Tools and materials
A good option would be to make a vehicle from an Alpha moped. Instead of standard propellers, it is recommended to use wheels from an Izh motorcycle. But you can get a good device from Dnepr. Even models from very old series are suitable, including those in extremely worn condition.
For the rear part, use car wheels. The ideal donor for wheels and axles will be VAZ cars of any model.
Sometimes a tricycle is also obtained from the Voskhod motorcycle. The basic mechanism has excellent speed characteristics, which increases the significance of this option. The gearbox is taken from any cargo scooter. The body is made by hand. It is advisable to install forced cooling and change the gear ratio.
When they say that a three-wheeled vehicle is made from a chainsaw, they mean that the engine was taken from there. Of course, you can use motors only from the most powerful saws as a basis. The remaining components are:
- frame made of ordinary VGP;
- wheels and axles removed from garden carts;
- a driven sprocket and chain taken from a bicycle;
- small leading star with D-6;
- handcrafted wings.
If you decide to make a three-wheeler from an “ant,” then additional components are usually taken from Izh motorcycles. The engine and variator can be anything, even made somewhere in Asia in semi-underground conditions. The frame, gearbox, hubs and shock-absorbing unit are removed from the “ant”. The axle shafts are borrowed from VAZ.
Hydraulic components and brakes can be collected from the Minsk motorcycle. But experienced experimenters sometimes even make them themselves.
One original and quite convenient variation is a three-wheeled vehicle made from a pit bike. Despite the “childish” purpose of the original vehicle, it can turn out to be a real all-terrain vehicle that can overcome off-road conditions perfectly. On the ATV, part of the stationary axle is cut out, leaving the factory brake and main sprocket. You can add a differential, but then you will have to deal with scrupulous alignment. FYI: An excellent trimmer tricycle can be created based on the Champion.
It is appropriate to complete the analysis of possible options using the example of three-wheeled transport from OKI. It is rarely used in its pure form; it is much more correct to create “hybrids” with motorcycles such as “Ural”.
For the work itself you will need:
welding machine (an inverter is possible, although not necessary);
- electrodes of a suitable type;
- grinder (for cutting and grinding metal, removing burrs);
- spanners;
- screwdrivers;
- electric drill;
- other tools and components - at personal discretion.
Manufacturing
It is not necessary to study and draw up complex drawings; experienced DIY enthusiasts can make a device based on the general diagram. This shows the outline of the front windows, the cabin, the front end, and the general configuration.
And here the main possible sizes are already shown. The distance between the wheel axles is 1.23 m. Between the extreme steering point and the center of the rear wheel, the distance is 0.98 m.
Making a homemade tricycle with your own hands is possible even practically from scrap metal. One of the possible options is characterized by simplicity of design. The main parts will be:
- CVT engine from a scooter and a wheel from the same;
- rear wheels from garden wheelbarrows;
- steering wheels and seats from any cars;
- steering knuckles from GAZ-21;
- pipes and other components.
The tricycle frame is assembled from pipes. Only the rear suspension is used, and the front is simply not provided. You can make the steering rack with your own hands.
You can also consider making a tricycle step by step at home based on the old Zaporozhets car. They start by removing the engine and gearbox.
Next they select:
- wires;
- rear suspension;
- seats;
- any components related to the operation of the clutch and brake units.
It is better to throw away all other components except those listed or use them in another way. Additionally, you will need various pipes and channels in large quantities. They begin work by preparing the transitional wheel fastening elements. The rear segment of the frame is welded from channels. The front fork parts will need to be carefully polished and coated with a layer of chrome; Maximum attention will have to be paid to the frame, because it is the work on it that is most difficult.
The following manipulations are:
- manufacturing seat frames from bent pipes;
- covering this frame with leather;
- chrome plating of the fuel tank;
- laying out all the necessary wiring;
- formation of the dashboard.
Tricycles with Lifan engines are quite common. You can take various models of Ural motorcycles as a basis.
- The solution with a reduction gearbox and an automatic clutch system is not very complete - in the forest and over rough terrain you can accelerate to a maximum of 25 - 30 km/h. It is worth considering that, according to many enthusiasts, the power is 6.5 hp. With. enough even for devices weighing about 500 kg.
- But sometimes they try to assemble a tricycle with a motor unit from a walk-behind tractor. The frame is welded from round pipes. To increase cross-country ability, it is worth abandoning the suspension and mounting the structure on low-pressure tires. A small shock absorber is usually located under the seat. It is preferable to use air-cooled engines with a centrifugal clutch.
