RC Sweeper - Powerbroom V3 - 300mm

** IMPORTANT**

After some testing, DO NOT make the driver pulley (the one on the motor) too large. If for any reason the rotating assembly jams or stalls, either with packed snow or a rock, it WILL melt the motor (ask me how i know). Make sure to use something smaller than 16 tooth for enough torque. Brushless motors may work much better but I have not tested them yet. A proper 550 motor (not a 540) would be a good upgrade. If you want brushless on the attachment, you will need to have a brushless esc installed in the skidsteer somewhere.

For snow, it works okay but I think there needs to be more space between the brushes. This will be updated before winter 2027

This is a powered rotating brush attachment that is 300mm in total length. It's primary inspiration came from my previous powerbroom version, found https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/remote-controlled-powerbroom-for-snow-and-dirt-v1, which was designed to clear dirt, rocks, and snow from hard surfaces. This version has been optimized for use with the AN3DRC Skidsteer, but bolts right up to the same mounts my RC snowplow uses; design here - https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/rc-10th-scale-snowplow-v2-design-modifications. So if you have my snowplow mounting brackets on your RC vehicle already, they will bolt right up to this attachment!

While the previous version worked for rocks and dirt, the brushes were a few cm in diameter and struggled with any snow. The whole attachment was also way too long and hard to control. I designed a V2 based on the first version, but am reluctant to release it as it is not much better,. The old powerbroom design will also be reduced in price.

This version 3 is half the width, better in light snow, uses more 3d printed components, and boasts a design that can be easily disassembled for modifications and customization.

It uses threaded inserts throughout, allowing for easy repairs, adjustments, and modifications. The main rotating assembly is fully 3d printed; no heavy metal rods needed. It uses a large 3d printed pulley to drive the main axle, which is hexagonal in shape and prints in 3 separate interlocking pieces. A simple brushed 550 motor with a pinion and GT2 belt drive the rotating assembly.

The shape of the drive axle also allows for easy spacing with the included spacer widths, and endless brush placement options.

Speaking of the brushes, they are fully 3d printed in TPU. You have the ability to make them as narrow or as wide, with as many individual segments as you'd like using your slicer! I used 5mm brush widths with 1.5mm spacers in between them, and 3mm spacers between the brushes and bearings, all included in the files for an easy print-and-fit build.

The design uses just 3 bearings, a handful of M2/M3 threaded inserts and bolts, a motor and a micro servo, some threaded and regular 2mm rod, and a aluminum pulley of your choosing. Depending what you have laying around, this whole attachment could be built for under $30! (The bearings are actually from the previous version: they can be robbed from and reused!)

While the old version stalled and made horrible noises in the snow when loaded down, this new version works much better; but not 100%. It has only been tested once in 2cm of snow and performed okay. I believe the brushes need to be designed with more space in between, as it wasn't really moving the snow how I would like. This will be updated before next winter. For the time being, the brushes included work very well for light dustings of snow and for any dirt/sand. If you use the AN3DRC snowblower and want to clean up the small amount of snow left behind, this attachment works very well for that!

Parts list:
- 24x15x5 bearings (x3, or reuse 3 from previous design)
- 4mm brass rod, (3 sections, ~80mm in length)
- 2mm brass rod (x1, 300mm, cut to ~26mm length)
- M3 screws (cap head, assortment between 8-15mm)
- M3 washers (just x2 to mount the motor)
- M3 threaded inserts (x15, 4-6mm long)
- M2 screws (round head, assortment between 7-10mm)
- M2 washers and 1 locknut
- M2 threaded rod, about 4mm in length
- M2 rod ends (x2)
- 9g servo (x1)
- Any 550 brushed/brushless motor, ~80t
- Aluminum GT2 pulley (for motor, between 15-22 teeth)
- GT2 belt, 260-250mm (I'm using 256 belt and 22 tooth pulley)
- Super glue/thread lock (optional, i never needed either)

In the download file will be a PDF with instructions, including some diagrams and images to help. Assembly took me under an hour and being able to take the whole rotating assembly off by using the bearing covers is nice for refining that perfect fit and ease of modifications.

Stay tuned for updates to the brushes, as I will release those later in the year. No more snow in my region to test in.

Please see the PDF file included with the download