(ET) RE: Elec-trak Digest, Vol 2, Issue 76

[Klein Robert W NPRI <KleinRW Npt NUWC Navy Mil>]

Re:Message From: "Ralph & Elaine Vogan" <ralphgv centurytel net>

Does anyone know the efficiency of a hydrostatic drive?  Use a single speed
motor and the drive for forward, reverse, and speed changes.  I have an old
White ice tractor with a very small hydrostatic drive unit bolted to the
differential.  It has plenty of power.  Or a hydraulic pump & motor to 
drive
the blades?

Ralph,

Hydraulic drives are way less efficient!  Ask anyone in small tractor 
pulling events.  Belt driven square cut gear boxes always produce more 
pulling power than the same engine sized hydraulics.  Hydraulic drives are 
used when infinite varible speed ranges (within the operating band) are 
required and/or remote engine placement is necessary.  It's a lot easier 
to route hoses than belts.  Also the operator needs only to waggle a hand 
or foot control for fwd/rev operation.  Geared trannies require you to 
stop, clutch in, rev, clutch out (that's two hands and a foot operation).

On another note:  Since hydraulic log splitters are the mainstream choice, 
this mechanical one really stands out as a nice piece of work using 
inertia wheels and a small motor.  They even have one powered by an 
electric motor.  Would be nice to see one on an Elec Trak.

http://www.ripsaw.com/gfx.html

Good luck

Bob