Wanted: hydraulic front wheel drive for farm tractor

[MF rules]

Looking for a complete front wheel drive axle assembly that
would fit an John deere 4430 or international 1066 size tractor.
Want to put it on a Massey 1155. Thanks
 

[paul]

No you don't, not if what I hear about them I's true.

;)

Don't know of any, sorry I'm not being helpful here. But, seriously, never heard much good about those setups? They weren't around long....

Paul
 

[Janicholson]

THe control of the tire surface speed is near impossible with a hydraulic drive. Not that it cant be controlled, but it isnt directly proportioned to ground speed of the rear tires. It could be with a hydrostatic system, and computer and sensor based evaluation of ground speed. but that is going to cost more than a 4X4 tractor.
(because it would need to be developed)
Jim
 

[Bob]

Of course, it the wheel motors were fed from a constant pressure closed-center hydraulic system like the Deere units on the 4430"s and 4630"s (etc.) were the front wheels would contribute a constant pull/torque and the gpm hyd. flow/derived speed wouldn"t be an issue.
 

[MN Scott]

Here's one in MN.
Untitled URL Link

 

[Janicholson]

Other than when one pushes in the clutch! It seems like a very good way to make heat in a hydraulic system as well as the complexity of a system that will be parasitic nearly all the time. Not my idea of best practice. Jim
 

[Bob]

With the Deere "closed center" system, oil heating was NOT a problem. I forget how Deere cut the power to the hydraulic FWA when the clutch was depressed... will have to look at the service manual tomorrow. Bottom line was the it was NOT as powerful as a mech FWD, but ASSISTED and did a reasonable job thereof. Biggest problem was oil leaks/hose failures.
 

[4020guy]

The "clutching" was made possible by 3 solenoid valves and micro switches. These also controlled the high torque[hydraulics in parallel] and low torque[hydraulics in series] settings for the axel. The system on the Deere 20,30, and 40 series probably worked better in theory than in actuality even with the 4 cubic inch per revolution close centre pump. Combine hydrostats operate at much higher pressures so had alot more torque. MF rules, I think it would be quite a project but I would be afraid it would have disappointing results. Ever consider an older 4 wheel articulated?....Ron
 

[Tx Jim]