Full hydraulic machine

[Nubs]

There's a lot of different versions out there.

UTILITY ATV 4WD 2 SPEED TRANSAXLE 50062892

[Noel Woods]

Noel, what kind of Borg Warner transmission is that and what is it out of? I also think its a read end assy out of a gas golf cart.

This is a single speed Borg-Warner, can't recall the model# but its a low geared unit with a gear ratio around 16.3 to 1. There are similar units made by Spicer and other companies too. Nubs has the link for a similar 2 speed unit. These are very simple and inexpensive transmissions that can take a lot of power and abuse.
The machine this transmission is in will have no chains at all. It does have a drive belt between the clutches, but has a auxillary shaft coming off the transmission that will go thru a right angle gearbox then transmit power to the front axle via a drive shaft and differential. Currently working on a suspension for the middle (unpowered) axle.
This machine will have tracks, and a powered front and rear axle.

[hydromike]

Is the plan to just use the differential built into the gear box(es) for steering Noel?

[Noel Woods]

Yes, kind of like how an Argo steers, big disc brakes will be on each side of the tranny and front diff. I anticipate it will take a little getting used to.

Not to take away from the topic of full hydraulic machine, which has a lot of potential once the engineering is done with horse power, fluid dynamics, drive motors, cooling, etc., all taken into consideration. Hydraulic power has many followers. I don't think I would as a tinkerer of sorts, could surmount all that and build a machine.

I think the jist of how this thread started was a way to build a simple machine, that was reliable, and that could get away from chain drive.

[akcrawler]

Are you guys familiar with Hydrotraxx AATV's? They are 6x6 and run a hydraulic motor on each wheel. Their standard engine setup is 35hp (gas)-44hp (Kubota turbo-diesel). I recently read a blog entry on another site by a guy who owns one. He is very happy with his. He compared the performance to an Argo, but he claimed maintenance is a breeze. The weights on the machines are higher than any of the machines with mechanical transmisstions, but not way out there.

In my mind that machine takes this discussion out of the dream phase and into reality. It might be worth checking their site to see if you can determine what they did.

[kghills]

I have heard of Hydrotraxx but thought they were out of business. If they are making machines it is interesting no one on the forum mentions them. Must not have much market share.

Keith.

[Noel Woods]

Take a look at the Hydrotraxx website, nice machines but they are sooooooooo wide.

[amphibious drew]

Take a look at the Hydrotraxx website, nice machines but they are sooooooooo wide.

And pricey!!!

[rcn11thacr]

Recently someone posted one for sale (if memory serves correctly) on this site. A member piped up and stated something about reliability issues and very slow speed. Granted, the machine for sale was an older model.

[rcn11thacr]

This is a single speed Borg-Warner, can't recall the model# but its a low geared unit with a gear ratio around 16.3 to 1. There are similar units made by Spicer and other companies too. Nubs has the link for a similar 2 speed unit. These are very simple and inexpensive transmissions that can take a lot of power and abuse.
The machine this transmission is in will have no chains at all. It does have a drive belt between the clutches, but has a auxillary shaft coming off the transmission that will go thru a right angle gearbox then transmit power to the front axle via a drive shaft and differential. Currently working on a suspension for the middle (unpowered) axle.
This machine will have tracks, and a powered front and rear axle.

Im curious. What is your reasoning for dividing the power to the tracks with a front and rear sprocket? having two points to power means twice the parts and twice the chance of something breaking or going wrong. Not being judgemental here, i'm honestly curious why you chose this route. Either way, i am very interested in your build and it would be a very interesting thread if you were to start one just for this build...(hint)

[Noel Woods]

There is a tendency for a single driven tire to cake up with mud and spin within the track. Its still is very functional with one driven wheel per side as well as simple.
Two driven wheels per side should perform as well as any other track driven machine.

I've got some photos and videos that I will upload in time, but at the moment am still working out some issues with design including the suspension system that I may patent.

[rcn11thacr]

Ok, I'm interested. When u do make a build thread for us to see your progress it will be interesting for sure.

[whipper-ag]

[whipper-ag]

[rcn11thacr]

Nice to know I'm not the only one wanting to see a thread on all of these builds. Inquiring minds wants to know