can i make it 4WD? I need help with the brainstorm

deavis · Aug 2, 2004

Don't laugh I love fabricating. I own a JD 140 and was thinking about adding hydraulic motors to the front spindles to make it 4WD. What do you all think? Does anyone have a better idea?

timb · Aug 2, 2004

Not laughing, I've stared at my 318 with the same thought in mind for a 'someday' project. Don't know if hydraulic motors would work but I don't see how else you could do it. I suspect though that even little motors probably require more flow than the built in pump has left to deliver so upgrading / supplementing that might be part of the deal.

However - at least in the 318's case - if the goal is more traction any way possible (beyond tire/weight upgrades) I think it would be an easier project to find a (locking) diff out of a 420 and swap in the 318's shorter axle stubs. Or just mount the whole 420 rear end and have a wider track.

Don't remember if the 140 had a locking diff or if there is any interchangeability with a bigger tractor that had one (a 400?).

Keep brainstorming, who knows what ideas may come out of it!

beenthere · Aug 2, 2004

The Deere 140 has rear individual brakes, which IMO will take the place of a locking differential (almost, anyway).

Sounds like time to move up to the X500 series with 4wd /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

More seriously, look at some of the available hyd. wheel motors in the Surplus Center catalog .

Ozarker · Aug 2, 2004

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to coordinate the front and real wheels.

jinman · Aug 3, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It would be difficult, if not impossible, to coordinate the front and real wheels. )</font>

Absolutely! After he goes to all the trouble to get the hydraulic motors working on the front axle, it would probably be impossible to steer. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Not only would the front motors be turning at different rates, but also they surely would not turn in proper speed and synchronization with the rear wheels. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

If he builds it, I want to be there with the video camera to make a movie of the test drive. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

slowzuki · Aug 3, 2004

Some John Deeres came with hydraulic front wheel assist.

ZJ_HR · Aug 3, 2004

... and were crap /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
When you really need FWD, presure relief valve opens, and you're in trouble /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

deavis · Aug 5, 2004

Someone gave me a good idea. I am going to try this with a front spindle assembly with axles from a quad. I will attempt to find another 140 rear axle and add the steering spindles somehow. Now I just have to find a donor front end and rear axle.
Remeber half the fun is making it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif