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to you hydrostatic guys...

mattfidaho

mattfidaho

New member
Can you tow a hydrostatic driven cat if they break down?
I was headed up to a tower site today and came across a broke down groomer. I got out and checked to make sure no one was in it..

once I was up at the towers and in cell range I made some calls to the county to make sure the operator had made it out safe and wasnt lost.
They were going back up today to bring more fluid as they had a leak on the one side and that was why it broke down.
so I got wondering if one could be towed out if the motor was not running? or how the hydro works if there is an issue like that?

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I believe most have a release switch, which allows for such emergencies. consult owners service manual before attempting. I would work on solving the engine problem
 
yeah,
They are doing what ever they are doing to fix it, :) I am back in a warm office now. lol
It just made me think... If I had come across him right after it was dead in the water if we could have towed him down the hill or not.
In all reality I would have just given him more hydrolic fluid so he could make it down the hill on his own.
but I have no experience in working or operating a hydrostic drive cat.
 
Matt,

The position I would take is, I would take the operator on board and give him whatever to help him get out. But I would think twice before hooking on to a state owned cat and try and tow it. I am sure if need be, another cat from another region could be brought in to do the towing.
 
yeah, that is very true...

the last time I helped the same guys out they only had one cat operational a BIG tucker 2000, and I help winch them out after they had been stuck for most of the day.
I know the pic is already in another thread.
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I wouldn't want to try and tow a cat out of where they were at. it would be too easy for something BAD to happen and then have 2 cats DOA.
even winching could end up bad. but I have made a few friends that are willing to help out if I ever end up in trouble.
 
Not exactly sure on the two track hydrostatic machines but our lamtrac is hydraulic driven. Each track has it's own motor. In the middle of each motor, there's a hex nut that can be removed allowing the track to turn freely without damaging the motor. THis would allow you to hook up and tow the cat without causing any damage to the hydraulic system.

(ignore the badly worn sprocket)
 

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Thought the same thing! Tracks must have to be banjo string tight to keep from slipping the sprocket.
 
The Pisten Bullys have a process of first releasing the brakes, which takes hydraulic pressure and then the older ones have a valve that allows the machine to be towed at 1mph, no faster without damage. The new ones like that one may be different. Some of the Bombardier BR400s have a way to disconnect the reduction gear/sprocket from the hydraulic motor so the tracks can freewheel.

The last thing you want to do is continue running a hydrostatic system with a fluid leak on the drive system even if you keep adding fluid. It is very high pressure and will cost thousands of dollars if the pumps are damaged by lack of fluid.

I've learned to accept the fact that all machines have breakdowns and in most cases it is best to stop, go get the parts, repair it properly and then continue on.

Last week, at 10:00 at night, the fan bearing came apart on my Pisten Bully and luckily the fan shroud prevented the fan from damaging the radiator. I wanted to limp it back to the trailhead a couple of miles away but the engine would only run for a couple of minutes before the temps headed to the red zone. I got it off to the side of the trail, called for a ride out(luckily had cell service) , ordered the part the next day, which was friday. Monday I drove to Anchorage and got the part and had the cat back on the trail that night. Piece of cake.
 
Even if you could tow a disabled 'cat after releasing the drive.... what's it got for brakes in that condition ?
 
I run a BR275. The drive motors have a cover on them that you reverse to "unlock" the hubs from the motors. Two bolts to remove, flip it over and two bolts back on. Once released there are no brakes. Since the machine is off to avoid damage you also can't lift or lower the tiller or blade. I would assume in most cases it is safer and easier to fix the machine where it sits.

Gary
 

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the only way to tow for any distance is on a rigid tow bar like the military uses that will fix both braking and steering problems
 
Be careful offering hydraulic fluid, the PB should be using a different oil then the Tucker does. They do not mix well.
 
Another issue towing a second unit is just the load factor on the towing unit. Unless it is almost half again as big as the towed unit, there is a lot of issues to contend with, much better to just fix it where it is at if possible, then drive it out.

Best is to make sure it is 100% before you go out, which of course isn't always possible, but I sure like to make that effort!
 
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