skip turning

1. #1stumpjumper832009-07-06 18:36

   the advantage is that its easier on the undercarriage. As for the proper way, volvo has some training videos on youtube that describe it very well. I'd tell you but he does a better job. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPB9iB1UKiI

2. #2Vantage_TeS2009-07-06 22:43

   Actually the real advantage is you dont tear the hell out of the ground. If you ever have to turn on pavement and dont lift your track up you'll rip up a fair bit of pavement. With a 385C and "skip turning" you can hardly tell I've been there. Now picture doing a job on a golf course or someones lawn where you have to sneak across. You definately dont wanna be tearing up a clients front lawn. Plus it saves alot of dirt getting picked up into your tracks that you have to shovel at the end of the day To do a pivot turn (to the right) place your bucket off to the right of the right idler (picture an X through the house you want to kee the bucket in the V area, which works out to around 15* past either idler, as that's your most stable position) then lift yourself just enough to clear the pads off the ground. Then slowly push forward on the left track just enough that it takes the slack up but not enough to pull the machine. Repeat for the right track except you are going to pull in reverse. Once you have tension on both tracks slowly add left swing and the tracks will pivot perfectly to the right! Stop swinging before your bucket crosses the X on the left idler or the machine will tip over and shove the track into the ground, something we are trying to avoid by doing this manuever in the first place! Remember you are just taking up tension with the track controls, the actual pivot is done by the swing motors. This also comes in handy when you start to sink, the tracks dont have enough power to force themselves sideways and push all that dirt so you have to pick yourself up high enough that you can turn.