By rhett duke on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I bought my first max a couple months ago..it was the first one I had ever driven..a 94 Max IV that looked close to new...Anyway the steering seemed 'harsh" to me..when you pulled a stick back there didnt seem to be any "partial" braking..it was either on or off...as I put a few hours on it it seemed to get better..or maybe I was just getting the feel of it..not sure...Anyway I just bought an older..looked ragged out Bufallo..It steers SO MUCH EASIER..When you pull a stick all the way back it completely brakes that side...but there is a little "partial braking" before you get to that point...Any ideas??I believe I read here that there is some break in time on a Max skid steer..Is it possible my max 4 has such low hours that its not broke in????thanks

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max Dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

rhett, Yes, there is a break in period, but my guess is your bands on the Max IV are too tight. Check your lateral travel - with one lever all the way forward and one all the way back, you should have about six inches between levers. Over nine inches means they are too loose. The other thing could be that you have Ford ATF in your T-20. Dextron II or III is less aggressive.

To check if you are getting neutral when your laterals are mid travel, Make sure all wheels are off the ground and have someone hold the levers mid position. You should be able to turn the wheel by hand just as easily as when the tranny is in neutral gear. Check both sides and if the wheels don't turn easily in actual neutral check for too tight chains or a bad bearing.

The Buffalo is a lot heavier than the Max IV and the extra weight does allow it to brake smoother. Type of tires also makes a difference as to how the brakes feel.

By rhettduke on Unrecorded Date: Edit

thanks Fred..I have 6~6.5 inches on the sticks....will drain the trans & change fluid soon...