By Fred Hunt on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Let's say that I was wanting to build a non amphibious skid steer agricultural/recreational vehicle. I plan on keeping the weight to about 600 lbs and the top speed about 25 mph. Approximately 20 hp. What are some of your learned opinions about different transmissions. I lean toward hydrostatic... mostly because of ease of design. I have read all of the negatives previously posted about hydraulics, and I would consider a mechanical system if I could find a good source for a complete unit or some ideas about what a roboust system would consist of. A T-20 is attractive, but I wonder about avaliability. I also noticed a lot of posts about problems people encounter, but I gather that is the exception rather than the rule. I'm still not sure what argo is using, or if they are commercially avaliable. Any good ideas would be appreciated.

By Attex Bob on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Fred: Your going to have a hard time making that 600lb weight limit. You won't even come close with a "juice" AATV. That oil and the rest of the stuff that goes with it is very heavy. So that is out. Lets talk trannys. The T-20 is a damn good unit. Very strong, and compact. There is quite a few around. Just call Richard up and he can set you up for a very reasonable price. The Argo has a rear end type of setup. Not really a tranny. Just an open differential so to speak. In a word, they are tough!!!! I mean really tough!!!!! Big straight cut gears!!!! Big bearings!!!! These things can handle BIG horsepower. I have one in my Argo and one in my Attex. They are both very good units. If I had to pick, I would get a T-20. They don't suck power in the turns like the "rear end" does. They arn't noisy like the Argo unit either. I have had no problems with either unit. Now; what would I use if I was building what you are? I would get a motorcycle engine and tranny setup and put it between the frame rails!!!! Get something real cheap, like a Honda 750 or something. Put a cable clutch on it and maybe an air shifter. You said you did not need it to float so that will make cooling a snap. (No ducting) Anyway, thats my 2 cents. By the way, why the 600lb limit when you don't need it to float? Thats very, very light!!!!!

By fred hunt on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks for the input, I agree that the T20 is an attractive package, what do used complete units usually go for, just out of curiousity. I was planning on keeping it at or around 600 lbs in order to minimize the ground psi and ease transportation. I assume when you say an open dif on the Agro type, you mean it is just like a dif in a truck... power goes to the side that slips... by braking on axle, it causes power to go to the other side. I also assume that they have some sort of reversible transmission.

By Attex Bob on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Fred: I have know idea what a T-20 is going for these days. Just contact Richard Clark; he will give you the best price on one. He has a great site here and is nice to talk to. About the Argo tranny; you are right on both accounts. Good luck with the project.

By Howard Hoover on Unrecorded Date: Edit

If you want to buy one new from Recreatives they will probably cost you upwards of 1500.00