Articulated 4x4

   / Articulated 4x4 #1  

rustydollar

Silver Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2017
Messages
186
Location
Ca
Tractor
Satoh S650G
Years ago when I lived in Edmonton I met a fellow who was building these really cool articulated 4x4's that he used to rent out to the oil exploration crews, over the years have kept an eye open with hopes of finding one for sale.

I just spent the last half hour talking with Mr. Cramer asking if there were any available for sale but was instead informed that the only way one comes up for sale is if someone dies, and that people who have one never sell them. And he's not bragging, this is fact.

He started making these 4x4's in the 1950's using Hillman engines and differentials the transfer case was made in house, when I met Mr.Cramer in the mid 1970's the Hillman era was long gone, the new machine had been redesigned.

A mold made for a body using resin from a drum and fiber glass string feed through chopper gun, the new body featured a windshield. The new buggy now powered with an air cooled Volkswagen engine.

The steering gear used an orbital set up to power the cylinder that articulated the machine, tires were huge .

Transfer cases were still being made in house, now the most interesting part is that the VW transmission was modified to supply power via s shaft from the rear to the transfer case. The secret was in using the transmission from the 40 horse power model, these could be modified with a new shaft.

Differentials came from 1960's upwards to early 70's Datsun pick up trucks, because they're center hypoid had to be canted up wards with the pads re-welded onto the housing, one differential was turn upside down.

The last model produced now had an enclosed cab with a gas heater.

Next time I'm talking with Mr. Cramer I'll ask him for some pictures that I can post to the forum, a Google search for Cramer AWD does not bring up any information at all.

38_x_18_00_x_20_tires.png
 
   / Articulated 4x4 #3  
Sure be interested in seeing pictures. I have several old truck axles, and have dreamed of building a home built log skidder.
 
   / Articulated 4x4
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Sure be interested in seeing pictures. I have several old truck axles, and have dreamed of building a home built log skidder.

Cramer just flipped on rear end upside down then canted the center line of the pinion shaft upwards on both differentials before re-welding the spring pads back on. By canting the pumpkin housing upwards this put the drive line more in line wit the transfer case with less stress on the universal joints.

He is now in his 80's I do not think he is computer literate, next time I'm on the phone with him will ask for a few photos, I can digitize these then post the images.
 
   / Articulated 4x4 #5  
I too would like to see pictures. Articulation rules!

I had an ARGO 8WD. Diesel of all things. A Rugerini 2 cylinder air cooled. It was a prototype, out of date, and the president of Ontario Drive and Gear finally sold it to me after I hounded him relentlessly!

I sold it because it had unresolved issues with cooling and charging. Besides I wanted a mule. Kind of wish I had kept it.
 
   / Articulated 4x4 #6  
If you only flip one axle/diff assembly over (assuming they are matched, identical axles), they would go opposite directions.

Buddy of mine flipped both, in a mud buggy, BBC sitting backwards in a scout frame with wv bug body. He normally wins his class.
 
   / Articulated 4x4 #7  
HOLDER makes a tractor similar to the JD (not really JD). I almost bought one from the Federal Government years ago at (closed) auction and was most distressed that I just missed the price!

That Antonio carrio or something like that, Italian job is also articulated.

antonio carraro girl.jpg
 
   / Articulated 4x4
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Just got off the phone with Mr. Cramer is son is visiting who is computer savvy we may soon have a picture.
 
   / Articulated 4x4 #10  
There are all kinds of Timber Jacks sitting around unused with the decline in the forestry industry . A full front to back refurbish and a N series updated 3-53 detroit with C50 injectors and 2800rpm full load. They are a top notch off road machine . Complete with guarding from debris damage.
 

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