- The wheels are assembled by attaching ATV tires to traditional car rims. Rear chains should be taken from motorcycles. The rear wheels are usually equipped with 77-tooth sprockets. Such a device can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h. In general, this assembly is quite convenient and works stably.
- The construction of an excellent all-terrain tricycle, suitable even for difficult off-road conditions, is possible on the basis of the Izh Planet motorcycle. The “flat” wheels from GAZ cars contribute to increased cross-country ability. Tires of the 66th model after stripping become significantly lighter without losing any of their capabilities.
It is recommended to cut a new tread that can successfully overcome virgin snow, slushy mud and soil. The gearbox and rear axle can be taken from a Zhiguli.
It's also worth considering a mini-tricycle. To work you will need:
- kart wheels;
- brake drums;
- gasoline engine;
- steel pipes;
- housing bearings;
- a number of other smaller details.
The use of kart wheels is attractive because they are immediately equipped with a mount for attaching an axle. If we talk about original designs, then it is useful to take a closer look at reverse tricycles. Instead of the usual design (one wheel in front, two in back), it uses two front and one rear wheel. The steering is quite comfortable and differs little from conventional solutions. The rider can turn either by turning the wheels, or by moving the axle and tilting the wheels relative to each other.
Electric homemade tricycles are also quite common. They usually use brushless electric motors. Each wheel will have to be equipped with its own set of disc brakes. They are activated when you press the steering brake lever. The steering wheel, which turns the front wheel, is complemented by the front part of the tricycle frame that tilts to the sides.
It is the inclined connections that guarantee the vehicle’s rapid deflection to the side.
It would be impossible to achieve the same with a rigid structure. If you make a tricycle on tubes instead of simple wheels, then it also acquires the properties of a swamp vehicle. Motorcycles from the Izh Planet line and other unpretentious bikes are usually taken as a basis. No special turning work is required; It is worth considering that for winter use tricycles are usually also equipped with a cabin.
All-terrain vehicle based on the Urals
At the preparatory stage, drawings and a diagram of the future tricycle are being worked out. In the variant under consideration, chain transmission is not provided.
The unit is suitable for 15-inch alloy wheels, which are heavier than homemade analogues, but more reliable and have a beautiful appearance.
After choosing the final concept, they move on to turning the parts of the all-terrain vehicle.
Tools and Supplies
The frame from the Ural motorcycle, converted to accommodate the installation of a car rear axle, was chosen as the base. You will also need the following items:
- ICE type Lifan (6.5 hp);
- variator from a scooter;
- tarred fiberglass;
- moped generator;
- muffler with wide cross-section;
- metal corner 32 mm;
- tires out the Shishiga wheels;
- conveyor belt.
The instrument is traditional. You will need a lathe, yews, a set of keys, screwdrivers, a gas welding machine, and measuring devices.
Main stages of rework
The process of creating a three-wheeled all-terrain vehicle can be divided into several stages:
- Preparing a variator from a 4-stroke 150 cc scooter. This part is convenient because it is easy to adjust working and coupling speeds. These modifications are mounted on motors with power up to 14 hp.
- They begin to create the rear axle of the all-terrain vehicle, including preparing the site for the automobile bridge, manufacturing cones and flanges.
- The front fork is widened and adjusted to fit a wide rim.
- The seat is made of plastic, lubricating the prepared mold with wax and then laying fiberglass in several layers.
Making odorishi
On a light three-wheeled carakat they put “strippings” from the tires of a GAZ-66 or Ural (Lapot) car, as well as medium-sized tractors. The tires become lighter, while a new tread is cut onto the old rubber, which is responsible for reliable grip when driving on snow and mud.
It’s not difficult to make wheels for an all-terrain vehicle with your own hands. Process steps:
- Using a construction knife, a cut is made around the perimeter of the tire to remove the wire.
- Mark rectangles for the future tread and cut them out.
- The wire is removed with a hook and a hand winch or a screwdriver.
- The peeled rubber is peeled off.
- Remove unnecessary layers until the frame remains.
- The discs are welded to the plates, and the surfaces are sanded.
- Put the headband on the frame.
Engine and transmission
The wheeled all-terrain vehicle in question was equipped with a Lifan engine, modified for installation on a tricycle. A moped generator and a larger cross-section muffler were also installed. The standard carburetor did not perform well, which is why a tractor starter was installed.
