I propose a project.

Sort of an intellectual exercise.

I propose we fantasy build the ultimate off road tractor.

All participants would propose the best features/options/engines/tires/mods. etc, and would then explain why. With diagrams and reasons why.

Parts would all have to be standard Garden/Lawn tractor parts from whatever year, or from whatever brand.

The first step will be to determine what represents the ultimate ALL TERRAIN tractor.

Results to be voted on by the team (meaning members)

Next step is to find a way to get the right parts to the right people to build it.

We film it all , start bto finish. post it on you tube, with an independant witness, ( I bet we could find a dozen desparate internet journalists to get all over it) sell it, and give the cash to a childrens hospital.

Just an idea

I'd have to say a V-twin for the imense power, (Im biased, the only engine I own is a briggs v twin, and a khler I never work on) and Id LOVE to see some ATV arms on this thing that function just like on an atv. I have a Corvette manual, they use the U jounts for rear suspenion flex (unlike out staright axles) WHy couldnt we chop our axles a bit and add atv front drive systems to it? Seems legit to me...

Now your thinking.

IRS rear ends are easy.

They're not the cheapest parts, and our reliable craigslist probably wouldnt fail, But I have absolutely no idea how the heck you'd manage to mount this thing strut rods maybe,Ill look into how the vette did with em, back in the 70's...

remember the idea is to stick to tractor parts.

Id f it showed up on a stock factory built tractor, we can use it, no matter the modification

I see, but they might be able to use a straight axle, tied with the joints i mentioned earlier, (Im positive an atv or something used em, I know they have to be used for the front end on 4wd atvs) To ATV wheels, Thats would make her with rear suspension, and the transaxle could stay stationary like that. and the wheels for the front could go the same way, what could make it 4wd.

Murray modder wrote:

They're not the cheapest parts, and our reliable craigslist probably wouldnt fail, But I have absolutely no idea how the heck you'd manage to mount this thing strut rods maybe,Ill look into how the vette did with em, back in the 70's...

Transverse leaf spring, don't know how it would work on a tractor with belt driven transaxle. Straight axle might work.

I was thinking of a 4wd articulated tractor using 2 hydraulic drive Case lawn tractor axles.

That would be cool too

We need to figure out tank treads....THAT! would be amazing..

Scrounge up an worn out pair of 44" mudders. Cut out the sidewalls, stretch them over a pair of tires. Voila, instant tracks.

Of course there are half a dozen other ways to do it it too.

Buy a pair of scrap sleds with matching drives.

Build a track using salvaged large pitch chain,sprockets and welded plates

Spend the bucks ( about a grand I figure ) and buy #100 chain and sprockets, with steel idlers, and then weld plates to the chains to act as treads.

Take the time to build a chain from steel flat bar, steel rollers and bronze bushings with hardened steel pins, then weld those to tread plates, make your own sprockets, and idlers

Use the existing system from a small tracked unit, like a ditchwitch or bobcat.

Use two endless strips of rubber joined by steel bars, running on rubber tires.

Thats six.

All these methods have been used

I suppose we'd have to have 6 wheels for that eh? Or, Make this thing like a zero turn for four wheel.

Murray modder wrote:

I suppose we'd have to have 6 wheels for that eh? Or, Make this thing like a zero turn for four wheel.

Halftrack.

Halftrack? what is it? But I think the main goal is...4wd, and has ATV suspension...and hopefully, a Way to make rear suspension.

Murray modder wrote:

Halftrack? what is it? But I think the main goal is...4wd, and has ATV suspension...and hopefully, a Way to make rear suspension.

A halftrack is just that. Wheels (or skis) in the front, tracks in the back.

As for rear suspension any horizontal shaft would do, then you could do leaves easily enough. Or even coilovers.

So, basicly its a snow-mobile.

Murray modder wrote:

So, basicly its a snow-mobile.

I think half-tracks have been around longer, but yes, like a snowmobile if 2 were taped together and the inside skis removed..

so 6 axles?

Murray modder wrote:

so 6 axles?

Yes.

If you want to ask more about it I suggest making a new thread in an off-topic forum. We have strayed from the topic enough already.

Panzers came with a narrowed dodge rear axle - stock - so a car rear axle could be used. Toyota trucks have a small differential.