Posted by Todd on July 21, 2009, 21:29:36
24.225.101.205
Hey guys. I have asked this before but never really got anywhere. Have any of you ever seen a home/shop built utility vehicle? Sort of like a cross between a Unimog/Kawasaki Mule/Bobcat ToolCat. I was looking at the old Unimog from back in day just after WW2 and those were just super at what they were for. A "road tractor" so to speak. Of course we are all familiar with the Dakar Rally Unimogs and those are truly utilitarian vehicles. They also cost nearly $100,000 new. Even old Mogs cost 10K to 25K. I never realized how versatile they all. They have front, back, and sometimes side PTO points. Accept a ton of attachments and are still road legal. The original Unimogs were MUCH smaller than the current version and were utilitarian in nature. If any of you have priced ANY of the so called utility vehicles from Kawasaki, Bobcat, or Kubota, you know you could buy a nice used 4wd truck for the same money. They are truly overpriced for no more than they amount to. I have seen Mules at nearly $15,000!
So what to do? Of course a utility tractor is nice. Same problems. 15-25K for a 25-40hp model. I have often thought there should be a way to make a smallish utility vehicle with a straight ladder frame, minimal suspension, cab over engine body, PTO front and back, and keep it simple with used automotive/truck parts. Now realize I UNDERSTAND this is no easy project. In fact it would be a ton of work. Hence the necessity of using auto parts which are cheap compared to dedicated truck/utility parts. I am thinking a small, inline four or six cylinder petrol engine(4cyl. diesel a big plus but good luck finding one reasonably), solid drive axle at back, and automatic transmission/transaxle for ease of use. I think an attachment point at the front for a five or six foot front deck mower either powered by the PTO or failing an easy way to do that pushing one of those self powered mower decks you see at farm stores. I think the biggest hurdles would be steering and brakes and just plain SAFETY all around. What do you thin about one of those small cabs you see on powered implements like self propelled field sprayers? I am just dreaming here but would really like something for my mom's farmstead that is usable year round. Hence the idea of a cab since it would have roll up windows, doors, etc. Thanks guys.
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