This approach made it possible to increase the power of the karakat by almost 2 times.
The variator works great, in the 2nd range it makes it possible to slip and drift. In mode 4, the unit starts off smoothly, accelerates to 50 km/h, and at high speeds loses stable control. A unit from Honda City, Oka, Zhiguli is suitable as a transmission box. The gearbox is mounted on the vehicle frame and is coupled to the rear axle using a cardan drive.
Final improvements
At the final stage, the reliability of the assembly and the operation of all components are checked. The seat and body are painted, oil and fuel are added. If desired, fenders, mudguards, light and signal elements are mounted.
DIY tricycle from Zaporozhets
- Alexey Smirnov from Nizhny Novgorod, built an original trike. An old Zaporozhets 968 M was used as a donor.
- Then, the author took up the grinder.
- The Zaporozhets had to be cut in half, a frame made of a 50 x 30 profile pipe was welded to the rear of the car.
- The engine and gearbox remained from ZAZ.
- The front part of the motorcycle frame is welded to the car frame, along with the front fork. A homemade steering wheel and lighting equipment were installed.
- The rear body panel is also sawed off for better engine cooling and originality.
- It turned out to be an excellent tricycle, a weekend machine.
- A homemade tricycle with a 1.2 liter engine reaches speeds of up to 90 km/h.
General technical specifications
Homemade tricycles are mainly made on motorcycle frames or structures hand-welded from a metal profile. Wheels from trucks or tractors are used as wheels. The transmission, brakes, steering rod are formed from spare parts of domestic and foreign cars or motorcycles.
For comparison, the table shows the parameters of 2 serial domestic tricycles.
Characteristic | TMZ-5.971 | ZID-200 (Farmer) |
Engine capacity (cc) | 199 | 196,9 |
Power (hp) | 13,6 | 13,0 |
Dimensions (m) | 2.3x1.35x1.25 | 2.2x1.5x1.2 |
Weight, kg) | 250 | 210 |
Wheel base (m) | 1,52 | 1,5 |
Ground clearance (cm) | 16,0 | 13,0 |
Maximum speed (km/h) | 70,0 | 50,0 |
Homemade swamp tricycle on IZh Planet
The design of this homemade swamp vehicle is so simple that almost any car enthusiast can repeat it in his own garage. The basis of the swamp vehicle is the IZH Planet 3 motorcycle. IZH Planet motorcycles often become donors in all-terrain homemade vehicles, this is primarily due to the endurance and unpretentiousness of their engines.
The bridge was taken from a Muscovite and modernized. We cut out the bearing mounts from the doll with a grinder, then welded the yoke to the bridge stocking (if it is not welded, the stocking will warp when you cut it in half), then cut the stocking itself in order to secure the sprocket. The chain tensioner was also borrowed from the combine.
The KF-97 cameras are used from the agricultural trailer of the T-150 tractor. The tire for such a tube wheel is the same tube, only cut to a smaller diameter. First, the “tire” is put on, then it is tightened with belts. The transverse harnesses turned out to be 1.02 m long, and the longitudinal strip was 3.5 m long. The width of the longitudinal strip is 30 centimeters. The transverse belts with the longitudinal strip are connected using bolts.
The basis was taken from cornfield disks, cut in half using a small grinder and extended by 30 centimeters with steel plates welded between the disk halves (6 plates in total). The disc is covered with a chamber from a VAZ car, cut to a larger diameter. Since the disks were used from a Niva, and the axle from a Muscovite, the rear disks at the mounting points had to be trimmed.
Frame, brakes and transmission
The motorcycle frame has been lengthened and strengthened. To prevent the pendulum fork from “walking”, it was welded. The chain and sprockets are borrowed from the combine. Their ratio is 2 to 1. A small star with 25 teeth, it is attached to the drum using eight hardened 10-point bolts. A large star with 50 teeth. The braking system of a swamp vehicle is no different from any other, so the brakes are left unchanged. But the drum was modernized to accommodate sprocket mounts.
Do-it-yourself three-wheeled swamp vehicle
Homemade swamp vehicle, made by yourself: photo and description of the homemade product.
This all-terrain vehicle is built for travel in off-road conditions, mud, slush, snow and swamps; the vehicle can easily overcome, and it should be taken into account that the swamp vehicle is assembled from spare parts from domestic auto-moto equipment.
