Pumps VS Sprockets and Chains

[Ratman]

I owned a Argo 8x8 Avenger and loved it but,,, I sold the machine 2 years ago because I got tired of constantly replacing axle bearings (yes I greased them) and the slack adjusters on the chains were a joke. I can honestly say I put a minimum of 20 thousand miles on the machine (no joke) so I should not complain too much I just wore it out and I am looking fo more power anyway. I have been checking out the Mudd Ox and I am very impressed but why not get rid of the chains and sprockets all together and just run pumps in each wheel ? Just curious

[Mike]

Cost, weight, more complicated plumbing with a manifold are just a few reason in general to lean towards utilizing only two motors and chains & sprockets.

[chris davison]

Mike that just seems strange to go to hydraulics and still have chains. It seems to be 1/2 step toward reliability and less maintenance or 1/2 step to less speed more weight and power loss. I dont think we have seen a machine yet that usess poly chain these machines would be a great application for it low rpm high torq. I havent seen the inside of a mud ox yet is it one pump with a flow divider or two pumps driven inline? I wonder if anyone has thought of using nylon plastic gears in place of the chains a 5 inch gear 3 inches across would take a lot of torq.

[charterfree]

Sounds like you are talking about the Hydro Traxx. No chains.

[Ratman]

I looked at the Hydro Traxx but it is to wide for the trails and the operating RPM range is around 3,600, very loud but is a very tough machine, just doe not appeal to me