Author Topic: My New Land "Raptor Ridge" (Read 94975 times)

JR · « **Reply #1300 on:** February 15, 2022, 08:43:59 PM »

Been working on the track rollers and adjuster. Tracks look inside, long as they don't tear I am good. I would say the roller bearing is bad. Built in jack is nice too.

Painting done, maybe a little touchup but looks OK for a roller and chip brush.

JR · « **Reply #1301 on:** February 15, 2022, 08:51:54 PM »

After taking the track off, idler and such I removed the bad roller. Yep, seen better days. Looked at rebuilding some, but the bearing and seal cost more than the whole roller.

Pulled the last roller too as the piston had turned and a bolt/zerks would not allow it to pull through the slot. Pulling the roller allowed a pipe wrench in there and out she came, mostly,,,,,,,,,,,

Can't get the assm out, seems to be getting pinched about 6in from the end. End plate is bowed, not like that in the diagrams. Slide to that point easy and the idler came out fine too.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1302 on:** February 15, 2022, 10:59:29 PM »

At least the weather is warm, cold rubber tracks don’t go on nice!

Great work!

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JR · « **Reply #1303 on:** February 16, 2022, 09:20:17 PM »

Yep, weather is great, was 77 today but super windy for the last 3 days. Have I ever mentioned I hate the wind? Breeze is fine but this is the chase around the stuff type and no painting.

Anyway I have been working on getting this adjuster piston of for a couple sessions now, no luck. It was not rubbing where I thought so I dug deeper, well got on my back and viola! That bad roller I took out was riding on the plate and the spring. It had pushed the plate up far enough to keep the piston assm from coming out. I have been beating on it with a 2x3 and BIG hammers but it gets to one spot and just stops.

So tomorrow I will have to figure a way to pry the area down while heating it up. The plate serves no purpose but to guide the tract adjustment system, so not worried about damaging it. You can see the rust on the plates and spring where the wheel was rubbing. Only needs to go up about 1/8 inch.

JR · « **Reply #1304 on:** February 17, 2022, 08:59:54 PM »

Finally got the assm out, what a pain. Had my son heat the lower as I beat on assm through the access plate. You can see where the lower plate is bent up.

Not sure if this spring plate is right either. Is it supposed to be bent or flat? Not sure if it really matters except the sides drag bad coming out.

I see no sign of any grease leaking, but this track would sag bad after hanging for a day.

KensAuto · « **Reply #1305 on:** February 17, 2022, 09:14:59 PM »

I guess we're both dealing with track issues. Just found out one of my springs is busted.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1306 on:** February 17, 2022, 09:17:55 PM »

Quote from: KensAuto on February 17, 2022, 09:14:59 PM

I guess we're both dealing with track issues. Just found out one of my springs is busted.

I haven't seen nor touched either machine!

JR · « **Reply #1307 on:** February 17, 2022, 10:24:32 PM »

Just found the seal kit is wrong. Cat dealer in Sac may help, but not sure if bad or not really. Tensioner shows no sign of grease leaking, but track gets sloppy fast.

dave945 · « **Reply #1308 on:** February 18, 2022, 11:38:44 AM »

Is it not leaking because it doesn’t have any in it?

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rpar86 · « **Reply #1309 on:** February 18, 2022, 02:21:48 PM »

Quote from: dave945 on February 18, 2022, 11:38:44 AM

Is it not leaking because it doesn’t have any in it?

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^ this.
“If it’s leaking, it has fluid”. ;)

JR · « **Reply #1310 on:** February 18, 2022, 08:58:11 PM »

Heres is a pick of the "tensioner" dry as a bone where the seals are. Only grease is from around the fitting when I pushed it out removing the tracks. I do have to straighten that plate.

Also got some of the HD Husky storage boxes to start replacing the old plastic bins in my truck. Way cheaper than Milw. bins too.

But I have been getting their M12 tools some. Have a 90 Die grinder, 3/8 wratchet and 1/8 Die Grinder (great for bang stuff). Just getting cheap batteries.

