JLG Little John Pulling Problem

[L2dig]

Good Morning I am new to this site and have a question which someone may have some insight. I looked at a Little John 500 mini skid steer for sale recently. The owner did not tell me it was pulling hard to the left before looking at it. When I asked him about it he said the linkage needed adjusment. The problem was in forward and reverse. I had the feeling the pull was due to a worn drive motor. Could the problem have been due to a linkage adjustment?

 

[SkidRoe]

I am not really familiar with that particular make and model, but I would not rule out a motor or a pump problem.
Is it possible to actuate the drive motors individually, or are the controls linked? If they can be run one at a time, they should have comparable power and speed if it is just a linkage problem.
Since the owner is selling this machine with obvious defects, does the price reflect it? If it does not, tell him to give you a call when the linkage is properly adjusted. Lots of fish in the sea.
HTH

 

[L2dig]

I am not really familiar with that particular make and model, but I would not rule out a motor or a pump problem.
Is it possible to actuate the drive motors individually, or are the controls linked? If they can be run one at a time, they should have comparable power and speed if it is just a linkage problem.
Since the owner is selling this machine with obvious defects, does the price reflect it? If it does not, tell him to give you a call when the linkage is properly adjusted. Lots of fish in the sea.
HTH

Thank you for the reply SkidRoe. The motors could be run independently and when I put them full forward the machine pulled heavily to the left. When I went in reverse the right side wheels again dominated. The machine is now sold, possibly to someone at a distance who may not even seen the machine. I was fortunate enough to be able to be close enough to look at it. The machine had starting problems, it needed a battery and two tires were leaking. The owner would not lower the price any where near enough to compensate for the problems. I was also concerned with the availability for parts for the machine being JLG no longer supports the machine for parts. By the way nice Bob Cat 440.

 

[SkidRoe]

Thank you for the reply SkidRoe. The motors could be run independently and when I put them full forward the machine pulled heavily to the left. When I went in reverse the right side wheels again dominated. The machine is now sold, possibly to someone at a distance who may not even seen the machine. I was fortunate enough to be able to be close enough to look at it. The machine had starting problems, it needed a battery and two tires were leaking. The owner would not lower the price any where near enough to compensate for the problems. I was also concerned with the availability for parts for the machine being JLG no longer supports the machine for parts. By the way nice Bob Cat 440.

Thanks! It's small, but handy as a pocket in a shirt!! Sounds like it is just as well you missed that one. Lots of good machines out there, with simple issues to resolve. Keep looking and good luck!!