For clarification the Mark 1 always had a fixed feed. The Mk 2 as stated. At this stage there is no such animal as the Mk3.
http://www.hofmannengineering.com/products_10_1_lineborermkiii.php
Old video
yep; provided by Kevin Hatten circa late 90s while he was manager of technical sales...Kevin is now former Hofmann employee as you are aware.
People that ask about Hofmann's line borer(s); Cat dealer shop foreman's, independents...their negative reaction, i.e. big, heavy, impossible to use in space limited applications, outweigh positives of manufacturing quality and workmanship. Video becomes IMO 'anti-sales'!
35,750 views; analytics, Australians, Indonesians and South Americans (Peru-Chile) comprise the main groups of viewers. Peru, they've copied B&D-BRS and Cmax design features, 60mm bars (Patent Infringements_Can't Sell in US). Indonesians have cloned Cmax, 60-90mm bars.
Easier = Improved Efficiency, i.e. maximize productivity with minimum wasted effort and expenses.
Apply that to OP's question, 'what are your thoughts about hydraulics'.
Simple answer: Purchase Climax BB5000 with Eibenstock 4 speed reversible motor! Optional hydraulic motor usage at added expense. OR BRS (clones) products; electric or hydraulic. BRS cannot fit into confined spaces, directly compared with Cmax BB5000.
Any discussion about Rayf's recent consultation, O&K 600Ton face shovel
is trolling, obfuscation and off topic...ditto MY replies.
I do not post photos-videos for a specific reason; patent trolling. Obama signed '1st to file' with 1yr grace period, rest of the world is '1st to file' zero grace period. Zero grace period means, any from of publication, internet forums, blogs, trade magazines etc, i.e. share your innovative, 'novel idea(s)' NO longer patentable.
For Nerds
http://www.industryweek.com/intelle...m=email&elq2=627c9c9ff3d447ffa5241bb9878d65d0
Doing self-patent research (new novel idea, any prior art?), writing patent draft reduces cost; typically US $10-15thou after the patent attorney files for simple utility patent.
Example in this thread: End of bar driver carriage with 'feed rack gear combined with top tubular support guide' and 'anti-rack over driving mechanism'. Published and no longer patentable design features per patent's claims.
Cheers