@randr10 Yeh that robot thing is probably atleast twice the weight of that forklift and likely way above its rated capacity. Lets call it "The little Clark that could"
Very cool. Do you know any model radio controlled airplane enthusiasts? Those controllers are multichannel, portional controls, and programmable. I've built a 1:5 P38, Spitfire IX, and have a B17G on the docket. (All in mothballs until I can get my house & shop built) All of them can be controlled with the same Futaba controller. Waaaay less than 10K for the radio receivers and servos for all 3 birds. The transmitter was the single most expensive thing at ~$1100.
It is the best, but I think it's the only channel for log splitter repair, Wes is the only guy on YT that would take on a complicated repair of a piece of equipmentblike this, that's what makes his channel so great.
@@The_Home_ProsJust you wait. Everyone's going to get one now like they did draglines! Which while interesting historically actually make really boring content when they're running
Doing a little digging it sounds like that was The Logg Dogg by Forest Robots, LLC. Looks like they got two rounds of grants and ultimately sold the prototype to another company. I'll be curious to see what else people can turn up! The internet archive has a copy of their old website.
@@bradfordperry5997 I was able to find the SBIR grants they received and they have a bunch of details. Here's the second grant number 2004-33610-15114.
this thing needs to go from forest robot to snow plow robot all from the comfort of your house and/or shop. now that would be an awesome series to watch.
I graduated from a Forest Resource Management program in 2004. Low impact harvesting was frequently intertwined into the curriculum. This machine looks like something straight out of a promotional video we would have watched.
@@erik_dk842and probably not as cheap as the kid at the neighbors farm/ranch in the summer time, LOL. Did and of them do well and get used in the harvesting? Curious to know what you learned and got used in your tenure.?? Thanks for the comment and sharing it with us.
@@erik_dk842 Not sure what is done in other places, but for somewhat steep, yet not too steep, areas at least in Germany, Austria and Switzerland they are actually still using horses as they do not damage the soil too much and could navigate single logs way more nimble out of the area. This is of course only used if they do kind of maintaining forrests, not if the harvest half a forest for wood. They tried to find other ways, but always came back to horses, although its only few these days.
Wes, I like how your wife wasn't surprised or shocked by your request. 🤣 Your commentary is as entertaining as the video is informative. You have one of the best channels on youtube. Thanks for all that you do!
After running some part numbers, I think you have a whole TIME/Versalift Digger Derrick Control System right there. According to the manual(which should be a google search away using the product name), the E-Stop might be asserted by that control box, so worth digging some more. The manual also mentioned a cable remote(T47), would be nice to rig up some SBCs that have wireless functions into the wired interface if pinouts can be found. Pretty excited about this project, wish to see more soon
I was trying to do some of the digging myself; I don't know a whole lot about OMREX; but I'm sure that whatever that thing is it's able to do PWM output, which is important when your running a joystick-type proportional control; or conversely, when jogging hydraulic valves.... Always glad to lend a hand to the channel if wes needs it!
@@n3lee It's basically a high current PWM controller with some kind of sensor monitoring/watchdog function. As Wes had mentioned in the video, the hard part for replacing that thing is to figure out something that is reliable enough to continuously drive moderate to high loads those solenoids require, and doesn't cost a ton. That's why I'm suggesting to leverage existing hardware and patch in controls using the wired interface. Reliability should already be evaluated by the people who built this, and also the PWM calibration for the valves should already be programmed into that board, which sometimes is a pain to figure out.....
Zuckerberg's personal data harvester...🤣 I knew I liked you, Wes. Little skid steer just earned its keep and its rebuild. I had a remote control log skidder years ago. It had four legs and burned oats and hay...
Hey Wes, I have a friend whos an electrical engineer for CBI, dudes a genius who remembers everything. Im hoping, since he works in roughly the same part of the forestry industry, he may have some insight for you on this delightful creation you've found. Edit: he said it looks like it could be made by FAE Group, looks like the right color scheme and scale
I’ve been married 42 years and have never heard the words “why not” when I asked to buy something. I have, however, heard the words “ a you f’n crazy?” thousands of times
I’ve been rewatching some of your older videos, mainly the rollback truck and the yellow International plow truck. Your videos have improved a lot, thank you for doing it. I really like your style, and the “hole in the head” projects, that you take on. Thanks
@@WatchWesWork I would say you are mainly more confident. Your videos atleast never left me wanting. Especially not when it comes to the quality of content.
Thank you, Wes. You never disappoint. If you sort out all of the the remote controlled skidder issues, who knows where it might lead. And I'm pretty sure you will. Have fun.
First thing that came to mind when you mentioned rarity coupled with the different kinds of bolts, parts and whatnot was... University engineers! I imagined it would have been part of a program, competition or even some whacky thesis... Glad you already found out about the person who was involved in the development of this creature. I'd love to see it come to live completely!
If you don't hear back from the professor, look for an FCC ID on the receiver box; that should at least get you info on the frequencies it uses. Given that it *is* a university project, the other possibility for the secondary receiver is "wireless e-stop" - a lot of university mobile robot projects have that as a standard thing (separate from the main box in case you screw up the software on the main controller, you don't interfere with the wireless e-stop.)
Wes, I think all of your fans including myself appreciate a mystery item video. Looking forward to part two. I have a feeling there are a lot of people right now scouring the Internet for information about this machine.
im actually speechless this thing is so unique and cool super compact multipurpose just all around great also i must mention mrs wes has to be one of the best wives the fact she lets you buy random crap and doesnt complain(at least not on camera) is nothing short of a miracle wes your one lucky man
A company called Forest Robots, LLC received a grant for the development of a small semi-autonomous vehicle for reducing fossil fuels in forests, as well as a separate grant for developing the network they would run on in 2004 and 2003 respectively, can't find much more about them though
Very excited for this series! Here in the Pacific North West while trail riding with our motorcycles we find old logging equipment that has been abandoned from time to time. Would love to see this thing up and working as intended.
@@HondaRedneck16 Wenatchee area, found an old skid steer up the colockum, also found an old abandoned steel line type crane up Blewett pass off the beaten pass. Lots and lots of trails and forest service roads here in this area.
