[Robotgroup] [RE] TMMRS # 0 Re: RG emails on Google

[Mark Hinkle]

   ---------[ Received Mail Content ]----------
   Subject : [Robotgroup] TMMRS # 0 Re: RG emails on Google
   Date : Mon, 19 Mar 2007 22:44:21 -0500
   From : Glenn Currie
   To : The Robot Group Mailing List
   TMMRS #0
   < snip>
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   < snip>
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   More fodder for disagreement:
   > Ever heard this one?
   >
   > "I'll save money on car repairs on my current vehicle, by getting a
   new car."
   >
   > Translation of rationalization - "I just want a new car - a SUV!".
   Actually, I originally bought an SUV (2000 4Runner) since I do a lot
   of camping and it fit into my plan of "family expansion". I did, save
   money on ditching my old 4WD Ford pickup and replacing it with a "new"
   (used with a couple 1000 miles) 2005 Toyota Tacoma truck. The repairs
   on the 4WD were becoming expensive and I had a LONG roadtrip (AZ to
   PA) and the truck overheated a couple of times towing my trailer.
   They new truck needs no repairs. The payments are what I was spending
   MONTHLY to keep the old truck running. I can carry my kids in the
   truck. It gets better fuel economy than my wife's SUV. It is even more
   roomy.
   When the truck gets paid off, we'll get a newer model SUV (another
   4Runner) that gets even BETTER fuel economy, can tow the trailer, AND
   is more roomy.
   > Many buy an SUV, because everyone else is buying one. For most, it
   is
   > a fashion statement, not practical transportation. Few people (12%
   ?) ever
   > drive "off road" in their SUV. Vehicles well adapted to serious off
   road
   I do drive off road, but not often and stick to established/graded
   roads. No need for 4wd but I do need the suspension and tow capacity.
   So this does not apply to me.
   > use, have stiff suspension and drive systems not well suited to
   sustained
   > speeds of 45 mph or faster. Compared to a passenger sedan, a SUV
   < snip>
   > A prefect example of a fashion statement vehicle is - a "Hummer". It
   is
   > a cheap imitation
   > of the military vehicle. The military version has hydraulic drive to
   > each of the 4 wheels.
   The "Hummer" is a sad and ugly thing that rides like crap and is built
   like poop. That and the XTerra are examples of shameless opulence. If
   I want to to that route (shameless opulence), I'll buy the Bugatti
   Veryon. :-P
   > Look under the vehicle, and you will see no differential. The
   > centerline of the undercarriage,
   > is, is clear. Each of the 4 wheels, has an independent hydraulic
   > circuit, with check valves.
   >
   > As long as 1 wheel
   > has a functioning hydraulic circuit, that wheel is capable of moving
   the
   > vehicle. It is a
   > great, off road drive train and is a very expensive way of doing
   things
   And it is a kick-ass ride. I was required to learn to drive one. Yes,
   I am, in fact, a licensed HMMV driver!
   > The "civilian" hummer essentially has a pick-up truck chassis, with
   > wimpy suspension,
   > for a smooth ride and a "look alike" sheet metal body. All of the
   > fundamental mechanical
   > systems that make it special, are missing. Including the fake, self
   > inflating safety tires.
   See my earlier statement on it being crap. Get a 4 Runner and save
   your money by getting a reliable vehicle that provides excellent
   utility for all us city folk, and is a comfortable ride.
   < snip>
   > Hummers are a cheap (not inexpensive) knock-offs.
   >
   > "Yes, but I want one..."
   No I don't. Give it to me for free and watch it appear on EBay or
   traded in on something worthy of my money.
   ----
   KEEP THE RANT ALIVE!!!
   ---------------------------------------------------------
   My parents just came back from a planet where the
   dominant lifeform had no bilateral symmetry,
   and all I got was this stupid F-Shirt.
   ---------------------------------------------------------
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