:IH Trusted Hand:

Try to get the two rear axles as close together as you can. Farther apart they are the harder it will be to turn. Picture turning a corner and the rear axle having the best traction, the middle axle would literally have to be drug sideways. Closer would ease that a little.
Cool project, good luck.:beerchug:

The axles are literally as close together as tire diameter will allow. I put a pair of turf tires and wheels on one side the other day, and there was about an inch between the two tires.

Sorry must be an illusion to me looking at those pics. Keep up the good work!

Seems someone was trying this earlier in the year.:bigthink: Don't think it was ever finished after some of the issues were pointed out.
One I remember was the rear axles. Without them floating, traction was an issue on even the smallest of hills. In any uneven terrain, the forward, or rear axle would come off the ground...
Pretty cool thought, I'll be watching to see what you end up with.:beerchug:

Found it.http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ht=tandem+axle

Yeah, I was in on that discussion. Very similar builds (and build on the fly approach!) Never did get an update from that thread's OP, did we?

I thought about a suspension system for the rear axles, and had developed a preliminary design, but the cost of the components just got out of hand. I can always go back to that within this build if I get ambitious.

It might help terrain following if there was a hollow trunnion in between the rear axles.
The hollow would be for the hydro shaft to run through.

Probably would make even harder to turn, LOL.

Sure, you may have traction issues, but since this is just a fun build as part of your hobby, weld it up as you go and see how it turns out. If, when you think you're done and the traction is an issue, cut it up and try again. Just make sure to post some pictures!

Best reply yet! Now get busy in the shop.:popcorn::popcorn:

I have been busy in the shop today! Waiting on cabinet parts to finish the wet bar in the basement family room, so I got a reprieve from the "home" work.

Here are some pics. Added the front to rear brake links with turnbuckles to adjust the rear brakes independently. I may yet go back and join the original existing front and rear brake rods, as it it turns out they are beefier. Not sure my 1/4 inch rods will hold up.

Installed the jump shaft (front to rear hydros).

Replaced the damaged suction line on the rear hydro. The PO had a hose clamp over the damaged spot. Got a replacement off ebay. replaced the filter and fluid in the rear axle.

Replaced the manual relief valves with auto valves.

Primed and painted the frame to prevent rust.

Finally, hooked up a drill to the drive line and tested operation briefly.

Have not linked the front and rear hydro control plates yet. That's next.

Also need to get my four new tires mounted. I tried to mount one of them today but my HF mini-tire changer (used to mount a bunch of tires before, including 4 pair of Tru Power ags) couldn't get the the first 6 ply deestone ag on the rim. Taking them to a local shop on Monday. Not worth wrestling with any more.

link to drill driven drivetrain test: https://youtu.be/CR4mgLJFy7Y