It seems I have the only one of these in the world,in my shop. I have a Predator 425D its a front loader backhoe compact tractor. Made by Superstav s.r.o. in the Cezch Republic. After search after search on the net I found it was bought out by Earthforce,Which was a part of Bobcat at one time.......WELL... Bobcat can get parts for earthforce but don't know anything about Superstav Predator 425D..I need the rear ring and pinion.B&R gears wants a min. of $2000 to make the gears. Owner dosnt want to spend that at this time.So I am looking for any help on new or used parts for this ******* child. Thanks for any help Darrel. cell 405-473-6959
Predator 425D HEELLPP !
- Thread starter ddcvw64
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My neighbor has one of these and he has a similar issue exceprt he has torn out both ends. If you just want to be able to use it you can try what he did. Apparently it pulls primarily by the front. He pulled the rear gears out an put them in the front to still be able to use it but then they went as well.
As to Earthforce, they can't help nor can Bobcat. Superstav built these units for several years and then went bankrupt. After a few years the owner started again under the same name and this is the company that became Bobcat. He used different differentials the second time. The differentials are made by a company called Praktis.SRO from Slavakia. I have been emailing them and they can supply the gears, but one we reached the point where we were ready to order, they have stopped responding to emails. Perhaps you can get some response from them. Let me know if you do.
As to Earthforce, they can't help nor can Bobcat. Superstav built these units for several years and then went bankrupt. After a few years the owner started again under the same name and this is the company that became Bobcat. He used different differentials the second time. The differentials are made by a company called Praktis.SRO from Slavakia. I have been emailing them and they can supply the gears, but one we reached the point where we were ready to order, they have stopped responding to emails. Perhaps you can get some response from them. Let me know if you do.
I recently purchased Predator 425D and it is a fantastic 4x4 machine. The backhoe reach is close to 13' and it is a pleasure to work with - I believe it is much better than John Deere's 110 which is in the same weight class of approx 8000lb. As far as your question, Earth Force drive parts are the basis for the Predator and are interchangable and Bob Cat should be able to help.
This post is more as an update for those researching the Predator 425 Backhoe Loader.
I purchased one of these used in 2009 and it is a great machine. Super powerful for its size and can dig over 11 deep with the hoe. I致e lifted over 2,500 lbs with the loader and it didn稚 even hesitate. It is 4WD (can opt out for 2WD), and is front steer. Steering radius has been just fine and I have not felt the need for 4 wheel steering.
As for parts and repair: Bobcat does not support these, nor would you want to purchase parts that way . . . it is expensive.
The Engine: The Lister-Petter engine is a world class industrial engine, and is well supported for parts and accessories. Air, fuel, oil filters can be purchased at NAPA or other parts stores.
Hydrostatic Drive Motors: Char-Lynn Eaton (DANA Corp.) hydraulic motors made in the USA & still in production.
Hydraulic cylinders: Metric but should have domestic equivalents if replacement is needed. I had one of mine rebuilt for $75 new seals, etc. as it had a small seal leak. Works like new!
Gauges & Switches: generics will work if replacements are needed. I replaced the ignition switch on mine for $10.
Backhoe operation: Super smooth and very easy not jerky like many of the other small units I致e used.
Loader operation: Again smooth and easy. Lifts an incredible amount of weight for its size.
Seat: Multi-purpose, spins 180 deg. Only need 1 seat to operate the unit & backhoe.
Overall Costruction: Rugged! Frame is plenty thick; decking is thick diamond plate steel.
Axles: Weak Weak Weak! This is the only shortcoming I found. I broke the front CV u-joints very quickly. Instead of simply replacing the U-Joints I totally rebuilt the axle hub to hub & redesigned the H-Yoke CVs into a single u-joint of much larger size on each size (much like you see on a 4WD truck. The result was a much stronger axle with all new parts (bearings, fasteners, seals, gaskets, retaining rings, etc.) The differential was taken apart & inspected, but was not in need of a rebuild. I made the gaskets & modified the U-joints in my shop (now using an inexpensive heavy duty Spicer 1350 series). The bearings, retaining rings, fasteners, etc. were all available through suppliers like Fastenal.
I also broke the rear pinion. Major components for these differentials are not available as far as I could tell. I simply removed the rear axle and replaced it with a stronger one, A Ford 8.8. The Ford axle was a good candidate for several reasons. (1) It is stronger (bigger ring gear, thicker pinion, thicker shafts), (2) inexpensive (about $250 used), (3) Well supported in the aftermarket for parts, (4) has some desirable features such as a flat mounting flange for the hydrostatic motor mounting, & gussets on the differential case for mount surfaces. I replaced the gear set with one that closely matched the front gear set on the Predator. While doing this I cleaned it all up, installed new bearings & seals & made a few brackets to mount the axle to the tractor and the hydrostatic motor and parking brake to the differential.
