I bought a used 2000 Max IV. I paid ENOUGH for it because I thought it was in great condition—with less than 200 hours of use—therefore worth the money. I got it home only to realize IMMEDIATELY—while unloading it—that something (or several “somethings”) was wrong with the machine. It was obvious that the thing was not right by the terrible noises it made and by the poor performance it showed when trying to turn. So, I talked to someone from the forum and some people from MAX who all gave me a list of possible problems that might cause these noises and actions. I was told that if my 6X6 had any one of these problems, that would account for the symptoms I was experiencing.
I was not happy, but I accepted the fact that I may need to correct any one of these possible problems. But, I was not prepared to end up needing to correct ALL of those possible problems. If ONLY I were exaggerating . . . but, I am not!!!
I was told that perhaps the drive chains were loose. They might even be loose because they were worn out and stretched, needing replaced. Perhaps they are loose because the idler sprockets’ bearings are shot. It turns out that both drive chains are shot and both idler sprocket bearings are junk, too. One of the two idler sprocket bearings was completely disintegrated. The other one just “needed replaced” while I was at it.
I was told that perhaps the teeth were knocked off of a sprocket causing the symptoms I was experiencing. Well, sure enough, I had THAT problem, too. The double drive sprocket on the left rear had the one sprocket partially wiped.
I was told that perhaps the T-20 transmission was loose and moving around. I was told that this can happen when some of the transmission bolts shear off allowing the tranny to move around. Sure enough . . . two of the four transmission bolts are sheared off in the T-20 housing, which I cannot get out, yet. I was told that the frame can twist where the T-20 mounts causing such symptoms as I was seeing. Yeps . . . when the bolts sheared off, that happened, too--the frame got slightly twisted. I was also told that perhaps the T-20 transmission fluid was low; maybe it leaked out or something. Sure enough . . . the tranny DOES leak . . . and from various locations on the T-20: such as from the center join and from the brake plungers (or whatever they're called).
Wow!!! I am not sure of what else even COULD do wrong . . . but, please don’t tell me, or else it will.
So, I have two questions for you fine folks on the forum:
1. What do you recommend I do about this leaking T-20??? Just let it go??? Rebuild it??? Thoughts???
2. What caliber gun do you recommend I use to put this machine out of its misery (and mine)??? And, how deep of a hole do you recommend I bury it in???
But seriously . . . I would appreciate any and all advice you can offer to me . . . about the T-20 problems I mentioned or concerning any of the issues I listed.