I posed this question on the track loader forum and since realized that forum is really about larger track loaders and not so much skidsteer trackloaders. If a mod wants to delete my question on the track loader forum that would be good as I know most forums frown on double postings. Actually I have the polaris ASL 300 which is really just the rebranded ASV RC 30. I have close to 800 hours on the machine and most of the normal weak points have failed. Drive motor seals, track wheel bearings... In researching these failures I ran across a mention of the coupling for the main pump also failing on these machines. No biggy, I will just fix it like all the others problems I figured, but then it hit me. I run my machine on steep, 4 foot wide trails to and around my property. What would happen if the hydraulic pump coupling fails while climbing or decending a steep grade? Free wheeling, no bucket control.... It does have the spring loaded hydraulic piston parking brake system that works by propping into the track sprocket. First off I think the machine would be moving too fast for it to engage and second if it did, since it is only on one track, it would spin the tractor sideways and roll it over. Once rolling it is a 1200 vertical foot ride. I saw mentioned in one of the threads on ASV/terrex that the new drive motors have built in braking? Anyone one have any info on that or any other thoughts on this? Beings that this would be a life or death component failure I figure it would be worth it to spend a couple of grand to address this.
Generally speaking, brakes at rest are on, so a lack of pressure to hold the brake off should result in the brake appling. Skidsteers and more so track machines do not roll easy and the failure of a pump coupler would mimic shutdown. Granted you do not have engine compression to hold it back, but I would assume there would be enough restances in the hydrostatic system to slow the machine down for the brake to engauge, if it hadn't already. I don't think you would have a problem and if it really worries you, replace the coupler before it fails.
Thanks Bobcatdan. After you posted I went out and ran the rc 30 up a steep hill, lifted the cowling so I could see the engine and then shut it down. The RC 30 rolled back slowly until the brake pin engaged. As it was rolling back the engine did not turn so what i though was compression braking with a slow turning engine like if you park on a hill with 2nd or 3rd gear engaged in a car, wasn't. I did think about replacing the coupling but from my understanding it is a splined plastic coupling and I was not sure about one piece of plastic between me and the here after. What you say about hydrostatic systems in somewhat reassuring.
I'm guessing it has a lovejoy coupler and those are pretty tough.
The pump to motor coupling is really stupid design. You have two bolts on the side holding the pumps. If I was designing this I would have a support mount up the front of the pump assembly, unless there is a good reason that this won't work. Check to see that you have the upgrade kit installed, which is a bracket up on top of the pumps you can see it here http://www.trackloaderparts.net/ASV-RC30-09B.aspx Far as problems on steep slopes, a hyd failure is the same as letting go of the directional controller. The machine will slowly creep but not run away because you still have pressure in the system, so instead of the drive pumps turning the drive motors, you have the drive motors trying to turn the pumps. I would think a blown hyd hose in the drive circuit would be a bigger problem.
No, it's a steel coupler in a plastic drive plate http://www.trackloaderparts.net/ASV-RC30-10A.aspx number 10 Works pretty well if everything is aligned and tight.
Thanks for your input. Can I check to see if it has the upgrade kit by just dropping the aluminum pan on the bottom or do I have to go in from the top pulling the seats and gas tank out? I had one of the drive motor feed lines start seeping and I changed it for the very reason you mentioned. If a hose in the drive circuit blew would there be enough residual pressure allowing the driver to drop the bucket for a drag? Some of the grades on my trail are steep enough that to climb them it takes full throttle and a creep to climb them. In the past I have pulled a trailer down the mountain but with a half a ton of steel on it. That is another case that had me a bit worried about a hydraulic failure. Seems to me I read some of your posts awhile back. Didn't you have a coupling fail because the hydraulic pump mounting bolts kept falling out?
You have to go from the top, well perhaps you can drop the pan and try and feel if the kit is there but it's no drama to pull the seat and tank, although it's hard to get the seat bolts back in. The fuel tank is split from the fill hose near the tank. The drive circuit is separate from the loader arms. The coupling failed on my machine because the mounting plate was worn, so there was not a tight fit. Basically the bolts got a bit loose and the wore the plate.
Hi Klamath, about your steep trails... have you any pics?! Operating on steep drops is maybe more than machine is designed for,, get one track over and it'll go. The roll cage is pretty tough but make sure you have seat belt on and a hard hat in my experience.
Hi Hendrik I live in Melbourne and just bought a 2007 RC30 to use on my owner builder house project. Would like to contact you for a chat. Please text me a contact number on 0414654301. Cheers, Tony.
Hi Hendrik I have an RC30 I'd like to talk to you about, it's having few issues. Can you please call or text me your number on 0408 850 315 please? Thanks mate