Also got my well pump. Went off brand but for under $200 I can buy a few. Second one actually. First was a DC 48v that was 1/3 the size, this is 110ac so I can run with gen or off a power station which I plane to have soon.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1311 on:** February 19, 2022, 12:06:50 AM »

Good progesss.. that pump looks fancy!!

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JR · « **Reply #1312 on:** February 19, 2022, 04:08:57 AM »

Guess the pumps are all alike really. Sure diff voltages and such. Everytime I looked at specs they all came from the same place "asin".

Name brands go for $1-2000, this was under $200. If it works OK I will get a spare! Tested today and it worked fine, now I need to get more wire. I got 500' of 10/2 delivered today for well under $300. With this pump I need 12/3, but only 300' as the lead is 130', putting me about 20' from the well bottom.

JR · « **Reply #1313 on:** February 23, 2022, 08:11:47 PM »

Finally got modifying the HF 20T press, adding an air over hyd pump. Little things like self locking nuts and straps that were missing.

Got the plates for the Exc. flattened out pretty easy. Didn't use air yet. Used a little heat on the thick one.

stlaser · « **Reply #1314 on:** February 23, 2022, 10:28:52 PM »

JR, couple suggestions. First add the little turn knob from swag offroad it makes a world of difference and is cheap. Second, on that Jack air control switch. Take the little wire connector off that can lock the air on. You have no need for that in this setup and that wire can and will lock itself on at the worst possible time. Don’t ask how I know, but the little knob saved the day.

JR · « **Reply #1315 on:** February 23, 2022, 11:50:25 PM »

Great suggestions, thx

rpar86 · « **Reply #1316 on:** February 23, 2022, 11:59:19 PM »

What is the turn knob for? The pressure release?

JR · « **Reply #1317 on:** February 24, 2022, 06:49:27 AM »

Yes, otherwise you need to keep using the handle, pain!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1318 on:** February 24, 2022, 10:50:53 AM »

Quote from: rpar86 on February 23, 2022, 11:59:19 PM

What is the turn knob for? The pressure release?

Never heard of that.

Off to order one for my 30 ton press

JR · « **Reply #1319 on:** February 26, 2022, 03:22:43 PM »

So youngest and I ran up to the Ridge Friday. With other stops only there for 3 hours, but got the grating done! Road is still slick but when you don't get out, no issues. 40F or so but not bad as long as the sun was out.

This is the 16x5 galv fence I am using to reinforce the slope. Almost a perfect fit but was a pain for just me laying down. We knocked it right out following the contour and securing the panels with SS hose clamps, 3 per panel. Plus with the rocks it locks together good! I may drive some stakes in too, but debating is it worth it? Road end will need a couple more panels when the road goes away. Low end will be left open as I have pipes to run in that area. After I cover the grates with another foot or so of fill, last layer will be top soil so I can do some planting.

Got the drone up for pics as son was playing with the 22 behind me.

JR · « **Reply #1320 on:** March 01, 2022, 02:47:21 PM »

Well, call me nuts but I may get this Cat 305cr. Going to see it tomorrow hopefully, looks like lots of interest per the seller.

11k machine, no thumb but has a cab, more HP, wider stance. Down is no thumb, but I can make $$$ selling the bobcat if it happens.

dave945 · « **Reply #1321 on:** March 01, 2022, 03:57:51 PM »

Looks like it might be plumbed/set up for a thumb, at least if I’m seeing things right.

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JR · « **Reply #1322 on:** March 01, 2022, 04:09:58 PM »

Yes it is, about 1300 with a quick search. I am just questioning front window and door for now. I know the AC needs work, but a cab is great.

Tracks and drives look good, hrs are under 8k but if it doesn't smoke Im OK.

Tad heavy for my trailer, but don't plan on hauling it around. Get it to the Ridge and thats it.

Bob Smith · « **Reply #1323 on:** March 01, 2022, 04:37:45 PM »

JR I thought you didn't have any time for anything. You just got the other machine ready to work and now want to start over.
You just don't want Ken getting ahead of you huh.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1324 on:** March 01, 2022, 05:47:08 PM »

JR, you are honestly worse than me!

