Trans idea

[tntchitwood]

Chris,      I have not had any luck with transaxles. I have exploded three, and had no luck finding an affordable trans to run to a live axle.  I really liked my first ever build with the hydrostatic drive. what do you think about me using a hydrostatic drive as a trans running to a live axle such as RYF did with his kart? I would have to lengthen the wheelbase a little and I would still be able to gear it anyway I want. I have a large yard tractor that I have been wanting to do something with. How would this work out with the build rules? 

                                                                 Tom

[Chris]

Sounds like you have a good idea. I played with this thought in the beginning stages of my recovery mower build. As long as you keep the stock ratio with the hydro drive and play with gearing between that and the axle you'd be fine. The Hydros are strong, good transaxles - but if you overdrive them they'll burn up REAL quick. What I would recommend (if possible) would be going with larger pulleys on the engine and transaxle (keeping the same ratio - very important) so you don't have any belt slipping issues. Then run a chain off each side to the live axle.

If I can find a hydro for cheap this is the way I'd be going with my recovery mower.

[STEELMAN]

i think its a great idea but i would lock one side rather than run two chains and 4 sprockets and by the way i have a hydro that needs a home if anybody is interested.

[Chris]

Too much stress on the transaxle.

You ever open up a Hydro? I know I wouldn't want to.

[tntchitwood]

I'm glad you mentioned the larger pulleys, I didn't think of that. It will help with slippage.I doubt that I will lock the transaxle.Two chains will be stronger than one. I locked up my brother's hydro rearend.....It lasted the summer. Now he says it is slipping pretty bad. Who knows with my brother, it could just need fluid.                                                     Tom

[MTDrider1160]

Your gonna need a really heavy duty hydro if you want it to last at all.  Your adding a lot of resistance on those axles, and I dont think those hydros are going to take the torque needed to move you.

[tntchitwood]

the first atlma I built was a hydro. It was a tank. I think it will do fine. I won't know though till I get a couple of these other projects out of the way. Too much going on right now.