This particular unit was made in 1975 - I suspect most of that vintage were retired long ago - modern units are completely hydraulic, this one only uses hydraulics for the boom lift. The wheels are driven by shafts into gearboxes at the wheels:
The machine uses a system of gears, belts and shafts to send motive power from the centrally-mounted 8hp engine to the wheels with pedals and levers in the operators platform used to actuate drive to each wheel and thus steer it:
The system works, but it takes a lot of physical effort to engage the belts and move the machine. It's also very noisy with the engine running all the time. It's rather slow to move around - slower than walking pace, and pretty much all of the control gear and gearbox is worn - the main gearbox leaking oil constantly.
To give you a little idea of the machine as it is now, here's a video which also shows operation of the gearbox used to provide drive to the wheels:
In use, the machine is moved to one spot, the platform raised and then often stays in that position for quite a while, depending on what you're doing. During that time the engine is clattering away, using up fuel but not doing any useful work.
Converting to electric will:
- Make it much quieter
- Provide fingertip control
- Do away with all the control rods and gearbox
- Vastly reduce maintenance
- Hopefully increase the travel speed
And most importantly to me, breathe new life into an old machine!
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