mini forward build

[redneck logger]

im just trying to figure out before i buy all my parts whats the best thing to do have it a hydraulic motors or chain drive front axles and electric or hydro motors for bach axles also it is going to be 8x8 and articulate in the middle so if anyone has suggestions as to how to go about with this please let me know :P

[shelbycharger400]

look at old trenchers!
buddy has a case davis trencher i have been eyeballin that is already modified with the trencher cut off.  its a 12wd
they range in the 1500- 3000 range,  you just cant build one for that price, then modify what ya need to.

[sprucebunny]

How big do you expect it to be ?
What size wheel/tire ?
Hydraulic stuff is expensive unless you can scavenge it and the RPMs happen to work out...
Where are you getting/(making?) the pivot ?
What weight/volume do you expect it to carry ?

[Jamie_C]

With an 8wd i assume you are going to be needing bogies ... these won't come cheap and you should see what you need to power them ...

You might be better off finding something that you can modify into a small forwarder instead of building from the ground up.

[snowstorm]

hydra motors will still need a gear box for gear reduction. they offer no brakeing help on down grades. hystat will. good luck with your build

[lumberjack48]

Your in the process of building a mini forward, i ran in to this place that might have just what you might need, don't hurt to look its interesting what they have.
I hope this is all right with Jeff.
http://www.do-bid.com/cgi-bin/mndetails.cgi?dobid16