Hi and thanks. I was being facetious with the 4X4 comments as these are only 2WD and physically very heavy in construction. They readily sink in soft turf and are terrible on anything that is not firm, level, and dry. Without suspension they really lack performance in less than ideal conditions.
Now to the "Meat" of the post:
"Off" has forgotten much more than I'll ever know on these and has been instrumental in helping get this thing from a hopefully useful scrap acquisition, to something that is very reliable, and usable. The post is kind of a "tongue in cheek" way of publicly telling him "thanks" once again and maybe share some humor of my ignorance, or ineptitude. I was laughing when it sunk, and was again finding humor in the extraction. "**** Happens" as they say, and we go on.
I'll speak a little further of the lift. "Off" provided wiring diagrams, hydraulic diagrams, and technical knowledge along with professional, and practical guidance to make the lift operational. I've never worked on one of these prior. He even explained how to spread the axels as the unit does not have outriggers for stability. I did have to install new hydraulic drive motors, and counterbalance valves to make the drive axle perform as designed. The prior owner had one counterbalance valve backed all the way off so it was the sole motive force as the other motor was worn out. Basically it was a "one wheel wonder" and wouldn't even pull itself on a gravel parking lot unless the counterweight was over this drive wheel. The original 5.95ci TRW/Ross hydraulic motors are long obsolete with no direct replacement available so went with a pair of new Char-Lynn 6.05 ci motors. I plumbed into the system adjusting the Racine proportional valve bank relief cartridge to the correct value, and this is how I found the counterbalance valves maladjusted when measuring flow/pressure to the drive motors. Being unable to adjust both equally I took them apart finding one with a broken spring from being forcefully adjusted. Ordered two new Sun Hydraulics units rated at system pressure and they work very well allowing both drive wheels to pull evenly, yet allow differential action through turning. If I would have selected a higher relief, or differential operating pressure, the wheels would act more as a "spool" rather than a differential, but I operate a lot in finished turf so didn't want to scrub more than necessary. These work very well in the application.
The wiring was/is a mess, and the hydraulic hoses are aged out from use and exposure. I have all functions working now and am going to rewire, and rehose the machine total after a good blasting and repaint. It is not new and modern, but does not have to be for me. Reliable, it must be and seemingly is now. It will start when zero degrees Fahrenheit with little trouble, and is ready to go with a few minutes warming up.
Apologies if I mislead anyone as that was not the intent, nor point. I know this lift is not 4X4 as no drive assemblies in the steer axle, and I've had the front wheels apart to repack the bearings and install new grease seals. Again, I was being facetious in the post referencing 4X4.
Going to smash on this one again as I couldn't have begun to fathom what it would take to make this lift operational had it not been for "Off" stepping up to the plate offering help.
If you got this far in the lengthy post your attention span is greater than mine, or you found it interesting? Don't forget it's about three minutes of your life you won't get back.
Thanks,