Issue with a potential MAX to puchase looking to guage how bad it could be

[mpilihp]

Hello, I am looking to purchase a max that has tracks. The explaintion of what is wrong with it from the seller is:

wheeler starts and runs fine however right side tires will not lock up to turn machine.i was told when i got it the bands were just placed.it is either out of adjutment or needs trans work.machine uses a t15 skidsteer transmission

He is asking $1800 for rig with tracks. Could this be more than just the band adjustment? How can I verify if it is/isnt something major wrong with the tranny?

Thanks

~ Phil

[hydromike]

Hey Phil,

The bands could be out of adjustment, a band may be broken, a band anchor pin may be bent/ broken, a diamond shifter pin may be broken, or it could be something as simple as a broken axle bolt (which would be entirely obvious). I've seen the sun gear on a drum entirely stripped out, too. I think any of these things could lead to the symptoms he's describing.

It'll really be tough to figure out what is what without at least a little recon. An axle bolt would be a quick, easy thing to see, but it seems a little too obvious. Did you ask why the bands were replaced? It's entirely possible that something may have broken after it was put back together but a band adjustment may be in order, regardless.

The T20 transmission (not "T15") is a pretty simple piece of mechanical engineering, and is easily taken apart, fixed and put back together. There are thousands of them out there, so parts are easily come across. $1800 doesn't sound like a bad starting point, especially with tracks. What model year/ engine size is it running?

[mpilihp]

Potential MAX

I dont know, I need to call and ask, its a LONG drive for me and wanted to know some detail before calling. Thanks Ill check it out and see about heading up to see it.

Id like one to tow a snowmobile drag (to groom trails) with, doesnt need to go fast, 6-8 mph. What would be the min size engine to allow towing with tracks on ?

~ Phil

[hydromike]

I don't know how hard a snowmobile drag tows, but the Max IV is pretty well-suited to tow 1000 pounds from the factory. The smallest engine that likely came in the Max IV you're looking at is a 16hp, whether it's a single or twin cylinder. At low speeds, you'll be fine. You can always change the spring in the driven clutch to engage a little later so the engine is making more power at lower vehicle speeds.

[MaxRules]

It is often just an adjustment that will solve that problem. What year is this Max? Price seems low no matter what is wrong with it, unless it's a real early model. The older style tracks are not much for deep snow. They are narrow and have gaps in the track. The newer rubber track is 15" wide and is a full belt just like a snowmobile. They put a lot more stress on the driveline so you'll want to run them on a newer Max with the axle bearing supports.