Hydraulic Dune Buggy Design: Is My Math Correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and mathematical calculations for a hydraulic-driven dune buggy. Participants explore the feasibility of the design, the required specifications for hydraulic components, and the overall mechanics of the proposed vehicle, including steering and braking systems. The conversation includes technical details and considerations for both theoretical and practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents calculations for vehicle specifications, including mass, speed, incline, and hydraulic requirements, questioning the accuracy of their math.
  • Another participant challenges the practicality of achieving 70 MPH with a design that includes castering front wheels, suggesting that this could be unsafe.
  • There is a discussion about whether to use stationary motors with gear reduction or motors with built-in gear reduction, with varying opinions on the implications for design.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of steering with freely castering front wheels at higher speeds, with requests for clarification on the intended use of the additional motors.
  • A participant corrects the torque measurement units and provides a formula for power calculations, emphasizing the need for accurate units in the design process.
  • Another participant acknowledges the calculations for flow and pressure but suggests that a combustion engine would require more horsepower than initially calculated due to load response limitations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality and safety of the proposed design, particularly regarding speed and steering mechanisms. There is no consensus on the best approach to component selection or the overall feasibility of the project.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of hydraulic systems and the challenges associated with achieving desired performance metrics in a mobile application. There are unresolved questions regarding the integration of motors and the implications of design choices on vehicle performance.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in hydraulic systems, vehicle design, off-road vehicle engineering, and those seeking insights into the challenges of building custom vehicles may find this discussion relevant.

  • #121
Hi everybody!

I could see very interesting discussion going on here.
But why have you guys discontinued it ? What is the progress on buggy front ? I would really like to know that.
I am also building a hydrostatic all wheel drive agricultural tractor. Would like to incorporate your experiences into that.

I also wanted to know a little bit more about the last circuit shared by Drankin.
1.) "...This keeps all drives rotating at the same speed when the circuit is activated (low speed, climbing, mud, etc.)... "

How does that happen ?

2.) The solenoid valve has 2 orifices adjacent to it. What is the purpose of that ?
Is it to prevent complete fluid going to drain by putting high resistance!

3.) When all of the 8 valves are also connected to tank why would they function at all ?
I believe it is done to relieve the pressure when positrac is off. But this connection to tank should have been closed in positrac on mode.

I am also trying to put a diff lock feature in my HST circuit and looking for the most efficient.
Your comments on above would be helpful.

Thanks
 
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  • #122
Currently i am also try to adapt hydrostatic drive for my truck. I had successfully installed and it also running other than one problem -> Jerk.


i have observed jerk during deceleration in a particular range of speed only. is there any specific reason for this type of jerk

Suggest a solution to fine tune the system
 
  • #123
larkinja said:
This free-spiining joint, is this something you have heard of, or an idea? I don't even know what you would call that. Is there an application that uses something like is? Otherwise, I do like that idea. Let me know, and I will start looking for something like that.

Jason

hey i found this thread ab about a hdyrostastic dune buggy. So i thought i would tell your that i am buildin the same. I'm using a cross motor puts out 700in./lbs. torque and at 3000 rpms. and takes 30gpm. The pump is off a case 585 forklift. Using a 11hp honda to run the pump. also using a live axle/ a 1 to 5 rear end ratio. my figues say that it'll do 62mph. I think it would very easy for you(larkinja) to pull your idea off. and if i had the same budget that's what i would use.
 
  • #124
Larkinja or Drankin, any update on your hydrostatic drive project. Like you Larkinja, been playing around with a few projects and I was looking into converting an off-road yamaha r6 engined buggy to a similar hydrostatic drive system...hence I found this thread! Few pics here of what I'm working on.
 

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  • #125
Larkinja or Drankin, I second the update request.
This sounds like an excellent project, and I'm curious how it is progressing.

Good luck.
 
  • #126
potatoecannon said:
Larkinja or Drankin, I second the update request.
This sounds like an excellent project, and I'm curious how it is progressing.

Good luck.

I haven't heard from him since his last post in March. I just happened to stop by here today to see if the project has been revived.
 
