making the argo a simili-t20 skid steer

[smog]

the flaw with the argo tranny is the open differential unit.

sooooooo what about putting a solid shaft with 2 end sprockets we can engage on the chains whenever we need fully synchronised traction. I talking about a simple straight shaft mounted on 2 arms bolted to the chassis rails we can push down on the chains. No need for fancy bearings, simple bronze bushings on the straight shaft should be enough. straight keyed shafts and sprockets are cheap and a foot lever to force the sprockets on the chains is easy to figure out. the other option I have is to use the splined ends on the 8x8 nkb argo shafts. I have 1 inch of splines available to put a shaft and sliding splines sleeves to lock the 2 sides together if needed.


keep in mind the systems are "on demand" only.

let me know your idea on it; the argo is dismantled to redo ALL bearings seals and chains so now is the time to upgrade some features.

[Roger S]

If you have an inch of splines showing, I'd do that. I only have an 1/8" or so showing, and have thought of a multi disc, small diameter clutch unit between the idler shafts. Button operated, of course And safety switches so both sticks have to be against the firewall for the button to work. What the button does is undecided, electrical magnetic clutch, maybe other. It wouldn't have to lock hard, maybe just a limited slip. That's been my thoughts/dreams. Not simple though.

[brushcutter]

Your straight shaft idea is a good one, but I think you should use pillow block bearings. There will be a lot of force applied to one side of the bushing when you force it down onto the chain and this side will wear quickly. The pillow block doesn't require extremely accurate placement and should work well on such an application, plus they come with a grease fitting already installed. I am not familiar with Argos but I would think that you will need to be careful where you locate this device, so that it does not try to walk into the chain as the chain rolls.

[Roger S]

I don't think you can get enough chain wrap on the sprocket to hold..

[smog]

If you have an inch of splines showing, I'd do that. I only have an 1/8" or so showing, and have thought of a multi disc, small diameter clutch unit between the idler shafts. Button operated, of course And safety switches so both sticks have to be against the firewall for the button to work. What the button does is undecided, electrical magnetic clutch, maybe other. It wouldn't have to lock hard, maybe just a limited slip. That's been my thoughts/dreams. Not simple though.

this can be done with the electric pto clutch from a garden tractor. look on ebay for it