Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/201225
how to the Case 420 – about a $1,000 cost – since it had mismatched tires. Potential issues cropped up when Abney looked at the back of the machine, which had damage to the radiator. A hole in the radiator could mean a coolant link, which could result in engine damage. Abney made a note to check for additional engine noise during the operational check. Look for hydraulic leaks on the cylinders and underneath the machine. "A bad hose is pretty obvious," Abney says. Check for abrasion. Determine whether any cylinder rods are scarred, pitted or not in alignment. Check inside Moving to the engine compartment, look at all fluid levels, and examine the engine oil for water. Pay attention to the hydraulic oil level, since you need to have enough fluid to operate the machine. Inspect the hydraulic oil. Good oil is transparent. If it's black and smells burnt, you know the previous owner did not change the oil. It's also a good gut check on what the seller is telling you – if he tells you he just changed the oil, then his comments on the machine are suspect. Check the air filter to make sure it's clean. This is another maintenance telltale: If it's clogged, the previous owner didn't maintain the machine. 2005 CASE 420 SPECS* Rated operating load Since there was some damage to the radiator, which could result in engine damage, Abney made a note to check for unusual engine noise during the operational check. At around 700 hours, driveline wear can be different with different skid steer brands. On the Case machine, Abney checked the chains, which normally would need some tightening at this point. "Loose is not a problem," he says, "but if you hear a clatter, it could mean it has been loose for awhile and may have damaged the sprockets. That could mean an expensive repair." Although the 420 had an active rental life, a machine for sale could have been sitting around. If so, make sure you check for dry rot in the tires and hoses, and change all of the fluids. 1,750 lbs. Tipping load 3,500 lbs. In the operator's seat Height to bucket pin 114.6" Dump height @ bucket discharge 89.4" Dump reach at max height 23.6" Maximum dump angle @ full height 40º Bucket rollback at ground level 32º Start the engine, rev it up and listen. Abney was especially interested if the radiator damage would result in abnormal engine clatter, which could have meant an overheating problem. So far, so good: No unusual noises came from the engine. He later checked for blow by pulling out the dipstick and feeling for excessive pressure. Operate the loader arms. The motion should be fluid as you slowly, then rapidly, go through several lift cycles. Check for hesitation or shimmy in the arms. If either is evident, it's possible a hydraulic pump is weak or going bad … or it could be air in the line. Bucket breakout 4,129 lb. ft. Lifting arm force 3,600 lbs. Engine 56-net-hp Case 422T/M2 Hydraulic pump flow 18-31 gpm Hydraulic pressure 3,000 psi *Source: 2005 Equipment World Spec Guide 8 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m N O V E M B E R 2 013