skid steer hopping...

[nebraska_dale]

Hi everyone, Since I have only owned a skidsteer for two weeks now, I have this opperational question. When I'm working around and making turns, going forward or in reverse, sometimes the machine start to hop or rock. What is the reason for this action. I have been running the rpm's from around 2100-2700 and notice it. -dale

 

[frogfarmer]

My advise would be slow down and take it easy until you get a real feel for the machine. Only use enough RPM to keep the machine from lugging during use and dont expect to be a pro in an hour. Those of us who make it look easy have thousands of hours behind the controls and we are still learning. Check your tire pressures; make sure your linkages are tight and verify the machine doesnt have any other issues and your abilities should improve.

 

[nebraska_dale]

My advise would be slow down and take it easy until you get a real feel for the machine. Only use enough RPM to keep the machine from lugging during use and dont expect to be a pro in an hour. Those of us who make it look easy have thousands of hours behind the controls and we are still learning. Check your tire pressures; make sure your linkages are tight and verify the machine doesnt have any other issues and your abilities should improve.

Thanks for the reply... I really enjoy the thing, just don't want to develop any bad habits.

 

[Treekiller66]

Thanks for the reply... I really enjoy the thing, just don't want to develop any bad habits.

Ya also want to keep your load as low as possible that helps. But mostly some seat time is the right answer. Or like Ive been doing lately, steel tracks on ice. Spin her like a top.

 

[Chip S]

Worn out steering dampers'll get you hoppin' too. For instance, while you're concentrating on your right hand for a right turn, your left hand might be jiggling the left stick back and forth just a bit too much because the dead damper makes it too sensitive.

 

[nebraska_dale]

Worn out steering dampers'll get you hoppin' too. For instance, while you're concentrating on your right hand for a right turn, your left hand might be jiggling the left stick back and forth just a bit too much because the dead damper makes it too sensitive.

Can you tell me a bit more on the steering dampers? I usually turn with both sticks. Our lawn mower has two sticks and I'm used to moving both when making turns. Is this not good on skid steers?

 

[jerry]

Can you tell me a bit more on the steering dampers? I usually turn with both sticks. Our lawn mower has two sticks and I'm used to moving both when making turns. Is this not good on skid steers?

lift the seat and observe the linkages as you jiggle the sticks back and forth,with the engine off of course. It doesn't take much slack or wear to make a difference and you will see the dampers there at the same time.

 

[Chip S]

Can you tell me a bit more on the steering dampers? I usually turn with both sticks. Our lawn mower has two sticks and I'm used to moving both when making turns. Is this not good on skid steers?

They look like little shock absorbers. Disconnect one end. I f you can easily move it in and out by hand, it's shot. Cheap to replace, IIRC $8 from the dealer.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

They look like little shock absorbers. Disconnect one end. I f you can easily move it in and out by hand, it's shot. Cheap to replace, IIRC $8 from the dealer.

Wow Bobcats are $40 something each. Definitely look for slack in the linkage, it needs to be tight.
Ken