Re: Clutch burning out - Need Hydrostatic transmission!!

Very good point.

And why not use a 4x4 with the front hubs disconnected (manual hubs)? This way you could even use the low range in the transfer case.

Andrew

On Fri, 01 Aug 2003 06:05:23 -0700, Donal rearranged some electrons to form:

Volvo (cars) is owned by Ford.

Volvo Trucks is still part of the Swedish "Volvo", their US Headquarters is here in NC.

There is an easy way to approach this; an ordinary Allison automatic transmission, which uses a torque converter, which is basically the accepted greatest invention for starting heavy loads.

The hydrostat is a good idea but unwieldy in practice if you want it to switch to direct drive some of the time for highway use. I'm pretty sure I haven't seen anything like that, but I wouldn't totally rule it out for farm or heavy equipment.

An old trucker once told me:

"If you have to give it throttle, you're using too high a gear".

At idle, you should not see clutch wear.

Yes, even loaded, and yes, even on a hill. I've worked along side rock-wheels, and cold-planers, without using up the clutch. (Talk about a long,boring night!!)

I've listened to our crane operator rev the motor like a sports car, every time he moves. He's been made aware of it (by many, including the mechanic who has to replace his clutch), and can't seem to break the habit.

You know asphalt trucks get pushed by the spreader. Maybe you could enlist your road maintenance equipment for a boost. Also; truck-&-transfers, use the starter motor to back up to the trailer. (Probably a very short term solution.)

Jim