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I'm not familiar with the HU, but have spent many hours (most of them some time ago) in an HM, which also had the Hercules. It's still in the family and still running the "Herc"! Replacing the original transmission and engine directly with an automotive setup might be disappointing. Auto engines are designed to put out power at much higher rpms than industrial engines such as the Hercules, so if you can arrange to rig it up to allow the 4-speed to drive the original torque converter as if it were the engine output shaft you might have a useful combination when running in 2nd or 3rd gear on the 4-speed. That may involve some serious "cobbling" and you may find it necessary to install a couple of pillow blocks and a custom shaft between the original torque converter and your replacement setup, which might make the whole setup entirely too long.
The torque converter, if it originally had one - it was optional - is very useful in digging, as it allows you to have forward pressure on the bucket while lifting without stalling the engine or slipping the clutch.
You may find it necessary to go directly to the transmission input without the original torque converter, which gives credence to the other gentleman's suggestion of the C-6 transmission, however your speed range of the engine would keep you running in "D-2" in most cases. You'd probably have a pretty scary "road gear" in high - especially if it's rear steer as the HM is - you just about have to back it down the road to keep it under control! Another idea might be to use an engine such as the Chevy 292 6 cylinder engine, which has a much better low end torque than most V-8's. You might get away with it running direct to the torque converter or with the C-6 transmission. Good luck, and keep us posted as to your success. Leonard
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