ok, only the suspension is hydraulic...

[x4158]

but that's the best part...

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/C...727943.htm?ref

MH

[gor_]

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-ve...ain-drive.html



impressive
btw. seems like with hydro only he'd be faster in those ditches (just used his arms only : ))

[Brian]

That is AWESOME!!!!

If I ever got into rock crawling or trail riding, that IS the vehicle I would build. Period!

Brian

[Acerguy]

I just love how he gets off the trailer. "Ramps? We don't need no stinkin' RAMPS!"

[car54]

I saw this on another forum a few weeks ago, and apparently it didnt do so well in an actual competition against vehicles with normal suspension..

it really is an amazing/innovative design, I love stuff like this.

[Old Pokey]

Here's but one of many short youtube clips of a 4 way leveling system used on an agricultural combine on the test mound. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc-qJ...eature=related

This technology actually predates hydraulics, but hydraulics has made a lot easier. There was a tractor manufacturer "Knudson" or Knudsen in the pnw that made tractors with at least a 2 way levelling sytem. However his timing was off a bit when he chose to go to production and only a few were made.
Some farmers have installed the technology on planters and other pieces of farm machinery.
With modern gps now hooked into these systems, the topography can be followed quite smoothly.

[diecycle]

I have read about this beast as well. The only reason it does not do well in competition is because the new method of extreme rock crawling is run and gun. It is exciting for the fans but not viable for anyone who isn't sponsored.
I like the slow torque based crawling, less wear and tear on your rig and you get there in one piece.

Before I knew these type of things existed, I thought taking the self leveling suspension system out a of a late model Cadilliac and beefing it up for crawling. It would work much like the systems in these Youtube clips, just that late 90's and 2000's Cadilliac's are cheaper and easier to find in salvage yards than self leveling combines and tractors.

It seems simple in concept, put in a gyroscope with sensors and then put sensors on each wheel and hydraulic control arms. You would need an on board computer with one job, to keep the gyroscope level. As a tire moves up or down it compensates with hydraulics to keep level. Easy in concept, crazy hard in application.

Here is another great appliation for the hydraulic rig in the Youtube video. With some lights and music it could lower and raise its wheels and DANCE!