The winch backing plate being capable of spinning may be for constant weight of pull. If the log starts rolling off a cliff and janks, the line may spool out to save equipment. Like a drag setting on a fishing reel or a deep sea winch on a boat that compensates for waves and cancels them out.
I have logged in WV, MT and Western WA, This was built to log step hill sides and not put a mans life at risk, in a posable roll over. Then, Tethered Logging Systems attached to Feller Buncher's came out and made this obsolete. ( In the minds of the logging industry ) I think they are wrong and machines like this one, were ahead of their time. Many pieces of logging equipment are homemade. (Loggers are VERY good at building equipment like this, and many, look factory built. ) Heck, That' s half the job of a Logger. Welding, repairing, building equipment and roads, All just to get the logs out. Always trying to find a better, faster way, to do a hard job. With the remote control. I would start looking at, the remote control earth compacters. Maybe they are using the same system. THIS IS VERY INTERESTING Wes! Heck Ya!!! and it does not look like it was used much. Check out this video, on TY, to learn more. Bitterroot Small Cable Yarder Demonstration by Chad Bolding.
As far as the electronic side of thing goes, I would try hooking the Eaton box up to a computer with a serial cable, quite often things like that have a command line diagnostic interface, and it may be able to tell you what hydraulic functions are connected where, and what kind of sensors/limit switches are on the machine.
My guess would be that the basic machine was repurposed to create a prototype. That could explain the two radio control systems. Omnex might be able to tell you by serial number who the controls were sold to and they can tell you what remote is required but you likely know that. I've had some experience with Hetronic remote controls used on service cranes. I installed a system on a scrap metal baler so it could be controlled from the material handler used to feed it. The handheld remote radio transmitter for a service crane cost almost $1,000 when it was left in the wrong place while they were changing hammers in the shredder. This machine might have been too light to do what they were trying to build it for so it was abandoned.
In a heartbeat I would have done the same thing when I was younger ,You have the expertise to repair anything so there should be no hesitation and it makes for good video ,looks like a awesome toy ,You very well have a one off prototype of this machine . Wes it's hunting season lets do some, Wes Check with Matt from Diesel Creek he's worked on those German diesel engine before and Probably would know where to get parts .
*That thing is WILD!* 😧 What a cool find Wes, glad you had help from the sellers and your dad. I need to find some of those equipment skates you were using. Us viewers know it's in right hands, especially with the wiring and controls. Engine sounds healthy too 🙂👍 Would make a cool miniature armored "Marvin" dozer 😂
@@WatchWesWork maybe time for a trailer mounted winch? You got it there in the end though which is all that counts. That 9-pin serial connector was really teasing me in the RX box. Probably reasonably easy to get the docs for the controller and might be able to download the configuration from it if not actually control it? Dunno. Super interesting find though!
Hi Wes recently I binged a number of you videos. I spent a week in bed after the Covid Flu shots. My family resides in Ontario Canada now however we my two boys were raised in Burlington Iowa where we lived. I have to say you are highly skilled and a great entertainer please don’t change any of your content. I have restored a few vehicles in my time really enjoyed your videos. Rod Fairborn
For low impact areas you'd be better off with a shovel logging operation. That tiny ass skidder would be incredibly inefficient. A 3 month job would take a year. I can see why it was abandoned.
It's not a question of need, it's a question of, well, it's a question! I love MrsWes' response. My wife would've just said "hell no"! Good to see all 3 generations on this pick. Kiddo is getting some great lessons here.
Regardless of how this machine morphs into something useful, I can't wait to see you reverse engineer the control logic in that remote receiver. Start with the basics and draw yourself up a schematic diagram of what's in there. I'm guessing most of it will solve or at least reveal itself. This will be fascinating to watch! You've got this, Wes!
For Robots (or more like remote controlled machines) I found indeed that there are at least two more modern products on the market here in Europe, I found what is calles the Energreen Robo Max and the Pfanzelt Forstraupe Moritz. The first one can even be used with for example a Mulching head. Both are made by either German or Austrian companies. I would absolutely not wonder if they have more models up in scandinavia or maybe in France or elsewhere. Some Comapny named Scion Research seemed to have worked on something comparable down in New Zealand, that one seems to even have included a feller robot. It is quite a niche market, so there may be not as much information easy to find. But the way that thing is build, it indeed seems to be some kind of home brew prototype or proof of concept.
your dad said the same thing I was thinking ... the guys that helped loading had a smile on their faces the entire time. A sign of good people with good upbringing and enjoying what they do.
Wes, Tell the wife we said Thanks for letting you buy it! And pat yourself on the back for getting that engine running! Definetly looking forward to the next episode!
I'm excited and I can't even get to touch it. Every curious kid loves a tinker toy to rip apart and put back together. I hope Mrs Wes and "Kiddo " are Ok with not seeing you for the next little while. These types of machine are a rapidly growing industry now. All credit to the gov't person who canned the research project and saved a bucket load of money for the American people. Cheers Eric
I went to the University of Maine (Land Grant College) and the whole time I was watching this video I was thinking this is totally a college grant project!! Great video, Can't wait to see what you do with this.
i have the manual. if you need any information. I assume that it has been hot, which is why the cover bolts have loosened. the shutdown solenoid works with oil pressure. there is a large traction coil that works at the same time as the starter's exciter. the running coil is smaller which keeps the oil pressure when energized. the engine shuts down slowly when the power goes out because the oil has to leave the solenoid.
I'm just stabbing in the dark here but maybe a remote like they use with a concrete pumper would get this thing back in business. Can't wait to see where this goes! Thanks Wes!
cut up sections of street signs and piles of leaves is what I used for "lubrication" when dragging heavy things. One time a big ornamental rock fell off a truck and by the time the township guy showed up I already had a 600lbs rock winched onto my donkey's wagon and was headed back into town to sell it to a guy who already had a couple. Township guy later asked me where all the leaves had come from. XD
Wes, this is a helluva barn find. I was amazed you got it running. I look forward to the following videos that you create while trying to get this piece back to working order.
Two separate receivers with one being GPS makes sense in following waypoints repeatedly. Being able to send it "home" to drop logs and return to fresh trees would save your fingers by the end of the day.
