Just before Christmas, I ask the board for some feedback on a front mounted hydraulic unit that I built for a customer (pictures are located in parts and pieces). I really appreciated the honest thoughts and comments since this is my very first unit to build. Your comments pointed out some of the challenges I am struggling with.....one being pump location. To obtain strong, fast and efficient hydraulic system performance, it is best to design the unit's pump to be crankshaft driven. That means the pump will extend past the grill about 8". And...because of the pump's location, it must be protected with some type of front mounted frame work. Another challenge is where to locate the reservoir to make it blend in with the tractor. Due to the "rated" gallons per minute of the pump, the capacity of the reservoir must be at least four gallons to correctly cool the hydraulic fluid. I struggle to come up with a design that somehow doesn't look "so out there" in front of the tractor, yet keep the pump protected and a common place to hang the hydraulic components. The purpose of this unit is to run hydraulic implement equipment. The pump is rated to the horsepower of the tractor's engine. Power Steering would be a side benefit. This particular hydraulic unit will be powering a hay rake. Interestingly enough, I did receive calls and I agreed to make more of these units. So, the design work goes on. This is an evolving process with each unit built, better then the one before. Never ending improvement. Thanks again for helping me.PS. On another topic....I appreciate all the phone calls, get-well-cards and prayers during my "surprise" Christmas visit to the hospital. I was deeply touched by your concern. A big special thanks goes to my bride for going against my initial wishes and making the doctor's appointment. Then, actually "grabbing" my ear and leading me to the hospital for a stress test. Three blockages were found; one 80%...two were 60%. The good news is that I have no heart damage as the problem was caught early enough to fix with stents. I have so much to be thankful for... loving wife, family, friends, customers and health....despite a very sore ear!
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