Looking at buying a Max IV

[IdahoTim]

I'm looking at a 2005 Max IV with tracks and a cab. I has a 27horse Kawasaki engine. I spent some time going through the threads here and it appears they are pretty high maintenance. I plan to use in only in snow since I have other ATVs for summer use. I am interested in the winter tracks idea. I don't plan to use it in the water or on heavy off-road trails. Mostly logging road and trails. What would I be looking at as far as maintenance? The current owner has said that he has broken an axle and replaced it. Sounds like that is a common occurrence.

[tbone9]

Welcome to the site. I’ve got the exact same machine. After many miles and years running factory tracks I can tell you it’s best to remove the front and center chains and just run off the primaries. It’s way easier on the drive line. Maintaining constant tire pressure is also important running tracks. The factory tracks are best suited for snow. Most of the time a broken axle comes from too much air pressure or a machine that’s not set up for tracks. Must have 3 bearings per axle. As far as maintenance goes, bearings, chains, and sprockets are drive belt are your key areas. If tracks are off jack it up and try and wiggle the wheels to check bearings. Hope this helps

[IdahoTim]

Thanks for the info. Good to know. I'll try and check that stuff out.

[2xmax]

for what its worth keep in mind the Recreatives/Max is no more and it appears the OEM will not be re emerging with support for the max line as we all know it. Rumor has it anyway.??Could be wrong but would not be shocking, just bought a used one myself so you'll have company in owning a discontinued "classic" machine.

[2xmax]

oops hate replying to my own post. Despite they might be "classics" now .I am fairly sure there will be parts available from other sources for some time. I have old tractors that I can still get parts for despite the OEM dropping them years ago. so not, sure i'd let that dissuade you. I didn't, maybe coulda got a better price but might also have opposite effect in that if .it is no longer built so you can't get one of these anymore often brings a premium. just another way to look at it.

[IdahoTim]

Good to know. Thanks.