This turned out to be a bit more work than I had anticipated, but in the end, with the axles replaced/improved, it is an unbeatable machine for the money. I致e put it back to work with the new & rebuilt axles & hubs without any further incidents. Aside from the front CVs & pinion, the rest of the machine is built very tough & strong.
I purchased one of these used in 2009 and it is a great machine. Super powerful for its size and can dig over 11 deep with the hoe. I致e lifted over 2,500 lbs with the loader and it didn稚 even hesitate. It is 4WD (can opt out for 2WD), and is front steer. Steering radius has been just fine and I have not felt the need for 4 wheel steering.
As for parts and repair: Bobcat does not support these, nor would you want to purchase parts that way . . . it is expensive.
The Engine: The Lister-Petter engine is a world class industrial engine, and is well supported for parts and accessories. Air, fuel, oil filters can be purchased at NAPA or other parts stores.
Hydrostatic Drive Motors: Char-Lynn Eaton (DANA Corp.) hydraulic motors made in the USA & still in production.
Hydraulic cylinders: Metric but should have domestic equivalents if replacement is needed. I had one of mine rebuilt for $75 new seals, etc. as it had a small seal leak. Works like new!
Gauges & Switches: generics will work if replacements are needed. I replaced the ignition switch on mine for $10.
Backhoe operation: Super smooth and very easy not jerky like many of the other small units I致e used.
Loader operation: Again smooth and easy. Lifts an incredible amount of weight for its size.
Seat: Multi-purpose, spins 180 deg. Only need 1 seat to operate the unit & backhoe.
Overall Costruction: Rugged! Frame is plenty thick; decking is thick diamond plate steel.
Axles: Weak Weak Weak! This is the only shortcoming I found. I broke the front CV u-joints very quickly. Instead of simply replacing the U-Joints I totally rebuilt the axle hub to hub & redesigned the H-Yoke CVs into a single u-joint of much larger size on each size (much like you see on a 4WD truck. The result was a much stronger axle with all new parts (bearings, fasteners, seals, gaskets, retaining rings, etc.) The differential was taken apart & inspected, but was not in need of a rebuild. I made the gaskets & modified the U-joints in my shop (now using an inexpensive heavy duty Spicer 1350 series). The bearings, retaining rings, fasteners, etc. were all available through suppliers like Fastenal.
I also broke the rear pinion. Major components for these differentials are not available as far as I could tell. I simply removed the rear axle and replaced it with a stronger one, A Ford 8.8. The Ford axle was a good candidate for several reasons. (1) It is stronger (bigger ring gear, thicker pinion, thicker shafts), (2) inexpensive (about $250 used), (3) Well supported in the aftermarket for parts, (4) has some desirable features such as a flat mounting flange for the hydrostatic motor mounting, & gussets on the differential case for mount surfaces. I replaced the gear set with one that closely matched the front gear set on the Predator. While doing this I cleaned it all up, installed new bearings & seals & made a few brackets to mount the axle to the tractor and the hydrostatic motor and parking brake to the differential.
This turned out to be a bit more work than I had anticipated, but in the end, with the axles replaced/improved, it is an unbeatable machine for the money. I致e put it back to work with the new & rebuilt axles & hubs without any further incidents. Aside from the front CVs & pinion, the rest of the machine is built very tough & strong.
luiz abreu
New member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2010
- Messages
- 1
Hello Skeg,
My name is Luiz Abreu.
I baught a Predator 425D not to long ago(about 7 months) and all its been giving me is headaches.
As you have stated before on your recent post,the front CV u-joints of your machine gave you problems. Well so is mine. The front joint broke and I have no idea on wear to get a new part, I've checked a lot of places such as the Bob Cat store.
May you please help me in finding a part or how I can possibly fix the joint/axle myself.
Thank you.
My name is Luiz Abreu.
I baught a Predator 425D not to long ago(about 7 months) and all its been giving me is headaches.
As you have stated before on your recent post,the front CV u-joints of your machine gave you problems. Well so is mine. The front joint broke and I have no idea on wear to get a new part, I've checked a lot of places such as the Bob Cat store.
May you please help me in finding a part or how I can possibly fix the joint/axle myself.
Thank you.
Hi Luiz,
What part of the CV joint is damaged? Is it just the U-joint bearings? If so, the replacement part is Neapco Universal Joint Part No. 20382. They are a direct fit. Taking the front king-pin apart has a technique, so if you undertake the disassembly (if not already done) ask me first. You need to make bearing pin pullers to get the bearing assemblies out.
