If I won the lotto!!!!

[CoryL]

Originally posted by mrboyle


Cory,
I had a similar idea, but instead of electric motors I was thinking of running hydro-static motors at each wheel. Same basic idea, just a light buggy w/ stright axles, suspension similar to a scorpion w/ air bags and forced articulation and run a small aluminum 4cyl. I think it could work.

There are a couple of things I like about hydraulics and a few things I don't.

Pros...

Relatively cheap.
Easy to replace.
Provide the most power per unit of energy.

Cons...

LOTS of hoses.
Have to keep the fluid relatively cool.
LOTs of hoses.

What I like about the electromagnetic idea is that it doesn't generate much heat at the wheel. The only place that will really heat up would be the generator turned by the engine.

There are things I like and dislike about the Scorpion, especially after seeing one in person.

1) The rear suspension wants to crawl under the vehicle when hill climbing and it causes the vehicle to want to flop over.
2) It is very complicated (suspension setup), so that fixing something could pose a problem.

I'd go with hydro cylinders that can be bypassed to let fluid pass through so the springs and dampers can do their job.