New ASV PT-100 forestry package

AX MAN · Jun 24, 2009

ASVGUY said:
The majority of Axle issues that ASV had were on the original SR80's with the 20" Tracks. On the 100F the axle have been installed so the tracks actually flaten out when the wieght of the cutter head is put onto the machine. I haven't seen any 100's with axle issues.

Let me guess ASV pays you to play stupid. I've got a 100. I've had axle problems, undercarriage problems, cracked hyd. tank, no cold air, over heating issues, hyd valve problems. If you would like we can keep this a secret just between the two of us. That way you can believe these machines do not have major problems.

cbturf · Jun 25, 2009

I can't remember exactly who it was but two years ago there was a guy on here preaching about purpose built machines with steel tracks and how they are more productive and more reliable. My machine is pushing 1800 hours and the steel tracks look nearly new and I have been working in BRUTAL rock and "billy goat steep" mountians for the past 900 acres.

Breakdowns do not just cost you the price of the repair. You have the cost of lost revenue because of the downtime and your business reputation. Both of these far outweigh the cost of the parts and a mechanic.

Mulching is a very abusive application for your machine and you have to get a machine that was designed for the abuse and not adapted to the application as an afterthought.

I have had my share of problems but all of the issues with the FTX-140/C-140 have been resolved by the factory regardless of the warranty status. Since about 1200 hours we have run 12 hours a day through 0-10 degree mornings and 85-90 degree afternoons at altitudes approaching 9000 feet with only routine maintenance issues.

Just one guys opinion but it seems like the problems you guys are having are the same for each of you no matter where you are working and there is no factory support to solve the problem for good.

Heavyduty · Jun 25, 2009

cbturf said:
I can't remember exactly who it was but two years ago there was a guy on here preaching about purpose built machines with steel tracks and how they are more productive and more reliable. My machine is pushing 1800 hours and the steel tracks look nearly new and I have been working in BRUTAL rock and "billy goat steep" mountians for the past 900 acres.

Breakdowns do not just cost you the price of the repair. You have the cost of lost revenue because of the downtime and your business reputation. Both of these far outweigh the cost of the parts and a mechanic.

Mulching is a very abusive application for your machine and you have to get a machine that was designed for the abuse and not adapted to the application as an afterthought.

I have had my share of problems but all of the issues with the FTX-140/C-140 have been resolved by the factory regardless of the warranty status. Since about 1200 hours we have run 12 hours a day through 0-10 degree mornings and 85-90 degree afternoons at altitudes approaching 9000 feet with only routine maintenance issues.

Just one guys opinion but it seems like the problems you guys are having are the same for each of you no matter where you are working and there is no factory support to solve the problem for good.

I totally agree. I think it's the cheap start up cost with these CTL/SSL that people like most. With the housing market slowing down to a craw, I see at least 2 a month selling out. A few will even clear a small part of your land for free IF they can leave a road side sign out 24/7.

ASVGUY · Jun 27, 2009

AX MAN said:
Let me guess ASV pays you to play stupid. I've got a 100. I've had axle problems, undercarriage problems, cracked hyd. tank, no cold air, over heating issues, hyd valve problems. If you would like we can keep this a secret just between the two of us. That way you can believe these machines do not have major problems.

Ax Man, I have sold and ran more than my share of 100's. Although some of the points you make are valid the majority of them have been dealt with(overheating/cooling systems are all new) in the current 100F. Axles have never been an issue on any machines i have touched(there has been quite a few). Also without spending 180K for a FTX148 or one of its competitors there is no beter machine built than the 100F for mulching.

cbturf · Jun 27, 2009

ASVGuy you are in a tough spot. You obviously represent ASV in some capacity and it has to hurt to hear your babies talked about. But the fact remains that the guys who have all of the older machines are stuck with them unless they can afford to trade. I worked out a rent to buy deal on my ASV and I am sure glad that I did. It spent three weeks of the first two months in the shop and I just walked away. Not to mention that I was fired off of the 13 acre job that I had a month to finish but couldn't get done because of the same issues mentioned earlier. I have stated MANY times that my FTX 140 has had some issues but they were fixed by the Fecon and Rayco factories rgardless of warranty status. This meant that even us guys who had older machines received the upgrades not just the guys who could buy a new machine or who were fortunate enough to buy a later model. Now instead of owning a machine with all of the original flaws I own the same machine that is on the showroom floor, just a few more hours on mine. ASV took a take the money and run attitude and only upgrade and fix the major issues on the later model machines.

QwikDraw · Jun 27, 2009

For the record my front axle is cracked and I expected it to break in half a month ago. I just can't find the time to repair it, I was too busy changing rollers and idelers, there's only so much time on the weekends to fix stuff. Two years ago a guy in my area doing this type of work stopped by and introduced himself and talk. NIce guy. I was new to this and one of the first thing he said was "your front axle is going to break" and he showed me a trick to get out of the woods...

If I could get $5000 less than I owe...that thing would be down the road.

AX MAN · Jun 28, 2009

I think ASV would be well suited for dirt work. The problem I have is the repair cost has killed what started out to be a Great start. I have also lost jobs I could not do because I was'nt running. ASV will not offer any support or help .Even with all the repair history from dealer. My advise to anyone considering this type of work. Buy a dedicated machine suitable for this type of demand on equipment. Do not trust a sales person. Search this forum for advice.

palmettobrush · Jul 7, 2009

I have 1000 hours on one pt and 750 on the other and only one trip to the dealership

palmettobrush · Jul 30, 2009

I have been having axle problems on my machines the rear on breaks then the front one breaks about 20 hours later does anyone have the new pt 100s because according to asv they have over four hundred running and my two are the only two with axle problems and by the way if your are going to mulch get a dedicated machine thats going to be my next purchase