Did you steal the engine out of the Toro. Looks like a 4500. I am thnking about the vw 1.6 turbo diesel I have in my sidekick in a carry.
I love it! Borrowed... Is that what you told the wife most things I borrow never get put back where they came from!
my welding helmet is the same in the winter auto darkening lens hates the cold..pain in the butt...keep at it
Havent had that problem with mine. APC Speedglass. Matter of fact I haven't replaced the battery in it in about 10 years. I do however have a problem with the drive system on my Miller. Hates the cold... But we all know the drive system on Millers are crap. On the other hand the power source is awesome.
I haven't replaced my battery either..it's solar gonna have to prob. throw it away when the battery no longer takes a charge tho.it's not the best helmet but suits me as I do the majority of my welding outside..I'm too clumsy to let myself weld indoors anymore...can you spell .. multiple fires..all small but still..
As far as both the helmet and Welder go... I'd recommend and have been extremely happy with both brands. APC speedglas (3M) and the Miller (I see you have one). I think the problem with my Miller drive system is that I need to replace the liner, it seems to not feed well when the gun/cable is not straight. I've had it for 15 years and only consumable I've replaced is the tip... so its probably about due. Project looks good! What are the plans for the drive system? Hydrostatic?
have you considered 1 hyd drive motor to each axle...would seem to be much simpler to engineer ...control of 2 different motors per axle would be tricky
A great source for info on hydro drive (including several diesel to hydro projects) is http://www.hydraulicinnovations.com/ Check out their forums for some neat projects.