By ChrisB on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hello,
I have just recieved my Edge Plans today. And, I can not wait to begin bulding it. Can anyone offer any suggestions for me before I start. Like, what motor should I use? I know that the plans call for a 500 to 1000cc bike engine, but, I am mostly going to be using it for utility use and I would like to put an auto tranny in it, has anyone else done that? And, If you have built one before, could you tell me where you ran into problems at?
Thanks,
Chris Brown

By shane forsythe on Unrecorded Date: Edit

CHRIS
the edge plans are ok but lacking some safty notes and 2 design flaws.

1. the place where they put the chains and sprokets could see small fingers and toes (and jeans) cought (just like on a pushbike).
when building it place ALL the chains in the space between the 2 side frames like this:

wheels,body,frame,sproket(chains),frame, seats.

seats frame,sproket(chain),frame,body, wheels.

notice how the chain is in the frame not (under the seats like in the edge plans)
this simple design change is how most manufacturers like max and argo and land tamer do it because it's safer.
also you should cover the inside frame with removable panels (wood, plastic clear or colour, steel, or fibre glass, just to cover the chains and compleatly seal them to totally stop the chance of finger,toe entry to chains.

2. the edge forgot to put in plans ,photos,scribbles, or even mention how to seal the axles against water entry.
this is not a problem on land but in water it would result in a possable drowning if the person couldn't swim, VERY irrasponsable of them since they did mention the 6x6 can float how ? can it if you don't know how about axle seals not shown in thair plans.
to fix this : look at other discussions on route 6x6 board for info (i have seen it there )
also go to the edge 6x6 page , go down to a link called something like:a home built 8x8 based on the edge 6x6 .
this is a 8x8 built in australia .
it has lots of photos of the axle seals and where to place sprokets chain bearings and a good photo of the best way to make the best frame design like the one i described above.

i hope that helps everyone like me who bought the edge plans. a little change makes a lot of difference to safty.

i am building a 8x8 and a website will be up soon with plans and photos for all that wish to build one (i'm in australia, near sydney) and we desperatly need a site for australia as there are not many 6x6 8x8 's here .
for those who wish to contact me :
shanefor1@yahoo.com.au

thank you shane

By shane forsythe on Unrecorded Date: Edit

a correction:
dave burger informs me the edge arn't the only ones who don't use axle seals, this would greightly reduse bearing life in deep mud / water.

my question is how do they float ?.
shanefor1@yahoo.com.au