I checked my service manual for that engine to get a torque spec for those head bolts. I don’t speak German, it says “gudentite” so if you can find a translator for that it should help
The control system is all old concrete pump stuff. The remote and throttle cylinder are common on those engines, duetz as well. Cool machine wish I could play with it.
From one Wes to another thanks as always for the awesome content. This is probably one of the videos that you’ve done I’ve enjoyed the most. Hope this turns into a series, I’m only halfway through the video but I already know this is a good one. Cheers from WA state!
Rings a bell that I have seen a similar machine being demonstrated here in the UK. Must have been at least 30 or more years ago. An exciting find indeed. Thank you for posting.
Wes , I can think of no one else that could or would attempt to figure out the remote situation. This thing is nuts and I love it. Imagine what else you could make it do with all the hydraulic stuff that’s already in place. Or even put a seat on it and bypass all the remote stuff. Look forward to whatever you do to it. Thanks
Wes big fan of your channel. Your video editing has gotten a lot better over time and your content is always interesting even when you are just doing the routine stuff. I found your channel back when you were fixing that old dozer. Been hooked ever since. Thanks for everything. Curious what a guy will do with a logging robot though. 🧐
really interessting vehicle, remote controlled crawlers like it have been in use for quite a while in Europe not only in Forestry but also for mulching and mowing very steep slopes and other difficult terrain and some other tool carrier applications. Given the Pricetag they arent too common but far from unheard of at least here in Austria aswell as Switzerland, Germany and id imagine the rest of the Alps and Scandinavia. Hope you get it up and running again Wes definitely gonna be an interessting project.
Wes, that’s a hunka hunka orange steel right there. I’ve seen similar apparatus down here in Texas used by mobile home movers to spot trailers in tight quarters
The "brake" on the winch is probably a free spool feature. The brake hub is driven by the hydraulic motor off to the side. The brake is being used as a clutch. When the brake is released, the drum can free spool to run the cable out quickly. When the brake is applied, the drum is connected to the hydraulic motor. When the hydraulic motor is run, the brake hub spins, and turns the drum.
Man this is the kind of content I was hoping for when you said your mechanic business might take a back seat to your TH-cam channel. Amazing and unique find. Can't wait to see what else you dig out of the Midwest in the future.
Very interesting find Wes! Glad to see it run! That forklift has been a great investment for sure, now the skid loader as well! Great seeing your dad , but was worried a bit when he was standing on that wood. I noticed that when you had your bucket up on skid loader you had some scuffing on the auxiliary lines, I usually put used heater hoses to protect them from that. I’m sure that professor will give you some insight on that machine, it could have been a whole class project much similar to when colleges build prototype flying machines in competition.Thanks also goes to the wife for agreeing to get the whole project going!
That’s exactly what I figured. It was a prototype for Department of forestry or agriculture Did it start out as part of a ditch witch? Or some other trenching machine. I’ve been on two projects like this for the University of Alaska Fairbanks In the late 1940s after World War II there was some small bulldozers made I think it was like 200 of them built and they would parachute them into a forest fire area and then the smoke jumpers would go in there and run them It was a guy in Fairbanks that had one of these airdrop bulldozers running. He would run it in the parade on the size of that thing you have.
Possibly the most interesting project I have seen dug out of an old barn. Equally interesting is the number of old machinery "tragics" (subscribers) digging themselves out of the woodwork with suggestions. Fixing those control boxes seems to be the key. Mechanicals look straightforward, but the innards of those hydraulics may or may not have problems of their own. This project is a beauty.
There's an interview at caltech's site with a photo of exactly this skidder too. Pretty much confirmed. Search google with the following, including the quotes: "forest robots" skidder
Would be an incredible stroke of luck if said professor happens to still have the remote control to this beast. Would require way less retrofitting in that regard. Still though, I'm looking forward to part two on this machine!
This really caught my interest because I built a remote controlled brush mower about 10 yrs ago. I haven't used it for about the last 8 years because i rolled it off a bank. Maybe its time to get motivated to rebuild. New Subscriber.
@ 52 seconds.... Wes: Can I buy a 2 ton forestry robot????? Long suffering Mrs Wes, with complete resignation: Why not.... You can almost picture the head shake......
Awesome video! Loved seeing your dad in another video! The last couple of times you helped him with something he bought, and now he's helping you. Cool family!
After seeing the end of your video I read the online information and see it was made by Forest Robots, LLC. an was a USDA small business initiation research (SBIR) grant.
Wes this is the most awesome vidjao im glad the little critter was found by you it definitely is in a good home and a mechanical genius who will definitely bring it back to life. I look forward to seeing more on its resurrection. Thank you for all the great content you make
I used to work on the Hatz diesels back in the day. I live in Amish country and they used them to run an air compressor and alternators to charge the battery bank. They are almost an indestructible motor but are noisy. Good find and look forward to this series! Also yes the head bolts are supposed to be tight. Lol
hey trying to find any info on 4L41c hatz in a paver orded parts this spring still wate ing from this spring stole some off a back up paver Hatz hear is like talking to the wall
@@granthaney2570 I don’t know where you’re from but I don’t stock any parts for these. Central Power Products LLC in Arthur Illinois used to stock some parts for the 41C series motors though
alsome im grand rapids mi the local dealer can`t be botherd on a used machine if its not new your on your own no fule to injictors replaced solinoid new wires too can one pull the houseing that the solinoid bolts to off with out running in to a trap of timeing or some thing know about the fan belt bution plunger pushed in extra hard then just went might of broke just no info out there thank you for respoinding GRANT h @@hrdiesel
too bad we are so far apart this is a very small famly paveing co it there mane machine im just trying to help he has had health ishiues and no insurance so hasen`t had the funds to just buy another paver its 2002 layton thank you agan @@hrdiesel
Hey Wes, Love your videos, been watching for a while. I actually left the automotive industry at the beginning of the year and got into the manufacturing industry. We have built a couple things that look very similar with regards to the hydraulics and assembly of that machine. For example, it looks like we used the exact same sight glass recently on a machine that lathes telephone poles. I can't promise to have a ton of answer as I am just part of the assembly team that does final build/teardown to prep the machines for testing and shipping, but I think I could potentially get you some answers in regards to components if you had any.
