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	Archive through December 11, 2000	4

By EricGrange on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Has anyone built one of these "completely" from the plans?
Are the plans definitive enough to complete the job?
What kind of price range has anyone built a 6x6 for? Anotherwords are you saving much over the purchase of a brand new machine or not?

By Steve on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Eric,
I bought the plans and did not consider that they were complete at all. Perhaps if you are familiar with production AATV's then you would be aware of how the components are used, but if you have not got access to one then you would definately need extra information. (I've never actually even seen a real AATV close-up, here in Australia).
In my case, what I wanted more details of was how waterproof axle seals are normally done. Also some comments on alternative materials instead of the stuff they list. A photo of well _any_ part of their AATV would be nice.
If they (The Edge) would redraw the plans using a CAD system and have a few pictures, then the plans would be good.

Steve.

By kush on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Steve,


Can you send me a copy of the plans? I could always draw them up on CAD as that is my profession. I also own (2) Attex's so maybe I could include some photo's that might explain some things better.


P.S. I ordered plans for a Hovercraft & was just as disapponted. Done by hand, with a lot of info left out.


Emil

By Eric Grange on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Steve,

I am a CAD Designer by trade. So I could redraw the plans to CAD as well. Maybe that will become another project!? My brother-in-law and I decided to order the plans and build one. Were already lining up parts and supplies for it. Did you get one completely built from the plans? If so what did you invest into it (US$$)? I have had another gentlemen who bought the plans and built one suggest going with tracks instead of tires and wheels. He explained that there was a large cost savings. Tracks would be a better choice for overall terrain coverage, but how do they do in the water? We want to build a 6x6 with it's intention to be all-around usage! Let me know. Thanks for your input!

Eric

By Steve on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Emil, Eric,
I'd be breaking copyright if I did this (and I don't want to do that) but what I can do is describe the plans, verbally, in more detail for you. (Hey, that's another suggestion for 'The Edge' - a better description of their plans, with a sample page or two, on their website.)
That way, you could be more informed as to whether you would want to buy the plans or not.

The Edge AATV is on the larger side, and fairly heavy because it uses marine plywood for the hull. The hull described in the plans is more boxy (and ugly) than the one that they show in the photo on their page.

This being said, they do have some good ideas, such as using a motorbike gearbox, small diff and disc brakes/master cylinders from a small car (a Fiat? from memory) for steering. The chassis is welded RHS; they list a supplier of metal and parts but this section wouldn't be much use to anyone outside Australia.

Steve.

By kush on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Steve,

No problem. I remember Popluar Mechanics making 3 & 4 wheeled cars that used styrofoam fiberglassed on both sides that was supposed to be very stong & impact resistant. Their words not mine. It seems you could shape a very nice body that way. I think Argo & Max should come up with a more 90's or even 80's design than what they have. No real appeal in their vehicles or any other 6x6 for that matter.

try this link


http://www.viser.net/~anthwind/Material_Info/material_info.html

By bob on Unrecorded Date: Edit

how can i look at some argo's

By Wazza on Unrecorded Date: Edit

G,day All
I've almost finished building my own ATV, just the wheels and hubs to go now. If anyone is interested, pics are at http:/members.iinet.net.au/~dph

By Brian Kilgour on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Edge 6x6 Builders
I have purchased the plans and need more info. The axle seals arent described. I have costed parts at about Aust$1800.00 without engine. I don't like the welded on wheel hubs and plan to shrink on hubs instead, also prefer to clamp and key the chain sprockets. Would like to hear from anyone in Aussie who is building or built one. Still can't decide on best engine option.
Brian, (nigel-gr@zip.com)

By pete6x6 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Brian,

I had the plans and thought they were horrible. Have you had any luck on building this thing?

By Bill Davis (Nvbigblue) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hey guys,
I totally agree. I have purchased several sets of plans from The Edge, for their other vehicles, and the 6x6 have been the worst by far. I doubt that a novice builder could complete one using only the plans. Luckily, I got my plans when the exchage rate was very favorable.....I only paid about $28 U.S. for them.
Bill

By Brian Kilgour on Unrecorded Date: Edit

pete6x6 and bill
I consider the Edge plans as a starting point. I am a Marine Engineer so have a reasonable grasp of things mechanical. Until I have the whole plot "nutted out" in my mind and on paper I won't start. Have accumulated a fair bit of usefull info so far. I had not considered reverse as necessary but see that there has been much discussion in the U.S. Edge recommends a water cooled motorcycle engine but does not specify any particular one, my thoughts being for a 2 cyl "off-road" engine that doesn't have too high a rev limit. Wheels and tyres are expensive here(Australia) so still looking. Most of the rest of the components is simply a case of adapting from the wreckers yards.

By pete6x6 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Brain,

A starting point yes but what about people that are not engineers? Would they be able to use these plans? Probably not. My concern wit hthese plans is the fact that I'm unsure if they even built one let alone tested it for saftey and the like. If they are going to produce plans like that they should be more professional and not just a bunch of drawings I could think up in a weekend sitting in front of autocad 2000. Know what I mean?

By Brian Kilgour on Unrecorded Date: Edit

pete6x6

Yes you are correct, I doubt that someone without some engineering background knowledge would be able to build the edge 6x6 straight off the plans. Edge 6x6's have been built there are some photos on the Edge Site. I cannot comment on the safety testing question, but do note that they specify a rollbar in the drawings, which I note are not fitted to a lot of the ATV's on the Route 6X6 site. I do however, and this is my opinion only, feel that the rollbar in the drawings is not substantial enough, remembering of couse that I did my apprenticeship in the railways and am now involved in shipping! so I am used to substantial structures. As I have said I have not started to build yet there is a lot of research to do before I will spend the cash on materials.
Brian

By shane forsythe (Shanefor1) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

pete and brian.

the edge plans are fine if you want a land-locked atv,just don't try to cross a river.
if you can get the parts(my local wreaker doesn't have a fiat or a moter bike with reverse gear.) and follow them exactly you will build a fairly good atv , NOT AN AATV (amphibious,atv).

but you will need an expensive visit to a machine shop to manufacture some of the parts.

i've decided to make my own design my own parts at home (or existing car parts). with a plastic and styrofoam body (the foam is for emergencies) even boats tip over.

it doesn't look like the edge make most of the 6x6 parts for purchase, so you are forced make them the hard way.

(remember i said fairly good, not great.)

i say this because they show no plans on how to seal axles from water. and yes it's heavy with all that marine plywood.

and yes reverse is nessasary in 6x6's, when you get stuck in mud , it's easier to back out than it is to turn around.

if you get stuck going strait ahead in 6wheel drive, what hope do you have of turning in mud when you brake 1 side? (making it a 3wheel drive)

on this i'd like to coin the turn "mud-sub" for all 4x4's and non amphibious atv's.

i've had a lot of help from dave burger and others especilly 2 blokes from q,l,d au, (who might wish to remain anomonous on axle seal design and wish to thank them for this.

i will be doing a site soon with pictures of axle seals to help those who wish to make thair own 6x6's.
thanks shane.