Custom UTV

[kdlklm]

I'm building a custom UTV, it has a lowering front-end so it can be accessed by someone in a wheelchair. The photo only shows the front half, it uses articulated steering. I want each wheel to be able to retract independently, ultimately I want to get rid of the bolt on the end of the shaft that holds the motor mount. I would like it to be as narrow as possible. So I would like to do away with the bolt and welded the motor mount directly onto the shaft. I'm looking for some suggestions on how to reconfigure the shaft so each wheel and motor can be independently moved. And it also needs to be able to be taken apart for maintenance.

Thanks guys

 

[kdlklm]

here are a few modifications that I made, I split the shaft in the center, and remove the nut from the outside, and then the shaft can be welded directly onto the motor mount plate. I'm using a flanged bushing on either end of the internal shaft, I'm just looking for some input, as to whether this looks good the way I have it, or should the bushings be difference in some way.

 

[workinprogress]

Might want to check out these axles from Surplus center.

Surplus Center - UTILITY VEHICLE TRANSAXLE W/AUX 4WD SHAFT

This axle has the forward, neutral and reverse along with parking and regular brakes. Have thought about using these on a build.

Bernie

 

[kdlklm]

To get the ground clearance with the ability to lower the front end I can't have a differential.

 

[babypp2]

WOW!!! Nice Post!Kind Regards

 

[Dmace]

This is a very cool project! I'm excited to see it come to life.

Are you looking to go electric powered? Also, are you looking to only power the rear wheels on the articulated part? It would be difficult to power those front wheels and allow them the vertical movement.

 

[kdlklm]

This is a very cool project! I'm excited to see it come to life.

Are you looking to go electric powered? Also, are you looking to only power the rear wheels on the articulated part? It would be difficult to power those front wheels and allow them the vertical movement.

I'm using a 30 hp Kohler fuel injected engine, to run a triple pump. It's going to be fully hydrostatic. 4 x 4

And yes, the biggest challenge so far is making the front wheels able to lower and have them powered as well. But I think I'm getting it figured out here. The hydraulic motors are very small, yet very powerful. Which allows me to stick them into a very tight place.

It is been a huge learning experience, it's a big project, of course if I had an unlimited budget, it would be easier. But I think it would lose some of its creativity.

We have started building the machine already, the frame is mostly done, I'm just waiting for the parts to come back from the laser cutter to start assembling the articulated joint. I will be posting some pictures of that when it is complete.

 

[Sasquatch4100]

Wow! Awesome build! Looks like you're on a decent track.

Some key points to think of:

Sounds like a good motor you have chosen. You need to hook up with a hydro expert and work out your flow and pressure requirements for a full 4wd independent set up. If you're driving in from the back you also might not need a hydro suspension tailgate or tilting platform to drive onto. (use of a ramp style t. I love complexity and do dads and stuff, but the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)principle is always best. Less to go wrong, easier to fix and troubleshoot and often more durable/reliable.

Also, Bravo on the CAD work!

 

[mjncad]

I just spent a day using a ride-on vibratory roller with articulated steering, and it's a different beast handling wise. Have you ever driven anything using articulated steering?

I see you have the frame started according to your post. Can you modify it to a more conventional steering setup if the articulation doesn't handle to your needs?

 

[kdlklm]

Wow! Awesome build! Looks like you're on a decent track.

Some key points to think of:

Sounds like a good motor you have chosen. You need to hook up with a hydro expert and work out your flow and pressure requirements for a full 4wd independent set up. If you're driving in from the back you also might not need a hydro suspension tailgate or tilting platform to drive onto. (use of a ramp style t. I love complexity and do dads and stuff, but the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)principle is always best. Less to go wrong, easier to fix and troubleshoot and often more durable/reliable.

Also, Bravo on the CAD work!

all the hydraulic equipment has already been specked out, from a hydraulics company. They actually got the hydro-gear engineers to run it through all their formulas to make sure that it would give me exactly the performance and the horsepower that I'm looking for. So I'm very confident with what we've come up with.

I've attached the spec chart for the hydraulic system.