But if you can make a goodly amount off of the B-Cat, sure...

I think those smaller machines really need a thumb, so figure the cost of that in there. Not quite apples to apples

JR · « **Reply #1325 on:** March 01, 2022, 06:15:09 PM »

I am figuring the cost out. I can sell the bobcat for 20k easy right now. Seeing some go for 25-30 right now. Plus it has the 3 quick attach bucket now and a vinyl cab cover.

This "new" one is 1850, plus what I put into it. Fluid change and thumb ($1300), find a window and door another $1000 and I am even. Fix the AC, I not covered in dust and out of the wind!! I will for sure need to get another 12in bucket for my lines and another dirt bucket.

https://www.ritchiespecs.com/model/caterpillar-305c-cr-midi-excavator

YT vids show this is a little monster, 48hp Mitsubishi motor. Service life is figured at 10k hours on most machines, my lifetime easy.

KensAuto · « **Reply #1326 on:** March 01, 2022, 09:14:54 PM »

You said 304cr, but the Ritchie specs says 305.
A 304 is 9,000 lbs. I was looking at those when I got the Volvo. They're about the same, 40-45 hp

JR · « **Reply #1327 on:** March 01, 2022, 10:16:16 PM »

It is a 305, not 304. A 10k machine would be nice, 11+ is even better and I can just tow it.

Cat makes it hard to type!

JR · « **Reply #1328 on:** March 01, 2022, 10:21:02 PM »

Just got the track back on the bobcat. Can't imagine doing it without the bucket to help.

After squeezing this back together, press was a must. Just 2in for the spring assm with that big bolt.

Had to grind the sides so the assm would slide in. Was a good .060 wide. Then I flattened the hump the bad roller caused.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1329 on:** March 01, 2022, 11:06:10 PM »

I’d take a cab over open all day!!
Buy it!!

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JR · « **Reply #1330 on:** March 01, 2022, 11:41:19 PM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on March 01, 2022, 11:06:10 PM

I’d take a cab over open all day!!
Buy it!!

Yep, even if a little rough I will. Give me a solid engine and a straight frame.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1331 on:** March 02, 2022, 09:53:03 AM »

Isn't it amazing just how beat up heavy equipment gets to be. As if no one ever takes care of it or is really hard on it

Man, I'm feeling really convicted just now...

JR · « **Reply #1332 on:** March 02, 2022, 11:03:07 PM »

Well, I bought the Cat 304; http://real-man-truckworks-and-survival.com/index.php?topic=5052.msg122150#msg122150

By By Bobcat

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1333 on:** March 03, 2022, 09:55:49 PM »

Quote from: JR on March 02, 2022, 11:03:07 PM

Well, I bought the Cat 304; http://real-man-truckworks-and-survival.com/index.php?topic=5052.msg122150#msg122150

By By Bobcat

Yea!

JR · « **Reply #1334 on:** March 05, 2022, 05:57:49 PM »

Going to pickup the 305 in the morning.

Getting the 331/334 ready to sell. (tag says 331D, but serial says 334 for all parts). Already cleaned up nice. Just need to recover seat back/headrest, make a ram shield and weld the xchange coupler on the 42 bucket.

Figure I have 2k in repairs and my time. The are going for 30k all over for this size (easy towing). Putting it out for 25k to start.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1335 on:** March 05, 2022, 09:14:29 PM »

I put my SK250 Kobelco excavator up for sale a couple days ago and I think I sold it tonight for asking price.

The people buying it did not have it all in cash, so I told them just get it Monday, He wanted to give me $4,500 Ernest money, but I turned it down. Told him to shake my hand, look me in the eye and tell me he would buy it. He did, so I will consider it sold

And would you know it, a 4600 hour Cat 307 with a thumb just listed for $1,000 less than I got for my machine!

Oh and no kidding, my Kobelco was actually a 2,800 hour machine! The mechanics going over it told me it was one of the most solid and best condition Excavators in that size they had seen. Everyone thought it could only have had 2.000 ish hours. Makes me feel good selling them a good machine!

