LS & LX Series Coasting on Hills

[mfyock]

Can anyone explain why some of these machines will coast when left on a hill, while others wont? My buddy has an LX485 with 2500 hrs. He can get off it on a hill and it stays put. He borrowed my LS160, 1400 hrs. He pulled up on the same hill, jumped out, and the machine started coasting down the hill. I always assumed it was wear in the hydraulics that allows the machines to coast, but both of these machines are low hours, well maintained machines. Anybody have any input? My old L785 wont coast in low speed, but will take off in high...

 

[jerry]

I think it is the gear reduction that allows the coasting. My 632 bobcat was direct drive from motors to chains and never moved on a slope but the lx665 is gear reduction and will roll on even a gradual slope.

 

[Mike10]

The hydro motors are two completely different designs between the LX485 and LS160. The motors on the LS160 are similar to the motors on the L553 and L555 and you better not let them sit on a hill without engaging the parking brake. I know a guy who stopped the engine on a hill to talk to someone and the loader started down the hill. He tried to apply the parking brake but on the L553 with the rod and sprocket design the rod would only jump over the teeth of the sprocket. I took it that it was an exhillarating ride, though that was not his description.
Both the LX485 and LS160 use gear reductions from the motors to the axles. The LX485 uses a chain and two sprockets and the LS160 uses a gearbox.

 

[mfyock]

The hydro motors are two completely different designs between the LX485 and LS160. The motors on the LS160 are similar to the motors on the L553 and L555 and you better not let them sit on a hill without engaging the parking brake. I know a guy who stopped the engine on a hill to talk to someone and the loader started down the hill. He tried to apply the parking brake but on the L553 with the rod and sprocket design the rod would only jump over the teeth of the sprocket. I took it that it was an exhillarating ride, though that was not his description.
Both the LX485 and LS160 use gear reductions from the motors to the axles. The LX485 uses a chain and two sprockets and the LS160 uses a gearbox.

So basically its the motor style that causes it to freewheel? Speaking of parking brakes...I have never had an LS/LX machine that has had a working parking brake. I have bought/sold about 12 in the past few years and none of them worked, and I never fixed any. Whats the deal with them? They just burn out easily? Did the L series have this same setup, or did they have a better brake? Thanks Mike

 

[skidsteer.ca]

So basically its the motor style that causes it to freewheel? Speaking of parking brakes...I have never had an LS/LX machine that has had a working parking brake. I have bought/sold about 12 in the past few years and none of them worked, and I never fixed any. Whats the deal with them? They just burn out easily? Did the L series have this same setup, or did they have a better brake? Thanks Mike

Mike
I'm told the brake wear out because people neglected to push the handle back down after they release it leaving the brake pucks to drag on the disc and wear out.
They should have a spring installed on the handle to pull it fully into release.
I do prefer it over the bobcat system as it can't automatically apply itself in event of a malfunction and it holds the loader tight when aplied, which is great when I'm grinding stumps and i want to be in a exact position
I have 1300 hours on my 160 and the brake will hold the drives. It has always rolled slowing down a incline with the motor off since I got it at 400 hours. Still about the same as always. Just the way they are.
Ken