Cub Cadet Dozer Build, Track Frame Complete! Season 2, Episode 1: S2E1

Season 2 kicks off with a major milestone complete--installation of both the track tensioner and the array of bogie wheels. We are ready to add the chain and test the drive system.

Using parts from two vintage Cub Cadet garden tractors, along with metal fabrication and welding work, we are building a mini dozer from (almost) scratch.

I use a Langmuir Systems Crossfire Pro plasma table with a Razorcut 45CNC plasma cutter and a machine torch to create many needed parts. At times we shift to the Bridgeport-clone knee/vertical mill or South Bend 10 inch lathe to complete a machining step. Occasionally, the South Bend shaper or the Logan lathe is called on for specialty work.

A Hobart Handler welder is my primary MIG welder, and it comes into play at nearly every step. If I'm not running the welder, an Oxy/Acetylene torch or the Eastwood Cut 40 plasma cutter is fired up for some molten metal removal.

Making a mini-dozer will add to the collection of equipment that I previously built, including the mini-motor grader and the tandem axle Cub Cadet dump truck/gator.

Dewalt and Makita grinders and drills, eVolution metal cutting saws, a Grizzly metal cutting band saw and Jet grinders and sanders see regular use in my projects.