One of those days,.....

I'm gonna have to make that call on a case by case situation. I'm definitely going to be a bit more assertive in situations like the one I was in.

Certain places, I have not choice but to allow their operator to load the machine. Never had any problems in those situations.

Hurst

 

I prefer loading docks over using the ramps. All of the places that do not allow me to load their machines use loading docks. How ever,.. the same is not always true at the point of delivery.

As for doing lowboy loads on a step, I can understand the resentment. I can load many machines as a legal load and not need permits, use less fuel doing it so it does not cost me the same as it does to operate an RGN doing the same load. There for I can do it for less money. This does not help your cause,. but I am out here to survive and make money just like you. I'm fine with doing track machines in the 35k - 45k lb range for $3 - $4mi. Its much more profitable than doing a 45k lb load of pallets that need to be tarped for $1.90 - $2.50mi.

I've stated many times,.. I have the utmost respect for you guys that do RGN as your main stay. Its just not for me.

Hurst

 

I'd think that only helps protect the aluminum from dings or physical damage.

What happened to mine was operator error. The way a 963 operates is the tracks are fully hydrostatic. The engine runs at wide open throttle. There is a forward and reverse lever that also,.. depending on its position will control the speed in the direction that its going in. It is steered via 2 pedals on the floor. The old track loaders used to have a brake pedal because they would actually coast. The 953, 963 and 973 will all come to a stop if you place the forward/reverse lever in neutral,.. well its supposed to anyway. The pedals,.. left and right steer just as you would think. You can jamb a pedal all the way to the floor and it will make the track on the opposite side travel in the opposite direction making the machine basically turn on a dime.

What the operator did to my trailer was,.. as he crested the top of the ramps and began teetering,.. he froze right on the back edge of my trailer. He then began a series of small left and right motions trying to over correct himself each time he moved which put too much stress on my rear plate. The rivets that hold the middle of the plate to the steel brackets attached to the frame came apart and then cause the rear plate to tear away from the trailer sending the ramps and the machine to the ground.

I blame myself for allowing the owner to load the machine himself. He spoke very little english,.. so I didnt have the patience to try to convince him to allow me to do it. We reap what we sow. The end result is what you see in the pictures. I've missed out on a few loads already because they required a 53' trailer. Sitting here in Elizabeth City, NC right now and sorry,.. but I'm not taking a 47k lb load of lumber for $1.45mi. That broker can sit on it.

Hurst