I've got my next project worked out, this one is going to be a challenge, and something I have always wanted to do.
Anyone know what it is? (Except Ian, I think I told you....)

I have 4 of these for my project, screwdriver for size ref.
Any ideas?

Is it a hydraulic motor?

Hyd. motor Thats what I said for the 4X4 WH

Seems like one of the tractor forums had a setup for a mini articulated FEL job useing hyd wheel motors?
Am I close Jim?

You guys are good. Yup, its a hydraulic wheel motor.
Planning on a 4X4 articulated tractor, not too sure about size, but maybe along the lines of small car size.
I'm torn between tearing apart the C125 to donate bodywork and an engine, or building completely from scratch with a different engine.

Yep, you did tell me Jim

It sounds an interesting project
When are we going to see the build?

Oh yes, if your going to part the C125, give me a shout if you want the unused bits out the way

I'm looking to buy some steel next week. I can see dropping a couple of C notes on steel with the prices being so high.
Once I have a frame worked out then I guess I'll strip down the C125 and transplant what I need (dash, engine and seat.....).
I really would like to do a proper job, I hate badly built tractors, and I'd like this one to be a pleasure to use and work on.

I'm torn between using the 12HP Kohler out of the C125, or the 10HP big block Briggs off the batwing. I guess the Kohler is the smart choice, but the Briggs has a whole load more torque.
My maths indicates I need about 30HP to run the motors at full power, so 12 should do nicely

Just a thought Jim, would this engine be any good for your needs

Kubota engine

Yuh, thats what I'll be looking for down the line. Reckon I'll kick off with the Kohler to save on cost for the time being. I'll leave plenty of room at the front for a larger engine. The pumps will be belt driven, so it wont be a big deal to swap engines down the line.

I reckon once I have the main chassis done I'll probably sit down and muddle things about to figure what arrangement works best. I still haven't decided whether to put the engine in front, or at the back. Or indeed if I am going to have any permanent tools, like a crane boom or a skidding winch.

Bought over 250lbs of steel. 5x3x0.25" box for the chassis. Its a bit bigger than I was planning, but its cheaper to buy off the shelf than order. A few odds of 0.5" plate for motor mounts, and hubs (although I'm hoping to buy some).

Anyone got any UK sources for hubs for garden tractor rims?

Jim,
For a tractor with this much "potential", might it not be wise to consider whittling more substantial hubs out of steel? If you figure out a way to connect all that oomph to the ground , I'm not sure our little cast iron hubs will survive. You build some pretty serious machines!

Greg B.

Greg, I was thinking along the lines of the HD ones that come on the larger unidrives.
Its looking more likely that I will be machining my own. I havent found anywhere that sells anything even close.

Jim,
Just a word of caution....Make sure your hydraulic pumps are rated for belt drive. Most hydraulic pumps are built to be direct driven and the bearings will not handle the side load created by driving them with a belt or chain.
There are a lot of pumps out there that are capable of being belt driven, and I'm sure you've already thought it out. I just didn't want to see you spend a lot of time and money and end up with a bad pump after a few hours of running time.
Jim

MITCH, IF YOU CONTACT A VERY CLOSE FRIEND OF MINE HE MADE A 1/25 SCALE OF A JOHN DEERE 8020. 4 WHEEL DRIVE , ARTICALATED STEER. DIESEL 3 CLY. LEMUN
NICE PERSON LOTS OF PICTURES STOO@BELLSOUTH.NET

RON, TN CRAWLER

Jim, I've budgeted for support bearings for the pump. I used one on the 312 and its still working fine after a year.

Ron, is his on 'weekend freedom machines' website? I've spotted a couple on that site. Most seem to use 2 transmissions, however, I did spot Jim Land's hydraulic one.
Thanks for the heads up, I might drop him an email.


I did a little sketching to work out the stuff that is hard to do as you go along like the steering ram placement. A quick coffee and it might be time to head out into the workshop.