Need advice

neverfear

Member
Location
South Central MN
Bought a late model New Holland skidsteer from a local dealer 2 weeks ago. It has high hrs. so I knew I was gambling on motor and hydraulics issues but they checked out ok so I bought it.
When I bought it I asked the dealer " Is there anything wrong with it that would prevent it from being used right now" he replied no.
The thing has sat in my shop for 2 weeks without being moved while I fixed lights, heater and other odds and ends.
Now, I notice the ROPS cage is broken clean through on one side by the loader pivot. I highly doubt the dealer did not know this.
I got a limited "driveline" 50 hr. warranty on it which I assume means engine and hydraulics.
I can not locate a salvage machine for a replacement cage. The jack kit to lift the cab is $1800.00, I can"t use it like it is, so I have to fix it somehow.
I don't know if I have anything to go back to the dealer with other than they sold a machine with a damaged ROPS and it wasn't disclosed, and I'm not even sure they have to disclose it.
I'd imagine if they welded it they would also assume liability if something happened and the fix didn't hold so best for them to try and sell the machine broken and loose a repeat customer.
 
I would go back and talk to them. You got nothing to lose at this point. I would think there would be some safety liability issues.
 
The cab can be tilted without the kit. Did it many times with my 7785. Just takes a little ingenuity and another loader, or a backhoe, or an overhead hoist. Once tilted, it can be supported easily.
 
A certified welder may be able to weld that so it would still pass and OSHA inspection.

Years ago a contractor had a job where he had to get a large extendable boom forklift through and archway into the courtyard after the building was built. Solution was to cut off the ROPS, weld plates to the tube at the cut so the ROPS could be bolted back on the machine. OSHA approved the change.
 
So you bought an old pig in a bag and expect recourse?
Just find someone to weld the damn thing up and move on. I don't think I'd tilt it either. Do keep in mind that the forward or 'A' pillar in those loaders is a structural member in the loader frame so make sure it's true before it's welded.

Rod
 
Well Rod, That's what I intend to do.
The inner cab tub will have to be cut out so we can get at it to weld and plate it then patched back in when done. Also, the whole loader assembly pivots on the cab frame not just the A pillar. Thanks all for the advice.
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What you call the cab frame... is really the "A" pillar of the loader. The cab isn't much more than tin fitted over, betwixt and between the loader frame... It's one of the less glamorous facets of NH skids.
That would be a fairly easy thing for a dealer to miss if you didn't operate the loader and mabey even then you'd miss it... I'd hate to imagine how hard the poor thing got run into something to do that. I'd guess that the original owner simply didn't mention that fact when he traded...
While you're rooting around in the machine jack it up and make sure there isn't a bunch of slop in the wheel bearings and not too much motion in the wheels themselves. A lot of rotation in the wheels could indicate slack chains or worn splines on the drive motors...
Otherwise they're normally fairly rugged.


Rod
 
Thanks for the clarification Rod. Yes I suspect it was hammered into something pretty hard since there are also two cab mounting bolts sheared off on the same side, but those can't be seen either until you take off the fenders.
Either way, we will weld and plate it Friday and hopefully that's the end of the suprises with this thing. Just made the first payment yesterday. LOL
 

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