Should drive wheels stall?

[Chris611]

I am looking at a used skid steer. Is a 1980's gehl 3310. It's hydastatic drive. I asked the seller if it would spin all 4 tires hoping that this would give me insight into the conditinon of the propel system. His response was that in loose stuff they would all 4 spin. Since this machine only has a 20 hP engine in it, I'm wondering if that is resonable that it would not spin all 4 tires if it had decent traction? What do you guys think? Thanks Chris

 

[mllud]

Very much reasonable that the wheels woulnt spin. Its more likely to do a wheely with good traction. Mike

 

[Chris611]

Very much reasonable that the wheels woulnt spin. Its more likely to do a wheely with good traction. Mike

Thanks for the reply. If I was pushing against something, should I expect the machine to spin out? Is there any other way to "test" the propel system that I can do when looking at used machines? Thanks Chris

 

[Tazza]

Thanks for the reply. If I was pushing against something, should I expect the machine to spin out? Is there any other way to "test" the propel system that I can do when looking at used machines? Thanks Chris

Even 20 hp you should be able to dig 4 holes.... My 743 with 34/36 hp will dig 4 holes. It does weigh 2 tonne, so it has more mass.
Just go slow and see what it does when you push against an un-movable object, you'll get an idea of its power, even if the wheels don't spin.

 

[thetool]

Even 20 hp you should be able to dig 4 holes.... My 743 with 34/36 hp will dig 4 holes. It does weigh 2 tonne, so it has more mass.
Just go slow and see what it does when you push against an un-movable object, you'll get an idea of its power, even if the wheels don't spin.

Yes I agree that's a good test, although a little hard on tires, depending on surface. Like the yard of my former employer, dirt with embedded gravel, it seems that a machine would be normal if it spun all four but also lugged down and would want to die if you didn't back off. It's hard to explain but easier to demonstrate.
If at all possible check your exhaust smoke while loading the engine, because an engine problem may manifest itself in this test also. If it dies too quickly with an excess of smoke it could indicate any manner of engine problems, and not necessarily hydrostatic problems.
It's a good test to check if things are OK, and not a reliable test to specifically pinpoint a problem, although it can get you headed in the right direction.