Re: (ET) Tractor Pulls

["Dave Reuter" <david reuter iavinc com>]

As long as the coefficient of friction is the same under both wheels you
really don't need to weld up the diff. If it is sweeped concrete or asphalt
surface you're pulling on then you would be fine. If it is dirt or sand and
stone on hard surface then the welded gear set would have a huge advantage.

Brake biasing is a good traction control which is used by the auto
companies now days but it is at the cost of power to the wheels. Granted
you are transferring power to the non-spinning wheel but you're also
absorbing power from the drive unit in to the braking wheel brake as well.
I would weld the gear set before modifying the brakes if it is allowed. Or
find an axle that was manufactured with out a differential set. I notice a
lot of old 3 wheeler and some of the 4 wheeler ATV don't have differentials
in the rear axle, so maybe there is a cheap lawn tractor that doesn't have
a diff too.

Again this is just my personal feelings, I do not mean to knock anyone's
opinions. I have designed 4WD and AWD systems for a few years in my very
distant past before my enlightenment of HEV's, FCV, and EV's

Dave Reuter



                                                                           
             "Pieter                                                       
             Litchfield"                                                   
             <plitch@attglobal                                          To 
             .net>                     "Elec-Trak Tractor"                 
             Sent by:                  <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>    
             elec-trak-bounces                                          cc 
             @cosmos.phy.tufts                                             
             .edu                                                  Subject 
                                       (ET) Tractor Pulls                  
                                                                           
             03/25/2004 08:03                                              
             AM                                                            
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           




Here's a tip based on some hill climbing and racing experience.  If you are
thinking about dedicating a tractor to pulling, open up the rear end and
weld the differential spider in place.  You now have a solid rear axle and
two wheels driving rather than one.

If there is a rule against this or you want to preserve the differential
for lawn work, it might be possible to mount a brake drum on each rear
wheel and at least be able to transfer power manually from the spinning
wheel by applting the brake to it.

Just a thought.....
 _______________________________________________
Elec-trak mailing list
Elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
https://cosmos.phy.tufts.edu/mailman/listinfo/elec-trak