picture to explain how it.

[fabr]

For my final project in college we built a 4-wheel steering car.  We used a handle for steering, and when you pushed forward, it was crab steering so the vehicle would go sideways, like to parallel park.  In the center, it would steer only the front for conventional steering, and if you pulled back, it would steer 4-wheel opposed for maximum turning radius.  The design was very simple to make it work, but it might require drawing a picture to explain how it.

Minimum maybe?

[Engineer]

Minimum maybe?

Yeah....  What you said.......


Maximum was when you got confused and pushed it the other way, and it was crab walking all over, but wouldn't turn around. 

It was a great idea, but I never got used to driving it.

[fabr]

Most of the wheeled cherry picker type cranes work as you described.I have a bit of time under my belt on those.

[Rick S.]

I suggest making the wheels a large as possible.
It will be difficult to move around with small wheels.
Unless the floor is very smooth.
Large wheels will roll easily over imperfections.
I like it.

[Engineer]

Yeah, and either pneumatic tires, or a very hard durometer for rubber/plastic wheels.  If you overload a soft rubber wheel, it gets VERY hard to push.

[trojan]

Go cart slicks?  Why not a utlity tire for off road apps?  more GC that way for batteries, etc?

the wheels are romantic. the intention is to use a 8" hard polymer type at about 40mm wide. that's what the KPI was set for.
If you go much higher it wont fit easily under my buggy.

[trojan]

Very cool item. Just to add to complexity you might see about a way to make it go from four wheel opposing to crab steering (and back).

it does both. to crab steer, you would say, move the 'towing arm" to the left and turn the "T-bar" to the right.

[Engineer]

it does both. to crab steer, you would move the 'towing arm" to the left and turn the "T-bar" to the right.

Ahhhhh....  Very nice!!

[Nutz4sand]

it does both. to crab steer, you would say, move the 'towing arm" to the left and turn the "T-bar" to the right.

I agree very nice.

[Rick S.]

8" wheels will work great.
The model makes them look small.
This thing is obviously larger than it looks.

[Wyattboche]

So is there plans out there to make this, or can you buy it?

[trojan]

Initially I hadn't intended to. I did it as an exercise in learning cad. How keen are you?

[Wyattboche]

Initially I hadn't intended to. I did it as an exercise in learning cad. How keen are you?

It would be nice cause I have very limited space in the garage to store the buggy. Just fiqured that little sucker would be slick to stick under the buggy and put it away. Why what you have in mind? Also what are the specs on this little rig? How tall will it lift ETC.