  • #127
Drankin, did you ever hear back from this guy? Would you consider using the attached in a lower flow application?

Thank you
 

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  • #128
larkinja said:
Hi all. I don't know if I have posted this in the right section, but I am hoping someone might be able to lend me a hand with a project.

A friend on mine and I are always looking to build something challenging and unique. We recently finished building a truck completely from the ground up, designing all our own parts (besides engine, tranny, etc..) Anyway, inspired by our commercial lawn mower and our bobcat, we would like to build a hydraulic driven dune buggy-ish looking vehicle. Many have asked why, and the answer is simple, its something different and we would like to learn more about hydraulics in the process. I have researched power requirements, done many of the formulas, but I am having a tough time translating data into the real world. In other words, will it work)

My DATA:

Vehicle Mass - 2000lbs
Maximum Speed - 70mph
Maximum Incline - 20degrees
Wheel Radius - 13"
Axle Ratio - 2.5:1
Rolling Resistance - 0.037

With these values, I have concluded this:

Drawbar Pull - 758
Wheel Torque - 9854.524 in/lb
Motor Torque - 3941 in/lb
RPM - 2261rpm
Power Required - 141hp

If I calculate based on 3000psi system and 4 drive motors I get:

Flow Rate - 80gpm
Torque on each motor - 985 in/lb

Concluding a minimum motor size of 2 cu in/rev motor

Now for my questions. 1st, is my math correct? I did this all on paper, then created a spreadsheet that solves all the equations so I can change the variables to meet the end goal.

2nd question, am I going about this the right way. Where my confusion lies mostly is in the motors and pumps. The math does not seem to match manufacturers specs for there motors. So is a formula not accurate enough given the different types of hydraulic motors?

I am wondering if there is anyone out there with any hydraulic experience that can point us in the right direction. Maybe with component selection, and even possibly helping us coming up with the schematic.

We are just starting the research, so any suggestions would be helpful. Do don't want a traditional steering wheel. We want it to operate with two handles just like the commercial mower works. Both handles forward it goes straight. Left handle up, steers right, handles back, reverse. A gas pedal to control engine speed. Currently the thought is one motor for each wheel. Front left and rear left on the same circuit. Same with the right side. Front wheels would be on steering spindles, tied to each other, but left to free steer. Possibly use stabilizers to help with hitting bumps and ruts and returning to straight. This would just be a concept to test, don't know if it would steer well that way or not.

I am still looking for the best method for braking. On the mower, you just easy back on the handles and it stops. If you let go of the handles, it comes to a abrupt stop. Which I don't think would be very safe at higher speeds. Maybe at valve center, a bypass which allows the wheels to free spin, and then use traditional braking. I have read about using accumulators for hydraulic braking. I don't care about fuel efficiency, this isn't a car, which it what this is used for such as the UPS test truck.

Anyway, this post has gotten long enough. If anyone wants to give me a hand I would be very grateful. And just so everyone knows, this is not a design for a commercial vehicle, just boys and there toys, so let's not think in terms of production.

Thanks again,

Jason

Hi Jason..I'm new here but the topic is great.
Some years ago I built a 1/3 scale skidsteer loader with a 10hp gas engine/1 gear pump and 2 gear motors. Final drive was open chain reduction, speed range was zero to maybe 4mph. With correct tires this thing was nearly unstopable.
These days if I were to duplicate this project I would seriously consider electric drive. Just a thought

Terry
 
  • #129
For those who were looking for a hydrostatic differential lock valve - Bucher Hydarulics
has a package. Model number MT DV
 

Attachments

  • #130
larkinja said:
No, not yet. I have autocad inventor on my laptop, but haven't tried anything with it yet. I own a sign company, and do most of the designing here, so I am pretty good with design software, I just need to take some time and learn autocad. Pretty much all of the concepts, I sketch out on paper, and some parts I draw in CorelDraw. When we have parts laser cut, I use Corel, and convert to a dwx.
you might want to try turbo cad with the animator plug in
its easier to use and you can simulate real world conditions before you buy/install expensive parts and peices. you can also see if there are design problems prior to the actual build. its not perfect but we use it everyday prior to building or modifiing any equipment.
 

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