SCX10 Deadbolt and a RC4WD snow plow

[2-shot]

I ordered a new SCX10 Deadbolt today, and I'm going to be putting a RC4WD snow plow on the front. I've never messed with a snow plow on a SCX10, so I have a few questions. I'm going to run the stock esc and motor for now. The only upgrades I'm gonna do to the Deadbolt is steering servo and aluminum links. Gonna keep it stock otherwise...

How much torque to I need for the servo on the plow? RC4WD says more torque, the better. I was thinking of putting 2 Solar D772 servos on it. One for steering, and the other for the plow.

Do I need to beef up the suspension for the snow plow? Should I use heavier springs on the shocks, or anything like that?

Should I put any weight in the wheels and tires? If so, about how much?

Lipo placement? Should I still move the lipo to the front of the truck, or should I leave it in the rear? I know that moving the battery to the front is a huge advantage on the SCX10, but wasn't sure with having a snow plow on the front.

Is there anything else I should do with the Deadbolt, other than the obvious things like waterproofing electronics, when I put the plow on it? Anything I should do that would be only snow plow specific things?

Thanks in advance for your help!!


Sent from my modded TI-83 plus.

 

[summerof95]

The only upgrades I'm gonna do to the Deadbolt is steering servo and aluminum links. Gonna keep it stock otherwise...

I'm not sure how much torque the servo needs, but if you're going to run two high-torque servos, a dedicated BEC may be a good idea.
And, as you are probably aware, you're going to need somewhere to plug-in the servo. The stock radio/RX is only 2-channel.

I assume you're just looking for snow-plowing performance, not crawling or racing, right?

For suspension, because you're adding weight to the front of the vehicle, you would want stronger springs and a heavier oil.

I wouldn't bother with wheel weights, I'd suggest tire chains instead.

I would keep the lipo out back, to better distribute the weight over all 4 tires.

Serious water-proofing is actually over-kill unless you plan to be drive under water, especially where the Deadbolt already comes pretty water resistant.

And lastly, dropping the pinion size will reduce the strain on the motor, and make everything a bit easier to control on snow/ice.


EDIT:
One last thing!
If you're going to be using this near a road, I strongly suggest using some fluid-film, or at least some oil, on all the metal joints.
Apply a little bit to the driveshaft joints, the bones/cups on the front axle, ect., because the magnesium-chloride from the road will rust your RC just as much as your DD.

 

[robertjpjr]

I recommend getting Solar D772 servos for the plow. They are a work horse of a servo. $20 bucks a servo for 400oz.
I have 2 plow trucks, tire chains are cool, but IMO more of a hassle than anything.
Keep the weight balanced and lower the pinion like Mr. Summer said.

Just run it and see how it handles, make adjustments from there.

 

[2-shot]

Thanks for the input guys! Yes, I ordered 2 Solar D772 servos. One for steering and the other one for the snow plow. I am going to run a CC 10amp external BEC on both servos. I'd rather be safe than sorry...

I was mainly going to waterproof my servos, since they are in the front and would see some snow. I wasn't going to get crazy with waterproofing every little thing. Maybe my rx in a balloon....

I will try it out with the battery in the rear, as it comes out of the box. I will also see about maybe going with some stiffer springs in the front, due to the weight of the plow. And... I will go down on tooth on the pinion.

I'm going to keep it mostly stock. The only thing I'm gonna upgrade right away is the links and steering. I'm probably going to make my own aluminum suspension links, tie rod and drag rod. I don't want to spend all winter doing a bunch of silly upgrades on it. I want to get the plow on it and go play!!! LOL!!! When spring is here and the snow is gone, I want to change the body, and scale it out a little more like an 1:1 plow truck. With yellow flashing lights, some LED's on the plow mount, etc. That will come in a few months....

I appreciate all of the input. If you have anything else to add, please do so. Like I said, I'm new to the whole snow plow on a SCX10 thing!! LOL!!

 

[hotrodsoup]

I have plowed my front walk way with scx and the rc4wd plow. Silly fun.

As for my setup i ran 1.9 flat irons. no chains. A heavy 8 cell NIMH battery biased towards the rear of the truck. sort of balanced the weight of the plow.
Cranked up the preload on the stock SCX shocks to old the front of the truck up when the plow was raised. You will have to play with preload (or springs) to make it work best for your application.

It did take some time tinkering with the servo on the plow and the chain for it. Take your time and be patient Once you figure out the sweet spot let the fun begin!!!

Oh and just to add more goofy fun i ordered a light kit from TCS. It has all sorts of crazy flashing modes. perfect for a Plow Truck!!! I actually had someone stop and take a picture when i was plowing!!! LOL

 

[2-shot]

I have plowed my front walk way with scx and the rc4wd plow. Silly fun.

As for my setup i ran 1.9 flat irons. no chains. A heavy 8 cell NIMH battery biased towards the rear of the truck. sort of balanced the weight of the plow.
Cranked up the preload on the stock SCX shocks to old the front of the truck up when the plow was raised. You will have to play with preload (or springs) to make it work best for your application.

It did take some time tinkering with the servo on the plow and the chain for it. Take your time and be patient Once you figure out the sweet spot let the fun begin!!!

Oh and just to add more goofy fun i ordered a light kit from TCS. It has all sorts of crazy flashing modes. perfect for a Plow Truck!!! I actually had someone stop and take a picture when i was plowing!!! LOL

Can you explain a little more about tinkering with the servo on the plow and the chain to find the sweet spot? Like I said, this is new to me...

I did find these on RC4WD! These would be cool to add to my snow plow rig!!!

https://store.rc4wd.com/10-Mode-Round-LED-Light-Units_p_3315.html

 

[robertjpjr]

Both of my current plow trucks are front weight biased. My plows are made of PVC so the RC4WD might be a little bit heavier?

Last season's plow truck.

RC ROB - 6x6 Axial based tonka dump truck outdoor test - YouTube

This seasons fleet.

Both plows are painted yellow now.