Bushwacker II BWII

[Bw6]

I thought I would show the Forum Members what I've been doing for the last 4-5 months. For those who don't know me, I have a passion "to design/build stuff", especially AATV's. I posted about 20 odd pics of this custom scratch build 6x6. It is all aluminum construction, has 30" tires and 15" ground clearance in the center.

The pics show the build progression, to the finished product (is it ever finished). Hope you enjoy the thread. I will post a "walk-around video" highlighting the unique features of BWII, if enough interest is shown.

Thanks for viewing!

Don't know if I did the thumbnail link correctly, if I didn't just do a gallery search for Bushwacker II, to view pics

[LarryW]

- Amphibious ATV Pictures

That is cool! Great work!!!

[Bw6]

Hey Larry, thanks for doing the link, and your comments.

[Model Citizen]

Is it ever finished? I love that. When you like to "tinker", I think the answer is always no.

Looking forward to videos.

Bridget

[brushcutter]

This ain't no amphib.... this is rideable ART ... that also floats. Dang it's so nice I don't know how you can stand to put it into a mud hole, did you have second thoughts when you first edged up to take it into a hole? I know I would have... For about 3 seconds! then YEEEHAAWWW!!! Can't wait to see it in action.

[Bw6]

BC, Thanks for the comments. It was a fun project. With all that ground clearance and those aggressive tires the mud holes were a bit anticlimactic. Similar to a Springer waiting for the bumps that never happen.

[brushcutter]

bummer, sometimes I guess you just need bigger holes -LOL!

[Bw6]

BC, Your right, and I found one of those bigger holes! Nothing is unstoppable. On my first 5 hour ride, I came to a mean ole hole that always stopped everyone, I was doing great almost through it when for some reason instead of going straight I veered to the right, now I was sideways between two 2 foot deep ruts of sold mud. My pride was crushed for a few seconds, but after some shovel time, and a winch pull I was back on the trail with a smile on my face.

[argohunter]

Bw6 your machine is a labor of love and great enthusiasm. Pat yourself on the back several times and don't stop.

[Bw6]

Video "Walk-a-Round"

First thanks for all you kind comments,it's appreciated. Let me share this walk-a-round with all the members. This was early on in the project as you can see, but it will give you an idea of what Bushwacker II is all about.

Enjoy!

[LarryW]

That has got to be one of the best amphibs I have seen, whether home grown or factory it is the best!!! So many features and storage!! Everything looks so thought out and functional! Great craftsmanship!!

[whipper-ag]

That is one great looking AATV. You did a super job. I checked out all the pic's in your gallery,very impressive. I'd love to see it in person. Got any video's of it in action? Is that big block Briggs governed? You're one hell of a craftsmen. Everything looks first class. That would sure look good on our Air Bud wall.

Whipper

[Bw6]

Wow, thanks for the compliments Larry/Whipper, but I have to say Whipper that your workmanship is King in my books. The 31 hp. big block is currently governed, even though I love speed, BWII is geared for maximum torque. Torque is a great fault finder as both of my front axles found out. I sheared them like candy canes, and also took out a cast bearing housing, along with plenty of connector links! I then divided the power to the front and middle axles to tame it down and installed 4340 HT and stress relieved alloy steel jack shafts because the T-20 was twisting the splines like a barbers pole! Those T-20's are tough. I still have a few bugs that I'm working out, but it sure is fun driving it. I will post some of my early testing videos that everyone should find interesting soon. I also hope to make the famous wall, maybe BWII will see some air in the near future.

[brushcutter]

BC, Your right, and I found one of those bigger holes! Nothing is unstoppable. On my first 5 hour ride, I came to a mean ole hole that always stopped everyone, I was doing great almost through it when for some reason instead of going straight I veered to the right, now I was sideways between two 2 foot deep ruts of sold mud. My pride was crushed for a few seconds, but after some shovel time, and a winch pull I was back on the trail with a smile on my face.

Getting stuck is all part of our game, I had to pull a winchline for one of the tracked swamp buggies... once. Thats why we have winches. If you're floating all the time it gets boring, if you just drive right through EVERYTHING - well that's no fun either, you might as well be on dry ground, I mean - if you're not going into places where you CAN get stuck then you're not using an amphib for it's intended purpose - right? It's the CHANCE that we will get stuck that makes the challenge for us. I'm not saying that I go out with the intention of sticking my machine, but the surest way to not get stuck is to stay home, and THAT's no fun for sure.

[Bw6]

BC, couldn't have said it better, right on.