Building your own PT?

[KentT]

You can get hydrostatic (i.e. variable displacement) pumps that are optimized for different RPMs. For example, this monster puts out 50gpm at 2000 RPM.

Surplus Center Item Detail

Use the calculators at Surplus Center or do your own math (from the Eaton link farther above) to determine how big a hydro pump your engine can drive...

 

[ddonnell]

KentT,

Thought so. Thanks. I'm looking at a couple of diesels that might work (I'm partial to the smell and this baby would live in a heated shop) so cold starts aren't an issue. Thanks for all the info on the wheel motors!

 

[BillCroasmun]

I used to do a lot of 4 wheeling and owned both CJs with the inline 6 and Suzuki Samurais with a 1.3 inline 4. I swapped a blown engine in one of my Sams once and I think it would be a good auto engine for this project. They are small and have various cheap sources including low milegage imports that can be picked up around $500. They have ~60HP @ 6500 RPM. Blocks are aluminum.