The design of the swamp vehicle is shown in the photo:
To build the all-terrain vehicle, part of the frame from the Izh motorcycle was used, however, it had to be radically altered in order to install the rear axle from the Lada.
The homemade product is equipped with an engine from a motorized stroller and an additional gearbox. There is also a reverse gear.
The wheels are worn off from a Ural Lapot truck. The wheels are homemade.
There is a cardan transmission on the rear axle of the tricycle.
A homemade swamp vehicle that moves well in deep snow, mud and other off-road conditions.
Homemade author: Alexey. Omsk region. village Voznesenka.
Do-it-yourself tricycle assembly from the Urals
Before starting work, it is necessary to think through the design of the future tricycle and the location of all elements. Ideally, make a drawing of the future vehicle.
Important design points:
- All joints must be reinforced.
- Car cups are welded to the top beam. It also serves as a support for shock absorbers.
- Frames are welded to the central beam, which serve as footrests for passengers and also support the suspension bump stops.
- The base for the pedal weights is the lower transverse tube, which is attached to the frame.
- A support for the gearbox is also made on the transverse frame.
- The main difference between a tricycle and a motorcycle is that the engine is located at the rear and therefore the center of gravity of the vehicle is shifted back. When accelerating, such a tricycle rears up a little. Below you can see a diagram of how to convert a Ural motorcycle into a tricycle.
Stages of creating a homemade karakat
If you want to construct a Vologda swamp vehicle, the Karakat, or its other models at home, you should first of all purchase the necessary tools in advance, as well as acquire suitable components.
The complete list of necessary components and tools may vary and directly depends on the selected vehicle model that is planned to be manufactured. When analyzing the assembly process of such a product, it is necessary to highlight several important stages:
- Selection of the frame of homemade tractors or motor vehicles, which will become the basis of the future device.
- Planning and assembly of the rear axle and vehicle suspension.
- Selection and installation of suitable wheels.
- Installation of the power unit.
Since these types of elements seem to be key in the design of a swamp vehicle, it is advisable to consider the features of their selection and installation in more detail.
The main structural element is the frame, on which other components and assemblies will be installed in the future. Its choice directly affects the appearance of the future caracat, as well as its performance characteristics. Experienced craftsmen recommend using the frames of old domestically produced motorcycles, for example, IZH or Ural, since it is much easier to make a karakat from a motorcycle than from a car.
Spare parts from them are characterized by low cost, high strength and optimal characteristics for use as the basis for a swamp vehicle. After all, such three-wheeled models boast high maneuverability and maneuverability, which makes them universal. During the manufacturing process, it is advisable to use a frame drawing due to the complexity of the assembly.
Suspension
When designing the chassis, it is strongly recommended to give preference to an independent type of suspension. This is due not only to the ease of its manufacture, but also to its excellent characteristics.
If the user does not have the ability to implement independent suspension, standard pneumatic wheels can be used.
Wheels
The choice of wheels for a future swamp vehicle must be given special attention, since its maneuverability, as well as ease of operation, depend on this. Large wheels from high-power trucks are perfect for this type of use.
Low-pressure chambers are used throughout, allowing the all-terrain vehicle to overcome even large obstacles. If desired, you can make karakat discs, which will significantly improve the appearance of the structure. It should be remembered that for pneumatic tires it is necessary to use only truck tire tubes, and not the wheels themselves.
Engine
After the installation of the wheels has been completely completed, you should begin installing the engine, as well as the accompanying mechanisms necessary for the correct movement of the vehicle. As mentioned earlier, it makes sense to give preference to powerful units equipped with liquid and air cooling. A good option could be a product with a Lifan engine.
Location of tricycle parts
As we have already said, the engine of a Ural tricycle is not located on the main axis, like in motorcycles. It is placed between the rear wheels, because of this, when accelerating quickly, the tricycle easily rears up. But this is a much safer event than on a motorcycle and adds adrenaline and entertainment to the trip.
As a motor, you can use a native motor from the Urals or take a car engine. The main parameter of choice is its capacity between the rear wheels. Be sure to securely fasten it in at least three places. Most often, if the power unit is in good condition, then you don’t even need to do anything to it. And if the engine is old, then you can replace the radiator or some other elements.
Depending on the engine you choose, you will also have to change the exhaust system by installing one muffler for each cylinder.
