Skid Steer Driveline

I know there are a million variables here, but is there a general figure for how long chains, sprockets and the like last in a skid steer.

I've got an '88 mustang 940 with somewhere around 10,000 hrs on it. Had approx 8k on it when i got it, so I really dont know what all has been done to it. I do know the chains and sprockets are getting worn, and I really dont want to sink the money to replace them all in a machine with that many hours.

I've looked at a few machines with 1500-2000hrs and they seem pretty tight. Talked to a guy about one with 2700 hrs yesterday, but it dropped a rod cap in the motor. Supposedly shouldnt be too bad to fix, but obviously I cant run it to check out the rest of the machine.

Was used by a landscaper. Looks pretty decent from the pictures. So my question is where is this machine in it's lifespan. I dont mind a project, but if I have to dump a few thousand in chains and sprockets in the relatively near future, I'm not really saving anything. The drive pumps and motors dont really concern me as I believe the ones I have now to be original, although the motors have been resealed a couple times.

Also, I'm not making a living with this. I rack up 100-150 hrs a year.

Thanks, Jeff

I bought my 1840 5 years ago with 6500 hours on it for $7000 off ebay. The guy had the receipts for the complete overhaul on the hydro motors etc. totaled about $3500. in all and had been just done. I figured a great buy. And It has been. I just did a complete bearing/seal overhaul on it this past spring 2011. Cost me 275.00 in parts where as if I had case do it. NO WAY.. While apart I priced sprockets and chains. Chains were like $50.00 per side and sprockets I could get from a salvage yard for $80. each. For me Id spend the money and rebuild what I have. Never know what problems you encounter getting a diff one. Like you I run maybe couple hundred hrs a year on mine. If you decide to rebuild do the bearings and seals while your at it. WOrst thing is when those are not kept track of youll mess up the housing then you have BIG$$$$..Good luck

If you replace chains before they stretch too much they don't wear your sprockets. I used to replace chains on trail bike pretty much every year and sprockets would hold up.

Hey Jeff check out this: link_disallowed they have a 940 they are parting out.

I think this machine may have been past the point of just changing the chains when I got it. Cant say for sure as its been quite a few years.

I do know the last time I had the cover off for an idler sprocket bearing, the sprockets were getting wore and the chains as well. Didn't figure I could change one without the other so might as well keep running it till I had to do something with it.

I priced the parts to do all chains and sprockets. Around $3200 in parts plus my labor. If I get a newer one I'd definately consider replacing chains if the sprockets were still good as it'd probably be under $1000.

I've repalced one set of chains in my NH. One side at 1500 hours. The other at probably 3000 hours. It's got ~5000 hours now. Seems to me it cost 300-350 per side using OEM endless chain. The sprockets were fine and still are.
There is adjustment on the chain. Once the adjustment runs out, replace the chain. It's not really a very big deal. I'd much rather deal with that than an engine that's dropped a valve.

Rod

(quoted from post at 21:38:31 02/24/12) I've repalced one set of chains in my NH. One side at 1500 hours. The other at probably 3000 hours. It's got ~5000 hours now. Seems to me it cost 300-350 per side using OEM endless chain. The sprockets were fine and still are.
There is adjustment on the chain. Once the adjustment runs out, replace the chain. It's not really a very big deal. I'd much rather deal with that than an engine that's dropped a valve.

Rod

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A lot of people could save a lot of money, and even more important, aggravation, by maintaining chains. It appears that the most maintenance that many chains get is to have the guards taken off in order to allow the chains to "weather" better.