M371

[chase37]

Greetings, new to the forums. Just recently purchased my first skid steer a Melroe M371 thats needs some TLC. Been reading over the posts on the M371 trying to find information on the drive system. The steering on mine doesn't seem to operate properly. When attempting to perform a zero-turn the right hand drive appears to operate normally where as the left hand drive appears to be very weak. When moving control sticks opposite of each other it also seems to load the engine. If anyone has any info to share it would be much appreciate it. The year is unknown and it has no serial number. It has a 14hp single cylinder Kohler also equipped with the auxiliary hydrolic connection at the bucket with foot controls. Thanks for any information and look forward to some good discussions.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

To load the engine heavily on tight turns, especially on dry abrasive surfaces sounds normal,
Does the left steering lever have more travel then the right? It is normal for the drive clutches to eventually wear and need to be adjust. This adjustment reduces the lever travel as well.
I have never seen a manual for one but believe they were all the same. We do have a engine manual online here for the Kohler though. Some of the guys with the 610 models may chime in as the clutch setup is esentually the same,
Ken

 

[chase37]

To load the engine heavily on tight turns, especially on dry abrasive surfaces sounds normal,
Does the left steering lever have more travel then the right? It is normal for the drive clutches to eventually wear and need to be adjust. This adjustment reduces the lever travel as well.
I have never seen a manual for one but believe they were all the same. We do have a engine manual online here for the Kohler though. Some of the guys with the 610 models may chime in as the clutch setup is esentually the same,
Ken

The control sticks both move about the same, about 6" of travel from stop to stop. After I unloaded off the trailer into yard is when i first noticed it, but it also does it in loose gravel. Also when loading and unloading from the trailer I noticed it tips quiet easy loading forward as opposed to loading it backwards, can the tires be filled with anti-freeze like a conventional tractor or would there be too much weight for this small of machine? Thanks, Chuck

 

[skidsteer.ca]

The control sticks both move about the same, about 6" of travel from stop to stop. After I unloaded off the trailer into yard is when i first noticed it, but it also does it in loose gravel. Also when loading and unloading from the trailer I noticed it tips quiet easy loading forward as opposed to loading it backwards, can the tires be filled with anti-freeze like a conventional tractor or would there be too much weight for this small of machine? Thanks, Chuck

If you put it up against a tree, will it spin the tires on both sides? Also in reverse?
You need to load it in reverse unless you have a load in the bucket. You always operate the machine going “heavy end uphill”.
You could load the tires if you want, no harm in that so long as you work on firm ground.
Ken

 

[chase37]

If you put it up against a tree, will it spin the tires on both sides? Also in reverse?
You need to load it in reverse unless you have a load in the bucket. You always operate the machine going “heavy end uphill”.
You could load the tires if you want, no harm in that so long as you work on firm ground.
Ken

I have not tried that, I will at my first opportunity. Also should the control sticks have any tension on them? These move very freely almost as if they aren't attached to anything. My land is mostly rocky and hilly so I think I will do that. Also what type fluids do these small units require? I know the engine uses SAE 30, but not sure on the hydraulics and gear box. I have read it could use ATF, Hydraulic fluid, or 20W50 oil like the zero-turn mowers in the hydraulic system. I haven't seen a recommendation for the gear box. I have found a service manual and operators manual, both factory manuals . Thanks for the info Ken, Chuck

 

[skidsteer.ca]

I have not tried that, I will at my first opportunity. Also should the control sticks have any tension on them? These move very freely almost as if they aren't attached to anything. My land is mostly rocky and hilly so I think I will do that. Also what type fluids do these small units require? I know the engine uses SAE 30, but not sure on the hydraulics and gear box. I have read it could use ATF, Hydraulic fluid, or 20W50 oil like the zero-turn mowers in the hydraulic system. I haven't seen a recommendation for the gear box. I have found a service manual and operators manual, both factory manuals . Thanks for the info Ken, Chuck

Chuck
The handles moving freely is normal, they should only have resistance at each end.
My 371 had atf in the chaincase, but I never read that in any manuals. The hydraulic oil is also the chain case andt he wet disc transmission clutch oil.Only one reservoir for it all.
Other then that I'm not much help.
Ken

 

[chase37]

Chuck
The handles moving freely is normal, they should only have resistance at each end.
My 371 had atf in the chaincase, but I never read that in any manuals. The hydraulic oil is also the chain case andt he wet disc transmission clutch oil.Only one reservoir for it all.
Other then that I'm not much help.
Ken

Thanks Ken, any information from experience is helpful. I wouldn't have guessed the chain case and hydraulic system used the same fluid and reservoir. I have a service manual ordered for it. Thanks again Ken, Chuck