That DB-9 connector in the control box looks like it may be a serial port for connecting to a std PC serial port. If you don't have a computer with a serial port, you can buy USB-to-serial adapters that can connect to std RS-232 ports. Maybe that's used for programming. You may be able to connect to it using a terminal program, like teraterm, and get a menu of commands to control it locally. You'd have to try different baud rates. Maybe 9600. Probably 8-N-1 setting. Maybe there is a manual on line for that part of it. OK, after a bit of googling, it seems like that connector is for the "cabled remote". Guess they wouldn't have made it work with any old pc. They want to sell you a remote.
After some homework I found some similar machines nothing exact but much newer. FAE group makes a similar one called an RCU-55 and all the colors are orange so maybe something there. There's kanga tractor and their 8 series remote control compact tractor. The last one I saw was the pfanzelt compact rc tractors. Maybe a prototype from one of these guys? I'm leaning toward FAE because it's orange and USA made. Hope this helps!
I would definitely remove the winch / grapple end, change the remote control package for something currently available, and make this an 'armored' remote control skid steer unit.
Thank you for this video - looking forward to the rest of season 1 and all of season 2. On a more personal note, cherish the time spent with your old man (even when it’s more mundane stuff) it’s priceless.
From what I know about PLCs, you may have a machine control and a safety control. You never want to have your safety devices as part of the machine control. In the event that the machine control fails, the safety system would still be functional. That could be critical for a robot, such as this. This might explain the duplicate controls. I'm guessing that machine was built by Eaton in Canada. Omnex is now owned by them. Eaton may have the info you need for wiring and control. They may also be able to tell you why they abandoned this prototype and project.
Wes my friend, this is probably the coolest peice of machinery on TH-cam! I would so love to see more! I love watching you in "detective" mode. Your voice your thoughts and reasoning as your going along in a way that has me following closely and learning. Love the direction you're going with the channel! Cheers Mate!
As a mechanic myself I love the sound of another mechanics joy when an old engine first time fires! All the TH-cam mechanics have their own way of expressing it!
Let's all take a moment to appreciate that forklift. What a champion!
For real. I was amazed when that forklift lifted the robot off the trailer. Absolute beast of a machine.
@@Daktyl198 Everyone should have a forklift in their life.
Yeah. People don't understand how crazy powerful those little machines are, but they can straight up pick most cars off the ground no problem.
@randr10 Yeh that robot thing is probably atleast twice the weight of that forklift and likely way above its rated capacity. Lets call it "The little Clark that could"
@@rovhalgrencparselstedt8343 The forklift is rated to lift 5475lbs. We are well within its limits.
“Why not’”… Wow, she is a keeper!
😂😂😂
Probably got another piece of furniture she wanted.
Boss apparently approved…😂😂😂
Resistance is futile….
Very cool. Do you know any model radio controlled airplane enthusiasts? Those controllers are multichannel, portional controls, and programmable. I've built a 1:5 P38, Spitfire IX, and have a B17G on the docket. (All in mothballs until I can get my house & shop built) All of them can be controlled with the same Futaba controller. Waaaay less than 10K for the radio receivers and servos for all 3 birds. The transmitter was the single most expensive thing at ~$1100.
Wes has the best vintage robot log skidder repair channel on YT.
It is the best, but I think it's the only channel for log splitter repair, Wes is the only guy on YT that would take on a complicated repair of a piece of equipmentblike this, that's what makes his channel so great.
It’s the only channel…
@@The_Home_ProsJust you wait. Everyone's going to get one now like they did draglines! Which while interesting historically actually make really boring content when they're running
*Snorts coffee
@@The_Home_Pros That's the joke!
Doing a little digging it sounds like that was The Logg Dogg by Forest Robots, LLC. Looks like they got two rounds of grants and ultimately sold the prototype to another company. I'll be curious to see what else people can turn up! The internet archive has a copy of their old website.
Shame YT wont allow links.
Same
Thanks for the info....How on earth did you figure that out?
@@bradfordperry5997 I was able to find the SBIR grants they received and they have a bunch of details. Here's the second grant number 2004-33610-15114.
Kudos to you for wearing a respirator and gloves (PPE) while removing the rodent mess! I have seen so many videos on YT where the don't!
this thing needs to go from forest robot to snow plow robot all from the comfort of your house and/or shop. now that would be an awesome series to watch.
Already has a blade, so it's mostly a snowplough already :)
@@thesteelrodent1796 Spoken like a southerern...(best imitation of Crockodile Dundee) "That's not a plough...this is a plough!"
Your dad seems like a really fun dude to do projects with
Great job, figuring out how to monetize working on projects with Dad!
Also, Matt would be proud :-)
He seems more fun to work with than my dad. 😂
I think im still missing the end of my tongue from a shot to the head, right after "hold this flashlight"!@@samuelw.3992
There is a difference between a Dad and a Father. I had a Dad too, I miss him dearly every day.
My dad's been gone 30 years as of November 8th. Not a day goes by I don't think about him. He was a humorous and compassionate person.@@silent1967
I graduated from a Forest Resource Management program in 2004. Low impact harvesting was frequently intertwined into the curriculum. This machine looks like something straight out of a promotional video we would have watched.
It basically does what you could do with horses
@@erik_dk842and probably not as cheap as the kid at the neighbors farm/ranch in the summer time, LOL. Did and of them do well and get used in the harvesting? Curious to know what you learned and got used in your tenure.?? Thanks for the comment and sharing it with us.
@@erik_dk842and what they used to do! In the past they used Belgian traction horses to do this kind of work.
@@erik_dk842 Not sure what is done in other places, but for somewhat steep, yet not too steep, areas at least in Germany, Austria and Switzerland they are actually still using horses as they do not damage the soil too much and could navigate single logs way more nimble out of the area. This is of course only used if they do kind of maintaining forrests, not if the harvest half a forest for wood. They tried to find other ways, but always came back to horses, although its only few these days.
Can’t wait to see it fully operational. And I have no doubt Wes will get it to that point.
