Here is my latest creation

[madokie]

I built this for my brother to use in his sawmill business. I used the front and rear differentials from an all wheel drive 77 Subaru wagon and made the frame out of 4X4 square tubing. I used a 36 volt dc motor for power with the batteries residing under the seat. The bed is hinged so as to allow dumping by hand or via a hydraulic ram. I used walnut for the body panels, "bois d'arc", osage orange, for the front bumper and catalpa for the seat boards. He and I both thought that since his is a sawmill business that using wood for these items would only be appropriate. I'm almost finished with it except for removing the rust from the frame and painting it.

I guess it can be said that building unusual things is and always have been my first love. I never build anything using anothers plans either. I use AutoCad 2000 for my design work.

Happy thanksgiving all.

[mdmc]

1. very nice -- thanks for posting

It will give me something to show my pops before dinner tonight.

peace and low stress madokie - happy Thanksgiving..

[madokie]

4. And a Happy Thanksgiving to you mdmc

I've been several months building this and its been real handy around the place and I will hate to see it go, but go it must.

[Heidi]

2. _That_ is cool!

:thumbsup:

I try to stay away from anything bois d'arc-related, though, since my little sister beaned me in the side of the head with a "bodark apple" when I was about 12. :rofl:

[madokie]

7. Thanks Heidi

Have a great day

[babylonsister]

3. Very cool-you are talented and creative!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, madokie! :fistbump:

[madokie]

10. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and family too.

[charlie]

5. What the hey...?

I love that, madokie! It's unspeakably cool :thumbsup:

[madokie]

8. That put a smile on my old mug, thanks

[charlie]

11. Lol! Now your ceaseless computer tinkering is clearer to me

You're an inveterate hacker! Well done sir, that moon buggy isn't just impressive, it's also... charming.

[madokie]

12. I came by it honest too

I've been doing these kind of things for 60 years now. Hardly anything I own has not been modified by me in one shape or form but not dangerously though.

[charlie]

16. A true hacker, in other words

I truly admire your spirit and talent :hi:

[madokie]

18. Tried and true

:fistbump:

[Buzz Clik]

6. Very very cool! Osage orange? Nice coloring and texture.

Are you planning some sort of safety devices ... like a seatbelt or two or a rollbar?

[madokie]

9. It'll only be used off road and it has a top speed of 12 mph

A cover and windshield may be in the works if he decides he needs or wants them.

[formercia]

13. I remember Osage Orange.

from my woodlot in Oklahoma. Boy, does it stink when you cut it. Hard stuff, lasts forever.

[barbtries]

14. how cool

i can build a hot fudge sundae. :)

[madokie]

17. I love hot fudge sundaes

pie too. :fistbump:

[kestrel91316]

26. I can build the BEST pies (my crusts are unequalled). Wanna trade a pie

for one of your woodies?? lol

[MinneapolisMatt]

15. So cool!

WOW!

[me b zola]

19. Love it!

I can't wait to show mr zola when he wakes up. What kind of usage time does it have until you need a charge?

[madokie]

20. first peliminary test shows it has a range in the 12 to 15 miles or so

in very hilly country. I built it for off road use. As it is now it has a top speed of 12 mph which is plenty for what its to be used for.

[formercia]

22. Neat.

We're becoming a third-world country. Taking the detritus of modern technology and adapting it to a simpler lifestyle.

[sendero]

21. Awesome!

nuff said :)

[Froward69]

23. I want one!!!

it would be perfect for running to the hardware store or lumber yard...

How much to build?
how much profit would you want???

on edit
where do I go to pick one up?
or could you deliver?

[madokie]

24. I'm sure something could be worked out :-)

But in all seriousness, so far it seems to work good for its intended purpose of ferrying tools, firewood and logs around, rocks and what have you.

[eridani]

25. Street legal?

Looks like a nice prototype--I'd bet you could probably sell them if you wanted.