Hello, New to this board.
Looking at a OC3 W/ Ware loader project tractor. My question is that when functioning properly without the aux. transmission does this machine have the ability to move earth say equivalent to a skid steer? Or are most of these machines restored today more hobby than workers?
Would the installation of the Aux. transmission and slower ground speed increase the potential to be a real worker?
Thanks in advance
Peat
They can do the job, but it will not be as fast as a modern machine. I find that if you try to take too big a 'bite' when digging, you'll end up frustrated, as the springs compress down and then you'll end up stalling the engine as the blade digs in deeper than you anticipated. If you can be patient with smaller skims of dirt, it'll be OK. They are fine with looser material. And great for moving parts, rocks etc. You didn't say which model of loader. Some are better fro some jobs than others.
An aux trans sure makes a big difference, yes.
An OC46 with a reverser would double your speed and your power.
HG & OC3 Crawler Speeds with and without Trasco Auxiliary Transmission.
Factory:
1st - 2.01mph, 2nd - 3.19mph, 3rd - 5.24mph, Rev. - 2.33mph
With the Ford Model A:
Range 1: 1st - .64mph, 2nd - 1.02mph, 3rd - 1.68mph, Rev. - .74mph
Range 2: 1st - 1.08mph, 2nd - 1.72mph, 3rd - 2.83mph, Rev. - 1.26mph
Range 3: 1st - 2.01mph, 2nd - 3.19mph, 3rd - 5.24mph, Rev. - 2.33mph
Range Rev.: 1st - .53mph reverse, 2nd - .85mph rev., 3rd - 1.4mph rev., Rev. - .62mph forward
Depends if you want to push dirt like a dozer or dig, lift and move it around. My OC3-42 with
the Ware 3WI loader can lift anything you can put in the bucket, the only limitation is the
rear end comes off the ground and that's with the standard 800# weight package on the back.
After I added the Trasco Aux trans, it had it more torque for digging/pulling and maneuverability in tight spots. Also made it more enjoyable to use. Mine is a hobby machine primarily used for moving delivered topsoil around the property. It won't knock over trees (even small ones) if that's what your looking for. Advantage over a skidsteer would probably be traction, disadvantage is lack of all the attachments available for a skidsteer and broader availability of parts and service.
Do a search for "Emily the Dirt Boss" on YouTube to get some idea of what an OC3/HG can do.
Jethrow