When converting a motorcycle from the Urals into a tricycle with your own hands, the gearbox is usually installed on the left side, because you usually need to hold the steering wheel firmly with your right hand. You'll have to think a little about how to connect it to the engine, because now the gearbox will be located at a much greater distance from it.
- The standard motorcycle suspension will have to be redone due to the fact that the load on the wheels in the Ural moto tricycle is distributed differently.
- This is done using two consoles and two large springs (aircraft springs are ideal, but car springs will also work). The consoles are connected by levers through which the front axle passes.
- Powerful springs are needed because when moving, a huge load is placed on the front wheel and suspension. The remaining springs can be left as standard motorcycle springs.
Gear box
When you make a tricycle from the Ural with your own hands, you definitely need to take into account where exactly the gearbox will be located. You already understand that the engine itself will be off the axle, behind the seat, between the two rear wheels. At the same time, make sure that it is attached as securely as possible in at least three places - especially if you plan to perform various tricks, as described above.
As for the gearbox, it is better to install it on the left side of the steering wheel, since your right hand will be occupied most of the time. It is unlikely that if you take the engine and gearbox from a car, you will be able to make a design that is convenient enough to change gears without stopping driving.
Also don't forget that you need to take care of connecting the box to the motor, which is a bit more difficult considering that it is now located a little further from the box than it should have been in the original. But if you're trying to figure out how to make a tricycle with your own hands, you always need to be prepared for these kinds of surprises and difficulties.
Frame
It will be easier to make an Izh tricycle with your own hands if you have experience in welding and understand the design of motorcycles or cars. The frame will have to be completely manufactured from scratch, have a pre-designed shape and structure.
Usually the calculation is made in such a way as to exclude breakdowns and places with vulnerable structures, so that the trike can travel hundreds of kilometers without maintenance.
Strengthening is achieved by welding corners and additional pipes so that the fork does not vibrate. The basis of the transmission can be taken from a walk-behind tractor or combine harvesters. If you want to get a traction type Izh Planet tricycle, it is better to use sprockets in a ratio of 2:1, i.e. 50 and 25 teeth respectively.
Recommendations
The joints of the frame parts must be reinforced with gussets made of sheet steel. To make the design more correctly, it is advisable not to limit yourself to simple drawings, but to use large-scale models.
It is immediately necessary to provide attachment points:
- engine;
- shock absorber;
- seats;
- fuel tanks;
- pendants
It is advisable to install the engine so that there is a free flow of air around it. This rule is important even when water cooling is used.
You should definitely take care of the appearance of the vehicle. An elegant, attractive appearance is often created through chrome surfaces and individual parts. To make using a tricycle more comfortable, it can be equipped with fog lights, speaker systems, and so on.
The front part is often made on the basis of silent blocks. The rear main rail is equipped with fasteners that support the body. It is advisable to use tractor generators as a source of energy in electric tricycles. The gearbox and axle shafts can be bored to size on a good lathe. The installation of an electric motor capable of pumping additional air will help prevent overheating of cylinders made of aluminum.
Craftsmen never cease to amaze with their ideas; each homemade product is unique and one of a kind.
What types of caracats are there?
Before figuring out how to independently make a karakat swamp rover from improvised mechanisms, it is necessary to take a closer look at the existing varieties of this kind of product. The Karakat swamp all-terrain vehicle is nothing more than a non-standard vehicle that moves with the help of wheels on which low-pressure tires are installed.
Among its main advantages:
- excellent maneuverability;
- low cost;
- maintainability;
- high power (depending on the spare parts used).
Such mechanisms are most often constructed independently on the basis of some equipment, for example, a tractor or walk-behind tractor. Existing models differ from each other not only in characteristics, but also in design. The most widespread are all-wheel drive and three-wheel drive devices.
All-wheel drive
All-wheel drive models seem to be the most popular transport option among consumers. They are equipped with 4 wheels, thanks to which the design is stable and has high maneuverability. Such a caracat can overcome even impressive obstacles without any problems, but its assembly will require two wheels of the same diameter.
To make such a swamp vehicle, the breaking with your own hands must be done correctly, otherwise there is a high probability of assembling an inoperable structure.
Three-wheeled
An equally popular modification can be considered models of swamp vehicles with three wheels. Such vehicles are lightweight and have the same cross-country ability as their all-wheel drive counterparts. Such an option will be optimal if you need to quickly make high-quality karakat. Do-it-yourself fracture can be done if you have the necessary equipment.