Motors in fairground rides

[daveimi]

Bit random. Just been to the local fair with the kids and there was a ride that was like a row of seats with an arm at either end. The whole thing moves like a four bar linkage n when you look round the back of it there's these massive traction motors and gearboxes that spin each arm. Being a nerd I wondered who makes these motors n how they control them and everything.

[maddox10]

Most of the time it's hydraulic.
The huge motor in the back is just part of the hydraulic power unit.