Last modified: 2026-08-08 09:51:01
< 2026-08-04 2026-08-08 >Well this is functionally complete I think.
The wooden box parts are only held on to the metal frame by 2 screws at the top of each corner, but I think this is actually enough to hold them all in place. The bottoms can't flap inwards because they're constrained by the lip around the base piece, and the base piece can't come out because it is constrained by the side pieces.
Just needs painting now.
I did some experimenting with the tractor.
Switching back to 1-wheel-drive gives an immediate and obvious improvement in the turning circle, but it still has the issue that when you are driving uphill it pulls to the right.
I tried putting an 11kg weight under the bonnet and it did improve things. I think if you could concentrate the 11kg all at the front it would be even better. And you could obviously get away with less than 11kg.
I have identified 3 potential places to put a weight.
The first is under the bonnet, you'd need to make it fit around the battery:
The second is at the front of the chassis, you'd need to make it hang off the front:
And the third is underneath:
There is actually loads of room underneath, and it doesn't matter how ugly it is because it won't get seen. I think this is the best choice.
But then what sort of weight and how do you attach it? You could imagine a big concrete/steel block with holes all the way through, and big bolts passing through the chassis side rails and through the weight, although I wouldn't want it to rattle.
Hanging it off the front of the chassis has the advantage that you get more forward weight bias for the same amount of weight.
Maybe in either case the way to make the weight is to 3d-print a "mould", fill it with concrete mixed with scrap lead and other dense waste materials, and then bolt it in place 3d-printed-mould and all.
The only downside of this scheme is that it's not adjustable. Unless you make lots of individual pieces and you can bolt a selection of them up together? Maybe I don't care. Any random 5-10kg weight pretty close to the front is a good start.
< 2026-08-04 2026-08-08 >