Cub Cadet Recovery Mower Build

[Chris]

So I'm hoping to start winding down some of my projects by spring. The motor & drivetrain swap is almost done in my S15 pickup, then I need to SFA it and the brunt of that project will be done! I also have to finish the bodywork on my Lumina so I can paint it, and then hang the drywall in my garage. Then I'll have time to tinker on this again!

I'm thinking I might use my 20HP Kohler twin that I purchased from Goody454 for this build. It's *REALLY* heavy so that should offset the weight for the rear of the mowchine. I already have some winches that I purchased for other purposes that will probably find their way into this project. I also purchased a pair of tires with wheels off a friend for $50. They're not the Kenda Bear Claws, but they're the same size. I was thinking to use them on the front, but all the drawings I've made of this has been with smaller front tires. I might use them on my golf cart instead, but for the time beaing I can use them as mock-ups.

So to make things complicated, I'm thinking of the suspension and drivetrain ideas. One Idea I have is three semi-live axles and fully independent suspension. Maybe I'd have a hydrostat transaxle with one output to the front axle and another to the rear. I'm thinking something like the 4WD independent suspension 4-wheelers have, but I'd build my own CV joints. The biggest problem here would be finding some joints that could hold up to the torque demands. Another idea I have is to just keep the rear with tandem live axles and no suspension - but that might not be good for something this big and heavy. It would be the easiest route though. I'm somewhat still thinking using three transaxles might be the simplest way to go.

This isn't gunna be easy. I think I have a LOT more brainstorming to do.

[tjbryner]

What about something like this.
http://www.xtrememotorworks.com/Cub%20Cadet%201650-4%204x4.htm

[Chris]

Yeah, I've seen that before - but their answer to turning is a pivot in the center, and there's still no real suspension.

[tjbryner]

Yeah, I've seen that before - but their answer to turning is a pivot in the center, and there's still no real suspension.

But with that setup it would be easy to add suspension and You would have 4 wheel drive, and Steering would be easy. (might even help with traction by being able to pivot with out moving) 
So you'd have suspension and roll. If you build it right you could probably get away with 10- 15 digress of roll in the articulation joint. Might even be able to get that much pitch in the middle from front to rear

I'm thinking about this type of set up on my next Cub build, It will use 4 coil overs per axle for suspension. I'm getting them from Baileynet.com. $4.97 - $9.95
extended length of 12 3/4"
Travel 3"
110lbs per inch of travel