The Starter- They've been beating it like a red headed stepchild. Never heard that one before, you made me laugh again.
Wes, I like how your wife wasn't surprised or shocked by your request. 🤣 Your commentary is as entertaining as the video is informative. You have one of the best channels on youtube. Thanks for all that you do!
Love is knowing she'll tolerate the bit and asking anyway
Why not? Also, never adopt any redheaded children please, you don't want them looking like 21:13
This will be a fun series to follow, you're a genius Wes.
My thoughts exactly! This cool little machine has ended up in the right hands! Looking forward to the next installments on this!
Involve diesel creek to get it spicy
I'm really looking forward to many more episodes on this bad boy. Nothing cooler than reviving a one of a kind prototype. Good call Wes!
After running some part numbers, I think you have a whole TIME/Versalift Digger Derrick Control System right there.
According to the manual(which should be a google search away using the product name), the E-Stop might be asserted by that control box, so worth digging some more.
The manual also mentioned a cable remote(T47), would be nice to rig up some SBCs that have wireless functions into the wired interface if pinouts can be found.
Pretty excited about this project, wish to see more soon
I was trying to do some of the digging myself; I don't know a whole lot about OMREX; but I'm sure that whatever that thing is it's able to do PWM output, which is important when your running a joystick-type proportional control; or conversely, when jogging hydraulic valves.... Always glad to lend a hand to the channel if wes needs it!
@@n3lee It's basically a high current PWM controller with some kind of sensor monitoring/watchdog function.
As Wes had mentioned in the video, the hard part for replacing that thing is to figure out something that is reliable enough to continuously drive moderate to high loads those solenoids require, and doesn't cost a ton.
That's why I'm suggesting to leverage existing hardware and patch in controls using the wired interface.
Reliability should already be evaluated by the people who built this, and also the PWM calibration for the valves should already be programmed into that board, which sometimes is a pain to figure out.....
Good spotting! Would be really interesting to see it hacked. If the company were good sports they would help out.
Zuckerberg's personal data harvester...🤣 I knew I liked you, Wes. Little skid steer just earned its keep and its rebuild. I had a remote control log skidder years ago. It had four legs and burned oats and hay...
Hey Wes, I have a friend whos an electrical engineer for CBI, dudes a genius who remembers everything. Im hoping, since he works in roughly the same part of the forestry industry, he may have some insight for you on this delightful creation you've found.
Edit: he said it looks like it could be made by FAE Group, looks like the right color scheme and scale
I’ve been married 42 years and have never heard the words “why not” when I asked to buy something. I have, however, heard the words “ a you f’n crazy?” thousands of times
Awesome first start!! 👏
I have to say, a round of applause also for the old Clark forklift. Love the channel Wes 👍👍
Yeah, I was surprised that forklift able to lift the forest robot without falling over.
I would say: Load test passed.
@@QBRX The forklift wasn't even straining or breaking a sweat; the Forest Robot was well under its stated max capacity.
I’ve been rewatching some of your older videos, mainly the rollback truck and the yellow International plow truck.
Your videos have improved a lot, thank you for doing it.
I really like your style, and the “hole in the head” projects, that you take on. Thanks
As long as they don't get worse...
@@WatchWesWork I would say you are mainly more confident. Your videos atleast never left me wanting. Especially not when it comes to the quality of content.
Thank you, Wes. You never disappoint. If you sort out all of the the remote controlled skidder issues, who knows where it might lead. And I'm pretty sure you will. Have fun.
@@WatchWesWorkLOL
First thing that came to mind when you mentioned rarity coupled with the different kinds of bolts, parts and whatnot was... University engineers! I imagined it would have been part of a program, competition or even some whacky thesis... Glad you already found out about the person who was involved in the development of this creature. I'd love to see it come to live completely!
If you don't hear back from the professor, look for an FCC ID on the receiver box; that should at least get you info on the frequencies it uses. Given that it *is* a university project, the other possibility for the secondary receiver is "wireless e-stop" - a lot of university mobile robot projects have that as a standard thing (separate from the main box in case you screw up the software on the main controller, you don't interfere with the wireless e-stop.)
You have an unmatched curiosity regarding mechanical equipment..... and you're a good story teller.
Wes, I think all of your fans including myself appreciate a mystery item video. Looking forward to part two. I have a feeling there are a lot of people right now scouring the Internet for information about this machine.
Mystery for sure!
im actually speechless this thing is so unique and cool super compact multipurpose just all around great also i must mention mrs wes has to be one of the best wives the fact she lets you buy random crap and doesnt complain(at least not on camera) is nothing short of a miracle wes your one lucky man
A company called Forest Robots, LLC received a grant for the development of a small semi-autonomous vehicle for reducing fossil fuels in forests, as well as a separate grant for developing the network they would run on in 2004 and 2003 respectively, can't find much more about them though
I have the exact same Clark forklift as you Wes, mine needs some work though lol... Runs and lifts, but leaks hydraulic oil like a sieve!
Nope, it’s exactly the same! Mine currently pours oil out the main cylinder.
Watching your pops ride that thing like a pair of skis was hilarious. I can tell he's seen a lot of days of hard work.
Very excited for this series! Here in the Pacific North West while trail riding with our motorcycles we find old logging equipment that has been abandoned from time to time. Would love to see this thing up and working as intended.
I recently watched a jet engine video and the mechanic said most manufacturers use SAE primarily and some metric.
No most manufacturers in the modern civilized world use metric. SAE is dying a slow death and that's only because of the U.S.
I live in the PNW & can’t say I’ve ever found any old logging equipment, where do you find that at?? I mostly find old abandoned cars lol
@@HondaRedneck16 Wenatchee area, found an old skid steer up the colockum, also found an old abandoned steel line type crane up Blewett pass off the beaten pass. Lots and lots of trails and forest service roads here in this area.
@@j45acp69 ah, I’m on the other side of the pass. Not as many “open” areas over here, kinda limited to either Tahoya or capital Forrest these days.
The winch backing plate being capable of spinning may be for constant weight of pull. If the log starts rolling off a cliff and janks, the line may spool out to save equipment. Like a drag setting on a fishing reel or a deep sea winch on a boat that compensates for waves and cancels them out.
that hadn't occurred to me - thank you
I have logged in WV, MT and Western WA, This was built to log step hill sides and not put a mans life at risk, in a posable roll over.
