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Building a custom excavator

Coastal

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2006
Messages
323
Location
BC, Canada
nUgcpp8.jpg


Still at it... I like this machine, but also now realize there's lots I don't like.

The 50d engine doesn't make enough power to run the 75 sized final drives fast enough. It has lots of torque in low, but man it's slow all around. The 50d engine also is short on power to run any good hydraulic attachments like a mulcher, or harvester. The ac system barely keeps up. Overall I just wish it was a bit bigger I suppose.

Still pounds posts very efficiently and is hard to beat for that, but lots of room for improvement!
 

Coastal

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2006
Messages
323
Location
BC, Canada
Any way to get more power from the current engine?

That is one awesome machine you have built there THANK YOU for sharing it with us
I've been looking at motor swaps, or feasibility of adding a turbo to this engine, but then it becomes an issue of pump sizing, valves etc etc... Might be a lot of work for an endless hassle. But I just don't know honestly lol!
 

hvy 1ton

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2006
Messages
1,943
Location
Lawrence, KS
The 50d engine doesn't make enough power to run the 75 sized final drives fast enough. It has lots of torque in low, but man it's slow all around. The 50d engine also is short on power to run any good hydraulic attachments like a mulcher, or harvester. The ac system barely keeps up. Overall I just wish it was a bit bigger I suppose.
Turbo and intercooler would help with power loss at altitude, but you'd still have 50-sized pumps. I'm surprised the AC won't keep up. Isn't it the 50d cab with guarding? Do you think a 75 carbody would be big enough or would you want to go even bigger if you started over?
 

Coastal

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2006
Messages
323
Location
BC, Canada
Turbo and intercooler would help with power loss at altitude, but you'd still have 50-sized pumps. I'm surprised the AC won't keep up. Isn't it the 50d cab with guarding? Do you think a 75 carbody would be big enough or would you want to go even bigger if you started over?

Ya it's the 50d cab... Not sure why it won't keep up either. If I started with a 75 complete I'd probably be happy with it. But a 135 would be good too.
 

Batkom

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2017
Messages
202
Location
Idaho
It seems its always - i need just a little more reach, a little more power and etc etc! LOL - at least in my experience!
Just keep reminding yourself its paid for and your making money!
 
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