Woo! I've actually started it!
My name is Charles Franklin, as I'm sure the blog would tell ya. This blog has specifically been created to help brainstorm a project I'm working on.
The project is to create a human powered bulldozer/tug/snow plow. The idea is to create a machine capable of generating massive amounts of torque, and pulling a trailer with close to 1,000 lbs on it, and also posess the capability of bulldozing and snowplowing.
I've wanted to work on human powered vehicles of various types for a long time. I've been riding a bike since I was 4, and it only made sense to continue that passion for human powered vehicles of any type.
The logistics of a human powered workhorse would be cheap running costs, an operator who would be fitter because of the equipment, and the capability of leaving a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, it's cool right?
My idea to start off is to just get a prototype off the ground. I'm thinking about using an old go kart frame as the base, and setting up a system of sprockets and chains for the drivetrain. What I'm not sure of yet is whether I should use a differential for the back wheels, or what type of tires I should use. (I'm leaning towards riding mower turf tires because they won't hurt grass). But, any tire I use will have to serve a dual purpose, or the machine will have to have a separate set of tires or even chains for the other purposes. Also, the differential could cause issues with the vehicle spinning out, thus removing a lot of it's ability to pull heavy things over grass, gravel, or mud.
The design will be a pedal powered tug, with a trailer capable of holding close to 1,000 pounds and capable of standing on it's own, which would probably be best served by a four wheel design. There will also be an attachable blade that can be put on the front to allow bulldozing, leveling, or snow plowing.
Other later additions to the project will also include designing a forklift capable of lifting at least 500 lbs with minimal effort.
Anyways, here I go on my journey. Thanks for reading! I will post updates as regularly as I can.
My first recommendation is that you begin work on a hamster wheel attachment. The hamsters can pick up the slack when the human power element grows weary.
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