Hydraulic AWD

[FASTNOVA]

I was trolling through the web and came across this. Has anyone here had any experience with this set up? It seems like a really good idea, no need for a transfer case or a front differential. Just think about it no need for a locker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra2-mp2ks8k

 

[plym49]

Slow speeds and very inefficient. Great packaging options, as you noted.

 

[wreckerman893]

I saw it at the World of Wheels Show last year. They are real proud of it (cost a war pension) and seemed to be fairly complicated to me.

 

[gimpyrobb]

This one too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_F7QrR4Ur8

 

[tobyS]

Hydraulics is less efficient that a mechanical linkage (transfer case). Have you ever purchased a hydrostatic transmission for a tractor?? ....lots of $$$$. There would be at least 2 hydraulic motors on the front and they are disengaged (probably hydraulically) when in anything but first or reverse. Check out it's price and get back with that info please.

 

[FASTNOVA]

Wreckerman do you know what they are asking for this gizmo?

 

[TehTDK]

EZ Trac is the first commercially available hydraulic front-wheel drive system for on-road trucks. Installation does not require a change in truck ride height, so the vehicle's center of gravity remains low, and Tuthill says factory steering angles and ride comfort are maintained. When disengaged, the hydrostatic drive saves fuel compared to mechanical drive systems, and front-wheel drive power can be engaged on the roll at up to 20 miles per hour. The entire system weighs about 1,000 pounds, which is 800 to 1,200 pounds less than comparable mechanical-drive add-ons. Estimated list price, installed: $40,000

That's a tad pricy I would say

 

[wreckerman893]

Wreckerman do you know what they are asking for this gizmo?

The rep was there touting the system and when we got on the subject of military vehicles he said they were trying to sell the system to the gooberment. I can't remember the exact dollar amount but it was way past ten grand for a system to go on a large Ford or International.

 

[quickfarms]

The idea has bees around for ages and was used on some of the early AWD tractors. It is really an assisted front axle since it is very difficult and expensive to sync it with a standard rear axle.

 

[plym49]

This is just a way to help yourself crawl away if you get yourself into trouble. It is not a system that can be used at normal road speeds. As such, it is at best an interesting toy for bespoke applications and not anything that will be taken seriously.

 

[FASTNOVA]

40K! I would not pay half that for such a set up.