Then, Tethered Logging Systems attached to Feller Buncher's came out and made this obsolete. ( In the minds of the logging industry ) I think they are wrong and machines like this one, were ahead of their time.
Many pieces of logging equipment are homemade. (Loggers are VERY good at building equipment like this, and many, look factory built. ) Heck, That' s half the job of a Logger. Welding, repairing, building equipment and roads, All just to get the logs out. Always trying to find a better, faster way, to do a hard job.
With the remote control. I would start looking at, the remote control earth compacters. Maybe they are using the same system.
THIS IS VERY INTERESTING Wes! Heck Ya!!! and it does not look like it was used much.
Check out this video, on TY, to learn more. Bitterroot Small Cable Yarder Demonstration by Chad Bolding.
As far as the electronic side of thing goes, I would try hooking the Eaton box up to a computer with a serial cable, quite often things like that have a command line diagnostic interface, and it may be able to tell you what hydraulic functions are connected where, and what kind of sensors/limit switches are on the machine.
My guess would be that the basic machine was repurposed to create a prototype. That could explain the two radio control systems. Omnex might be able to tell you by serial number who the controls were sold to and they can tell you what remote is required but you likely know that. I've had some experience with Hetronic remote controls used on service cranes. I installed a system on a scrap metal baler so it could be controlled from the material handler used to feed it. The handheld remote radio transmitter for a service crane cost almost $1,000 when it was left in the wrong place while they were changing hammers in the shredder.
This machine might have been too light to do what they were trying to build it for so it was abandoned.
In a heartbeat I would have done the same thing when I was younger ,You have the expertise to repair anything so there should be no hesitation and it makes for good video ,looks like a awesome toy ,You very well have a one off prototype of this machine . Wes it's hunting season lets do some, Wes Check with Matt from Diesel Creek he's worked on those German diesel engine before and Probably would know where to get parts .
No luck hunting so far this year. Dunno what is going on.
@@WatchWesWork If you're talking deer, I've hardly seen any on the Iowa side of the river this year. Maybe the wasting disease got into them.
*That thing is WILD!* 😧 What a cool find Wes, glad you had help from the sellers and your dad. I need to find some of those equipment skates you were using. Us viewers know it's in right hands, especially with the wiring and controls. Engine sounds healthy too 🙂👍 Would make a cool miniature armored "Marvin" dozer 😂
Those skates are very frustrating, but they can move some really heavy stuff!
@@WatchWesWork maybe time for a trailer mounted winch? You got it there in the end though which is all that counts. That 9-pin serial connector was really teasing me in the RX box. Probably reasonably easy to get the docs for the controller and might be able to download the configuration from it if not actually control it? Dunno. Super interesting find though!
Hi Wes recently I binged a number of you videos. I spent a week in bed after the Covid Flu shots. My family resides in Ontario Canada now however we my two boys were raised in Burlington Iowa where we lived. I have to say you are highly skilled and a great entertainer please don’t change any of your content. I have restored a few vehicles in my time really enjoyed your videos. Rod Fairborn
I’ve worked in UK forestry for over forty years, never seen a machine like that. Looks a great idea for low impact areas. Looking forward to part 2
For low impact areas you'd be better off with a shovel logging operation. That tiny ass skidder would be incredibly inefficient. A 3 month job would take a year. I can see why it was abandoned.
It's a really cool machine! Thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to part 2.
This is the coolest toy ever. Nice buy Wes!
It's not a question of need, it's a question of, well, it's a question! I love MrsWes' response. My wife would've just said "hell no"! Good to see all 3 generations on this pick. Kiddo is getting some great lessons here.
Just this one comment created a sub.
@@DanEBoyd Thanks Dan!
Regardless of how this machine morphs into something useful, I can't wait to see you reverse engineer the control logic in that remote receiver. Start with the basics and draw yourself up a schematic diagram of what's in there. I'm guessing most of it will solve or at least reveal itself. This will be fascinating to watch! You've got this, Wes!
The remote is not a big issue, many ways to implement a controller without reverse engineering the circutry in the receiver.
Where’s the fun in that though
For Robots (or more like remote controlled machines) I found indeed that there are at least two more modern products on the market here in Europe, I found what is calles the Energreen Robo Max and the Pfanzelt Forstraupe Moritz. The first one can even be used with for example a Mulching head. Both are made by either German or Austrian companies. I would absolutely not wonder if they have more models up in scandinavia or maybe in France or elsewhere. Some Comapny named Scion Research seemed to have worked on something comparable down in New Zealand, that one seems to even have included a feller robot. It is quite a niche market, so there may be not as much information easy to find.
But the way that thing is build, it indeed seems to be some kind of home brew prototype or proof of concept.
Great video! I also was immediatly thinking of the pfanzelt Moritz though did not know energreen before.
your dad said the same thing I was thinking ... the guys that helped loading had a smile on their faces the entire time. A sign of good people with good upbringing and enjoying what they do.
Wes, Tell the wife we said Thanks for letting you buy it! And pat yourself on the back for getting that engine running! Definetly looking forward to the next episode!
Hey wes! This is awesome! I saw that unit on marketplace and thought I NEED THAT!
And you might still be able to have it...
😂😂
@@WatchWesWork😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I'm excited and I can't even get to touch it.
Every curious kid loves a tinker toy to rip apart and put back together.
I hope Mrs Wes and "Kiddo " are Ok with not seeing you for the next little while.
These types of machine are a rapidly growing industry now. All credit to the gov't person who canned the research project and saved a bucket load of money for the American people.
Cheers Eric
I went to the University of Maine (Land Grant College) and the whole time I was watching this video I was thinking this is totally a college grant project!! Great video, Can't wait to see what you do with this.
Your Dad is one cool customer. Equipment falls off of the ramps? No sweat!
We were kind of expecting it.
i have the manual. if you need any information. I assume that it has been hot, which is why the cover bolts have loosened. the shutdown solenoid works with oil pressure. there is a large traction coil that works at the same time as the starter's exciter. the running coil is smaller which keeps the oil pressure when energized. the engine shuts down slowly when the power goes out because the oil has to leave the solenoid.
