I've got this wild idea. My son has a rust bucket subaru station wagon that he is willing to donate to build a backhoe/bucket loader approximately 4 feet by 7 feet. I know this is not practical time wise but we both think it would be fun to build together, someday. It probably doesn't go slow enough, even in first gear low range. And I think the engine is in front of the transaxle instead of above it. So, if a hydraulic pump were fixed to the engine and a hydraulic motor fixed to the tranny could this setup be used to eliminate the clutch, provide lower speeds, provide the pressure for the bucket and hoe AND provide 4 reverse gears? What happens if the transmission is run backwards? Will the thrust from the gears change direction and perhaps ruin the tranny? I really don't have the time to do this now but mebbe some day... A good thought exersize though. And if it looks possible the subaru needs to be stripped of it's running gear, ignition, cooling, and charging systems so the rest can go to the junk yard. BTW, this car is a 1987 or 88. With a carburetor, not fuel injected. Any thoughts? Thanks, Eric R Snow, Jest dreamin'
- posted
20 years ago