T320 Forestry Radiator Sloution

Hello everyone, newbie here. I just wanted to post a solution I came up with. If you own a bobcat T320 or similiar and use it with a forestry cutter, you know how aggravating it is to clean the radiator. On top of that, when you take the oil cooler out, you will probably knock a hole in the radiator. I've been operating this machine for almost 3 years with almost zero issues other than the radiator clogging up and knocking a hole in it when trying to clean it. I tried the "radiator savers" without success. So... after laying in bed at night thinking about the problem for a while, here is what I did in a nutshell. If you want specifics, let me know. I'm not trying to sell anything but if you are near Charlotte, NC and want me to do yours or help you, it can be arranged. I recently completed this and have ran the machine for a week in 100 deg weather with no problems at all. I removed the oil cooler and AC condenser. Shortned the brackets on the condenser so that it would sit on top of the radiator in the original rear mounts. I had to fab up some brackets for the front tabs to sit on because they will no longer reach the slots up front. Then I turned the oil cooler upside down modified the mounting brackets adding a hinged mount on the rear. Purchased, modified, and installed a radiator overflow tank off of a T170. Changed the angle of the rear cover so that it will clear the new increased height of the oil cooler. Now, I simply remove the rear cover, flip up the oil cooler which is on hinges, flip the condenser to the side, and clean the radiator. One person can clean the radiator in about 5 minutes. This is difficult to describe in words and I plan on redoing all of the brackets this winter when things slow down. Make some on the milling machine so they look more factory. I wish I had taken pictures, but it's too late for that.

I'm pretty sure i know what you mean. Its handy that the air flow comes from the top of the radiator/condensor then to the fan then out, it means all the rubbish is on the outside of the radiator and radiator covers. Even when you tilt the consensor and use a pressure washer to blow it out.Nice idea.

Tazza said:

I'm pretty sure i know what you mean. Its handy that the air flow comes from the top of the radiator/condensor then to the fan then out, it means all the rubbish is on the outside of the radiator and radiator covers. Even when you tilt the consensor and use a pressure washer to blow it out.Nice idea.

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I always had plugging issues on my T190, so I just secured a fine aluminum window bug screen mesh over the outer screen and I never had any problems, once the heat built up, I got out and wiped the screen off. I wrapped it around the top and bottom with a 3/16" plywood strips with small wood screws from the inside and threading into the wood, and I pulled the rubber gaskets off the sides and siliconed them over top of the mesh to create a good seal.
Then everytime I went grass mowing where there was a lot of fine seeds and dust, I took a roll of Duct tape and taped off the gaps between the engine door and top screen, making a 100% air tight seal.

I am interested in your modifications to T320 cooling system. Do you have photos? Have you heard of anyone modifying fan to reverse and blow debris out of coils?

Maw2526 said:

I am interested in your modifications to T320 cooling system. Do you have photos? Have you heard of anyone modifying fan to reverse and blow debris out of coils?

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Sorry, but I don't have any pictures. I just wasn't sure it would work at the time and didn't think to take pictures. Its still working great. I added a steel roof that extends from the cab back to the "roll bar" between the lift arms that hinges to lay flat on top of the cab for service. Also added steel sides between the lift arms. So when the roof is down, the entire rear section above the radiator is protected from falling debris and also minimizes leaves, etc from building up. My dealer loves it. I will try to post a few pics but we are out of town on a huge project for a while. Not sure I can post pics from my phone. If you are anywhere nearby you are welcome to come see it. We may be selling a few machines soon(including the 320) and getting new ones if you are interested. We are based out of Monroe, NC but working in Bishopville SC right now. Colby S&P Land Services, Inc