Head bolt / nut torque 65NM
I just renewed the hoses myself. I cut the old hose off the connector and clamped the new hose on
@@JyrkiPokela Did you use regular rubber hose or the braided metal stuff?
Regular rubber hose. @@WatchWesWork
I'm just stabbing in the dark here but maybe a remote like they use with a concrete pumper would get this thing back in business. Can't wait to see where this goes! Thanks Wes!
cut up sections of street signs and piles of leaves is what I used for "lubrication" when dragging heavy things. One time a big ornamental rock fell off a truck and by the time the township guy showed up I already had a 600lbs rock winched onto my donkey's wagon and was headed back into town to sell it to a guy who already had a couple. Township guy later asked me where all the leaves had come from. XD
Wes is in his element; a one off electro-mechanical machine with no ID and no inatruction manual or even parts list. Fabulous!
Wes, this is a helluva barn find. I was amazed you got it running. I look forward to the following videos that you create while trying to get this piece back to working order.
Two separate receivers with one being GPS makes sense in following waypoints repeatedly. Being able to send it "home" to drop logs and return to fresh trees would save your fingers by the end of the day.
Love the Larson scanner effect in the control box. I couldn't have passed something like this up, either. What a neat critter.
I checked my service manual for that engine to get a torque spec for those head bolts. I don’t speak German, it says “gudentite” so if you can find a translator for that it should help
The control system is all old concrete pump stuff. The remote and throttle cylinder are common on those engines, duetz as well. Cool machine wish I could play with it.
Neat machine. Not just the same ol' video seen around TH-cam. Good luck with the project; I'll be watching! :)
From one Wes to another thanks as always for the awesome content. This is probably one of the videos that you’ve done I’ve enjoyed the most. Hope this turns into a series, I’m only halfway through the video but I already know this is a good one. Cheers from WA state!
Hey @wm12ga
My name is wesley merritt
Steve Wesley merritt
Yep, for all those trees you have around your shop this is a godsend….😀. Looking forward to the future videos.
Rings a bell that I have seen a similar machine being demonstrated here in the UK. Must have been at least 30 or more years ago. An exciting find indeed. Thank you for posting.
Wes , I can think of no one else that could or would attempt to figure out the remote situation. This thing is nuts and I love it. Imagine what else you could make it do with all the hydraulic stuff that’s already in place. Or even put a seat on it and bypass all the remote stuff. Look forward to whatever you do to it. Thanks
Wes big fan of your channel. Your video editing has gotten a lot better over time and your content is always interesting even when you are just doing the routine stuff.
I found your channel back when you were fixing that old dozer. Been hooked ever since. Thanks for everything.
Curious what a guy will do with a logging robot though. 🧐
I would love to have that to drag trees dropped by winds and storms for fire wood!
You may not have a use for it, but getting it running sure is fun. Looking forward to seeing more of this unit.
really interessting vehicle, remote controlled crawlers like it have been in use for quite a while in Europe not only in Forestry but also for mulching and mowing very steep slopes and other difficult terrain and some other tool carrier applications.
Given the Pricetag they arent too common but far from unheard of at least here in Austria aswell as Switzerland, Germany and id imagine the rest of the Alps and Scandinavia.
Hope you get it up and running again Wes definitely gonna be an interessting project.
Wes, that’s a hunka hunka orange steel right there. I’ve seen similar apparatus down here in Texas used by mobile home movers to spot trailers in tight quarters
The "brake" on the winch is probably a free spool feature. The brake hub is driven by the hydraulic motor off to the side. The brake is being used as a clutch. When the brake is released, the drum can free spool to run the cable out quickly. When the brake is applied, the drum is connected to the hydraulic motor. When the hydraulic motor is run, the brake hub spins, and turns the drum.
Hmm. That makes sense! Seems like a wired way to do it.
Man this is the kind of content I was hoping for when you said your mechanic business might take a back seat to your TH-cam channel. Amazing and unique find. Can't wait to see what else you dig out of the Midwest in the future.
Very interesting find Wes! Glad to see it run! That forklift has been a great investment for sure, now the skid loader as well! Great seeing your dad , but was worried a bit when he was standing on that wood. I noticed that when you had your bucket up on skid loader you had some scuffing on the auxiliary lines, I usually put used heater hoses to protect them from that. I’m sure that professor will give you some insight on that machine, it could have been a whole class project much similar to when colleges build prototype flying
machines in competition.Thanks also goes to the wife for agreeing to get the whole project going!
did some searching of this page and could not find a reference to whom/where" this professor your mentioning. care to enlighten us?
@@coachgeogo to 37:27 he states professor from Idaho might have info on unit. Guess you didn’t watch whole video friend.
@@Sherlock067 yep watched whole thing before posting.... then again was stop and go between making dinner.... so must have missed it.
@@coachgeo 👍✌️
That’s exactly what I figured. It was a prototype for Department of forestry or agriculture
Did it start out as part of a ditch witch? Or some other trenching machine.
I’ve been on two projects like this for the University of Alaska Fairbanks
In the late 1940s after World War II there was some small bulldozers made I think it was like 200 of them built and they would parachute them into a forest fire area and then the smoke jumpers would go in there and run them
It was a guy in Fairbanks that had one of these airdrop bulldozers running. He would run it in the parade on the size of that thing you have.
Interesting!
Possibly the most interesting project I have seen dug out of an old barn. Equally interesting is the number of old machinery "tragics" (subscribers) digging themselves out of the woodwork with suggestions. Fixing those control boxes seems to be the key. Mechanicals look straightforward, but the innards of those hydraulics may or may not have problems of their own. This project is a beauty.
Insane. Great purchase. Big thanks to your better half for approval of this purchase!
It seems to be the "Forest Crawler" by "Forest Robots LLC." Made in 2004 on a government grant by Dean Edwards of the University of Idaho.
There's an interview at caltech's site with a photo of exactly this skidder too. Pretty much confirmed. Search google with the following, including the quotes: "forest robots" skidder
Would be an incredible stroke of luck if said professor happens to still have the remote control to this beast. Would require way less retrofitting in that regard. Still though, I'm looking forward to part two on this machine!
