SkidSteer Loader

1
Skid-Steer Loader
Engineering With An Attitude

• Prepared for our Fellow Classmates of MAE416 in
  Cooperation with Caterpillar

2
Forecast

• Team Introduction
• Caterpillar Background
• Problem Statement
• Discarded Ideas
• Summary
• Questions

3
Our Team

• Kerry Wilson
• Team Leader
• Frank Perry
• Jody Dumond
• Ty W Krotzer

4
Caterpillar Background

• Caterpillar Inc. is the worlds largest
  manufacturer of construction and mining
  equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and
  industrial gas turbines.
• Over the last 5 years they have introduced 296
  new and improved products, including the skid
  steer loader in 1999.
• The skid steer loader is one of the smallest
  machines made by caterpillar weighing only 5,557
  pounds and averaging 6 feet in height.

5
Skid Steer Background
Caterpillars Skid Steer Loader has many
applications including

• Landscaping
• General building
• Hauling

The Skid Steer Loader offers a wide range of
options for various working environments

• Heater / Air Conditioner
• Fully enclosed cab
• Door Assembly

6
Problem Statement

• The following issues were presented by
  Caterpillar as needed improvements for their skid
  steer loader door assembly.
• Improve door aesthetically to appear as an
  integral part of the machine.
• Re-engineer seals to ensure maximum insulation
  for the driver from the outside weather.
• Modify door to enhance visibility.
• Protect door from damage caused from raising of
  the arms.

7
Design Restrictions

• The improvements must be made with the following
  restrictions in mind
• Installation of the door assembly must be
  completed within one hour
• Removable in under 5 minutes
• Production costs can be no more than 300
• Tooling costs must remain under 2000
• Retrofitable to all Skid Steer Loaders
• Door hinge location can not be moved

8
Discarded Ideas
Discarded ideas for latch design

• Latches on top and bottom
• Linkage Accommodation
• Expense
• Single Latch on Bottom
• Expense
• Linkage Accommodation
• Sealing Problems

9
Discarded Ideas (cont.)
Discarded ideas for wiper location

• Wiper System on Top
• Didnt Solve Visibility Problem

10
Discarded Ideas (cont.)
Discarded ideas for miscellaneous parts

• Bypass Valve in Hydraulic Line to Disable Arms
• Expense
• Installation Time Issue
• Convex Windshield
• Expense
• Doesnt meet design criteria

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Summary
Improvements to be made

• Appearance
• Operator Visibility
• Cab Door Protection

What Doesnt Work

• Top Mounted Wiper
• Two Latches on Door
• Convex Windshield
• Hydraulic Arm Disable Valve

12
Questions ?