Recent content by vinito

Figured I'd post a bit of an update. This loader is in really good shape other than the undercarriage rollers and track being “less than minty”. I figured it wouldn't hurt to blow a little money shining that up so the machine will be reliable for a longer time. I won't be getting rid of the old...

Anybody have any thoughts on rubber track these days? It seems evident that this is somewhat relatively less mature compared to other parts, but the complaints of just a few years ago might not be as applicable currently. Not long ago the recommendation was to bite the bullet and go with OEM...

Well I've decided that for now I'll go with a tooth bar. I considered some that I could buy, then decided I could just buy the teeth and make a bar to fit the bucket, then settled into just deciding that I'll just make the whole smash. For the amount I use my machines in the past, some decent...

Ooh, I have a question too. I'm thinking of getting a new set of tracks which will hopefully wait until winter. The undercarriage needs some attention (mostly the plastic idler wheels & bearings) and that would be a good winter project if it holds out. Anyway, trackloaderparts.com offers OEM...

Good to hear that this machine is liked by some. So far I'm REALLY liking this machine myself too. I guess I'm ready to sell off the old HydraMac now. Well... not exactly “ready“ as I have to install a couple gauges I never got around to - the sensors are already installed so would be a shame...

Hi folks. I posted a restoration thread about my old HydraMac 8B restoration a few years ago. It turned out great and has served me well, but I ran across a halfway decent deal on something newer and much nicer today, so I committed to buying it. Now I just have to clean the old girl off and get...

Dangit, sure wish I could edit my own posts. The link to the restoration page was supposed to point here: http://www.skidsteerforum.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=54&frmView=ShowPost&PostID=93611

Hi all. It's been forever since I posted my Hydra Mac 8A restoration page. https://ced8.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/content/public/Wacker%20Neuson_803_MiniExcavator.jpg?itok=85K4HCcT I've finally been able to enjoy it a bit lately. I have a little video of me breaking my chintzy auger...

I was thinking about installing some gauges next, partly because I may have thought of a good way to make it very simple. My previous plan was to install them in some kind of box under the canopy, but after looking at the pedestal which houses the control levers, maybe it would be even better to...

Thanks guys. I appreciate the support. It's cool just to have the burden shift in my brain to the necessity of plugging away on it yet another day to deciding whether I just want to play around on it or maybe work on it a little. There is still a long list of wants to do to it such as the ROPS...

Boy, the video sure shows it's the Fall season here huh? By the way, the smoke isn't anything to be alarmed about. I think I just filled a little too much oil in the engine setting it up and it doesn't take much of a lurch to get some of it up in there I guess. After I fixed the chain and drove...

Without further ado: After the video, the right side chain “inexplicably” started slipping. Further investigation showed that it was one full link too long, which is very curious. I thought I was pretty careful setting it up the first time, but I took it apart and everything was just fine other...

Yea, that collection of hoses seemed fine for the money when I placed my order, but it sure fit in a smaller box than I pictured. But they were all there and all correct. OK the whole thing is together including the previously broken fittings...wait a minute, what did I just say?? holy crap the...

A couple days ago I couldn't really think of anything that could keep me from having this thing running this weekend. Well yesterday I found out. It's all put back together and I could have fired it up if it weren't from two fittings breaking on assembly. It's the female swivel NPT collars. I...

Here's what $400 of hoses looks like: Won't have a chance to start until tomorrow, but that's alright. I did get the “new” battery and created yet another wrinkle for myself, but it's pretty minor and won't prevent me from getting this thing running this weekend. The wrinkle is that the...