What can we expect from a compact crawler

[jmfox]

I initially posted this to the owner/operator category, but thought posting to this forum might be better:

The ASV SR80 is a new concept for me. (My experience is with mechanical hydraulics and drives.) The first thing I did was climb the steepest hill I could find. This thing is fearless when it comes to slopes and is not afraid of thorn trees. After an hour with the joy sticks my operating prowess looked like a scene from a jerky boy cartoon. Some how I manage to uproot a bunch of 2-6" box elders and brush with the 72" 4-in-1 bucket. After making a mess of the field, I decided to dig out the soil in front of my barn in preparation of stone when it stalled in a pile of dirt and failed to start (electrical short).

Because of the electrical problems, the subject of another thread, my experience is very limited. The feel of an all hydraulic variable displacement power systems are difficult to get use to compared to mechanical drive and mechanical pumps. In the old days a machine would keep crawling until it died, now the tracks just stop to share power with the bucket or simply poop out. There use to be considerable leverage realized when a machine was crawling forward, twisting turning, while the bucket was lifting and curling. With the new hydraulics it just seems to take a break if you work it too hard. If I use the 4-in-1 bucket as a dozer blade, in any establish soil, even top soil, the machine stops. With a little finesse you can get it to do a little dozer work, but angle seems to be a must. I guess this isn't my father's 933 traxcavator. It's going to take me awhile to enjoy it's potential, but it seems best suited for cleaning up. Has any done any series digging with a compact crawler?

jmf

 

[atgreene]

I have run the Cat with the ASV treads and was thoughally impressed with where it would go and what it would do. Although I grew up around everything mechanical (think Ford 9n and Ford 4000 with backhoe), I quickly fell in love with true hydraulics once I ran a JD 70 trackhoe.

The only drawback I see with the ASV is the cost of repairing the undercarrige. I've been told that the one I rented needed new rolls etc.... at 1200 hours and that it cost over 4 thousand to do it. Doesn't seem very cost effective to me, but that's why I'll rent and not buy I guess.

There is something positive to be said about letting out a clutch and letting a machine dig, though.

 

[Robbie Hegwood]

Quick background. Never drove a SR series. Have run a RC-60 with a mulching head and it ran strong and had good power. When I was shopping for a tractor I had a Bobcat T-300 in my yard and was close to buying when I went to demo the mulching head. While I was there to see the head they asked me if I wanted to test drive a 100. The difference was remarkable, 20 H.P. was deffently(sp) felt and I was sold, also later through trial and error the bobcat wasn't high flow.

All that for this, your tractor sounds like a dud. I'm not being ugly just something doesn't sound right. With 80 H.P. one should expect more. Escpecially for the money. I helped my saleman sell a 80 with mulcher recently and don't think he could have if it didn't make decent power. Just from your reports something sounds wrong.

Two options. Make them take it back and test the engine output and the hyd pressure it's putting out. Between those two they should find something.

Next is go run a 100 and compare, or have them bring you one. With your tractor being new you should be able to trade at full value if you need the extra power. I personally like power in reserve.

If that doesn't work tell them they can have it back and I put you in touch with my salesman. They wouldn't stand for the trouble your having, they would have already taken it back and probably replaced it.

Original question. My 100 is a tank with a dirt bucket. A large loader operator watched me one day and was very impressed. He thought the tractor was 130-140 H.P. easy. I've already bent one bucket by hitting a stump underground while digging.They are strong and I hope you get yours running right for they are great tools.

Robbie

 

[jmfox]

Actually, I think it is the operator... me. As atgreene put it, I'm use to letting the clutch out. (I also have a Ford 4000.) I've only driven it for about an hour before it quit but by then I was ripping up shale to make a parking lot in front of my barn. I have no feel for hydrualic drive. I've just been out of touch. I do know the 100 is a big jump, and after driving the T300 by Bobcat, I also know the ASV I have is more powerful with the same hp.

jmf

 

[jmfox]

A repair was made and the SR80 starts again. I actually got it dusty today. I'm into my second hour and I'm getting the feel of this thing. It actually digs quite well. I am surprised at how much work can be done in an hour. Very smooth and the 12.5 mph enables it to move dirt around a large site without a truck.

jmf

 

[Terra Firma Scott]

JMF -
When i first got my machine I was only running the bucket and Engine speed at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle...Just sounded better and with my early joystick skills it felt better and more controllable....I finally learned that when digging or uprooting something more compacted or heavier i would need more engine speed...So-Your machine should kick butt power wise for what youve described as digging and carrying etc...Crank up the rpms some more and see what she'll push up/tear up,etc...Especcially if you get a mower or mulcher..Mine runs at 85-95% throttle with the mulching head on it...I really like that SR80 i think you just need some more time to figure her out...