KensAuto · « **Reply #1336 on:** March 05, 2022, 09:20:04 PM »

Don, I know I'm not great with math, but you're saying your 25 ton excavator is only worth a grand more than a 7 ton mini excavator?

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1337 on:** March 05, 2022, 09:35:24 PM »

Quote from: KensAuto on March 05, 2022, 09:20:04 PM

Don, I know I'm not great with math, but you're saying your 25 ton excavator is only worth a grand more than a 7 ton mini excavator?

My 55,000 lb excavator is a 2001. The 307 is a 2008 (I think)
Things are worth what people are willing to pay. I am getting quite a bit more than I paid for the machine, and I could probably have gotten a bunch more, but at this price, I am happy, and the new owner is too.
I think there is a mini/midi in my future. If I open this proposed land clearing business, I'll pick up a Kubota KX80 or maybe a Sany 80

KensAuto · « **Reply #1338 on:** March 05, 2022, 10:03:39 PM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on March 05, 2022, 09:35:24 PM

Quote from: KensAuto on March 05, 2022, 09:20:04 PM
Don, I know I'm not great with math, but you're saying your 25 ton excavator is only worth a grand more than a 7 ton mini excavator?
My 55,000 lb excavator is a 2001. The 307 is a 2008 (I think)
Things are worth what people are willing to pay. I am getting quite a bit more than I paid for the machine, and I could probably have gotten a bunch more, but at this price, I am happy, and the new owner is too.
I think there is a mini/midi in my future. If I open this proposed land clearing business, I'll pick up a Kubota KX80 or maybe a Sany 80

I sure wish I didn't leave mine up north. Those suckers are sure handy.
I also wish I had that kobelco. The shipping would cost more than the ammo Tex has buried in his yard, but could sure move my mountain!

Anything else you wanna talk about Don? I kinda like this thread. ... peaceful and calming. ;)

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1339 on:** March 06, 2022, 09:23:24 AM »

^^^ Kenneth, are you tryin' to poke the JR here??^^^^^

JR · « **Reply #1340 on:** March 06, 2022, 10:49:09 AM »

Yep, having this one at the house right now is great for moving things around.

I watched a review of the Sany stuff, looks well made but all computerized and report to the factory when you have an issue.

I will stay with older machines, no DEF crud or full electronics. Think my 305 has a servo for the throttle is about it. Dial vs a lever, was weird. Hours are little high on mine, 7k, but at 18k for the machine, it will work.

Guy I am getting my 305 from has a Kamatsu 8k machine now, way better shape for 30K.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1341 on:** March 06, 2022, 04:47:11 PM »

My 2800 hr. machine had zero play in the turn table or any of the boom bushings, even the high wear one down at the bucket end.

I think they determined mine was once state owned. Explains the low hours as well as low wear. Guberment machines are subject to a maintenance program with lots of grease gun action

JR · « **Reply #1342 on:** March 14, 2022, 05:31:04 PM »

Dropped this off at the Ridge this weekend. Weird trip with time change and 1 nap took about 14 hours. Snow/rain going up, dry coming back.

JR · « **Reply #1343 on:** March 14, 2022, 05:34:23 PM »

Road up to the property was dried out. Here are a couple pics showing it from the base, the turn going down that got me, and how far the drop off is.

Think next trip I may fly the drone out there just for fun.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1344 on:** March 14, 2022, 05:46:47 PM »

1000 or 1500 gal?

JR · « **Reply #1345 on:** March 14, 2022, 05:56:51 PM »

1000, good for 3 rooms and 26 defusers. prices are going nuts on plastic, thought I'd beat it some.

Little bit of pipe and holes is all now.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1346 on:** March 14, 2022, 06:34:26 PM »

Getting it done JR!

JR · « **Reply #1347 on:** March 14, 2022, 08:39:26 PM »

Slow, but moving on. I can see light now and will end this thread when the pad is finished.

Atkinsmatt · « **Reply #1348 on:** March 14, 2022, 08:49:59 PM »

Lots of good work here.

KensAuto · « **Reply #1349 on:** March 14, 2022, 09:03:13 PM »

Defusers?