If you have damaged the H-Yoke then there is no replacement part commercially available. You either need to find one surplus, or make one. I have one left over from my conversion and would sell it if you need it.
If you have damaged the yokes on either of the axle sides, the fix is either a refabrication of the axle yokes (or have an axle company make new ones) - requires some expertise, or replacement of the entire front axle assembly with something like a DANA 60 geared to match the rear differential. This would also take some fabrication skill as brackets would need to be made for the axle mounting, hydrostatic motor mounting and steering cyl. mounting.
The axles are the only major issue with the Predator 425. The rest of the machine is well made and most, if not all parts (axles aside) are readily available or easily substituted.
I hope this helps
Rich
What part of the CV joint is damaged? Is it just the U-joint bearings? If so, the replacement part is Neapco Universal Joint Part No. 20382. They are a direct fit. Taking the front king-pin apart has a technique, so if you undertake the disassembly (if not already done) ask me first. You need to make bearing pin pullers to get the bearing assemblies out.
If you have damaged the H-Yoke then there is no replacement part commercially available. You either need to find one surplus, or make one. I have one left over from my conversion and would sell it if you need it.
If you have damaged the yokes on either of the axle sides, the fix is either a refabrication of the axle yokes (or have an axle company make new ones) - requires some expertise, or replacement of the entire front axle assembly with something like a DANA 60 geared to match the rear differential. This would also take some fabrication skill as brackets would need to be made for the axle mounting, hydrostatic motor mounting and steering cyl. mounting.
The axles are the only major issue with the Predator 425. The rest of the machine is well made and most, if not all parts (axles aside) are readily available or easily substituted.
I hope this helps
Rich
do you have the old axles
Do you remember the gear ratio and what type vehicle the axle came from. My 425 appears to have a Ford 8.8 with 4:10 gears. I can't figure out what type vehicle to ask for at the junkyard to get the axle out of. On mine, it appears the pinion nut came loose and the pinion bound up with the ring gear, cracking the outer case from front to back on the bottom. I don't know if the pinion itself is damaged beyond reuse until I take it out.
what did you get the rear end out of(year, make,model)? I have one which has been retrofitted with a Dana 44 axle, but I have been unable to find a match for the 4.10 ring and pinion which have broken. The carrier case on mine has a sensor wired to the top. I can't find anybody that can identify the axle
rposton101
New member
Do you still have any parts or ideas on how to replace the front cv joints and yokes
Hangman856
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- Feb 17, 2018
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- 3
- Location
- Spring brook pa
- Tractor
- Ford 545, John Deere 850, predator 425d
I know it’s a very old thread. I’m just looking to see what solutions people ca,e up with. I just picked one of these up. I’m going to see about making an axle shaft myself. Although I did find a guy who can get them from over seas at $900 a pop before taxes etc. If anyone sees this and has any input. I would appreciate it. Thanks
Hangman856
New member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2018
- Messages
- 3
- Location
- Spring brook pa
- Tractor
- Ford 545, John Deere 850, predator 425d
Just putting this out there in case anyone is running into this problem with broken or missing axle shaft spline end. The spline is a metric 35 mm x 22 spline on the outer end of the axle shaft. I’ve been unable to locate one. I priced having one made but it was $2400.00 just for the splined shaft. So I started researching. I do. Or have the part number on me but if anyone needs it I’ll get it for them. Spicer makes a weldable mid ship tube for a driveshaft . It’s not metric but standard. It is also a 22 spline . It comes with the anti friction coating (blue) very hard to remove. With some patience an air grinder and or a dremmel. It can be modified to fit. I just finished doing mine. The cost of the shaft was approx $60. A machine shop wanted $800.00 to modify the splined shaft to fit the hub. Now I will take it to a local driveline company to get an h yoke and 2 weld on axle yokes. I will attach pictures if anyone is interested. There is no information left on these things. Corporate office of bobcat acknowledged they made them obsolete and purged all the parts and manuals. Hope this helps someone in a bind like I was.
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where are you located Earl, I have a 425d and have had all the issues that have been discussed here. lots i fixed myself. I would be interested in yours if u have not gotten rid of it yet or its just o far to drive
South Georgia
I’m in Valdosta Georgia
I figured out my axle issues. Mine is from a Jeep J20 with 4:10 gears. I did a complete rebuild on all rear end bearings, with new ring gear and pinion. That’s how my local NAPA was able to identify what the axle came out of. Now the section of my hydraulic pump that powers the drive quit working. All hydraulic cylinders work. Just not the drive.
Does anybody have pictures of their hydraulic pump under the floorboard?
Does anybody have pictures of their hydraulic pump under the floorboard?