Even odds that the good professor can reach back in the school financial records, find some leads on who built & programmed the thing.
i went and looked at this. I wish i knew more about stuff like this to fix it. So cool you got it going.
This really caught my interest because I built a remote controlled brush mower about 10 yrs ago. I haven't used it for about the last 8 years because i rolled it off a bank. Maybe its time to get motivated to rebuild. New Subscriber.
The HF Daytona jack was the unsung hero of this video. Without it this video would never have got off the ground.
Zing!
@ 52 seconds....
Wes: Can I buy a 2 ton forestry robot?????
Long suffering Mrs Wes, with complete resignation: Why not....
You can almost picture the head shake......
Not filmed for future deniability.
@@WatchWesWork That's why you are the BEST!!!!
I bet Matt at Diesel Creek will want that once you get it operational. cool unit.
He already wants it!
Awesome video! Loved seeing your dad in another video! The last couple of times you helped him with something he bought, and now he's helping you. Cool family!
Your dad is cool and that loading technic was sooooooooo sketchy, I loved it.
After seeing the end of your video I read the online information and see it was made by Forest Robots, LLC. an was a USDA small business initiation research (SBIR) grant.
You had some great videos over the years but I think this one is one of your best. Looking forward to part 2.
Wes this is the most awesome vidjao im glad the little critter was found by you it definitely is in a good home and a mechanical genius who will definitely bring it back to life. I look forward to seeing more on its resurrection.
Thank you for all the great content you make
I used to work on the Hatz diesels back in the day. I live in Amish country and they used them to run an air compressor and alternators to charge the battery bank. They are almost an indestructible motor but are noisy. Good find and look forward to this series! Also yes the head bolts are supposed to be tight. Lol
hey trying to find any info on 4L41c hatz in a paver orded parts this spring still wate ing from this spring stole some off a back up paver Hatz hear is like talking to the wall
@@granthaney2570 I don’t know where you’re from but I don’t stock any parts for these. Central Power Products LLC in Arthur Illinois used to stock some parts for the 41C series motors though
alsome im grand rapids mi the local dealer can`t be botherd on a used machine if its not new your on your own no fule to injictors replaced solinoid new wires too can one pull the houseing that the solinoid bolts to off with out running in to a trap of timeing or some thing know about the fan belt bution plunger pushed in extra hard then just went might of broke just no info out there thank you for respoinding GRANT h @@hrdiesel
too bad we are so far apart this is a very small famly paveing co it there mane machine im just trying to help he has had health ishiues and no insurance so hasen`t had the funds to just buy another paver its 2002 layton thank you agan @@hrdiesel
That loading sequence was sketch but it was a PICASSO sketch! SO well done in that situation!
Thanks for all the content, can't wait for more on this.
Hey Wes, Love your videos, been watching for a while. I actually left the automotive industry at the beginning of the year and got into the manufacturing industry. We have built a couple things that look very similar with regards to the hydraulics and assembly of that machine. For example, it looks like we used the exact same sight glass recently on a machine that lathes telephone poles. I can't promise to have a ton of answer as I am just part of the assembly team that does final build/teardown to prep the machines for testing and shipping, but I think I could potentially get you some answers in regards to components if you had any.
That DB-9 connector in the control box looks like it may be a serial port for connecting to a std PC serial port. If you don't have a computer with a serial port, you can buy USB-to-serial adapters that can connect to std RS-232 ports. Maybe that's used for programming. You may be able to connect to it using a terminal program, like teraterm, and get a menu of commands to control it locally. You'd have to try different baud rates. Maybe 9600. Probably 8-N-1 setting. Maybe there is a manual on line for that part of it. OK, after a bit of googling, it seems like that connector is for the "cabled remote". Guess they wouldn't have made it work with any old pc. They want to sell you a remote.
but what was the connector shell on the wall of the box, next to the db-9 on the pcb for ? what happens if you plug it in ?
Hello Wess, that machine is sweet, look forward to seeing more of it. Take care 👍
Seriously! I saw this on Marketplace too. How cool that you got it!
After some homework I found some similar machines nothing exact but much newer. FAE group makes a similar one called an RCU-55 and all the colors are orange so maybe something there. There's kanga tractor and their 8 series remote control compact tractor. The last one I saw was the pfanzelt compact rc tractors. Maybe a prototype from one of these guys? I'm leaning toward FAE because it's orange and USA made. Hope this helps!
I would definitely remove the winch / grapple end, change the remote control package for something currently available, and make this an 'armored' remote control skid steer unit.
Thank you for this video - looking forward to the rest of season 1 and all of season 2. On a more personal note, cherish the time spent with your old man (even when it’s more mundane stuff) it’s priceless.
Can’t wait for this series, one like this is what brought me to your channel
From what I know about PLCs, you may have a machine control and a safety control. You never want to have your safety devices as part of the machine control. In the event that the machine control fails, the safety system would still be functional. That could be critical for a robot, such as this. This might explain the duplicate controls.
I'm guessing that machine was built by Eaton in Canada. Omnex is now owned by them. Eaton may have the info you need for wiring and control. They may also be able to tell you why they abandoned this prototype and project.
Wes my friend, this is probably the coolest peice of machinery on TH-cam! I would so love to see more! I love watching you in "detective" mode. Your voice your thoughts and reasoning as your going along in a way that has me following closely and learning. Love the direction you're going with the channel! Cheers Mate!
Check it out , Ben found it in 14 minutes lol
This is going to be an interesting project. Can't wait for future videos on it.
Who doesn't love an away mission with your dad? Good stuff! I bet he was shaking his head all the way back to your place... 🤣
When the Vibe ran away, it was one of the most terrifying moments I’ve seen on YT. Clearly not a setup as you can tell from how Wes reacted.
As a mechanic myself I love the sound of another mechanics joy when an old engine first time fires! All the TH-cam mechanics have their own way of expressing it!
Is the "Why Not?" said under duress? Mrs Wes not in the shot is suspect ;)
Dubbed with AI.
@@WatchWesWorklmao