Earth Force EF-2 SSK - Do they require 2 keys?

[Frisco The Beagle]

Hello TBN,
A neighbor has a 2000 Earth Force EF-2 SSK that he bought used, and it drives painfully slow. He said he heard these machines require 2 keys, one of which is used to put it in high speed. Unfortunately, the machine did not have any keys when he bought it. He did subsequently get an ignition key for it, but is still missing the second key. Do these machines actually require a second key to drive in high speed?

He is also experiencing some of the same issues described in TBN about the hydraulic system (losing power when hot), and also electrical shorts.

Thank you in advance for info you can share on whether or not these machines need 2 keys, and if not, what is a good place to start looking for problems causing the slow speed.

Thank You!

 

[Fallon]

Looks like a Teramite in the quick Google I did... 25hp on a 5,000lbs machine is gonna be slow. A friend has a Teramite & I think it tops out at 6-7mph. Barely above walking speed. Single speed only HST, no gear ranges. It would be a manual shift not electric. Kubota charges big for their electrically shifted 2 speed HST+ transmissions.

 

[WranglerX]

I would think if there is only one key switch, it only takes one key....

Might be more information here...

EarthForce Tractor Family - Tractor_Dre's Web Page

This is site says the EF-1 with 25 HP is 0-6 MPH.... The EF-2 is probably similar....

EarthForce EF-1 - Tractor_Dre's Web Page


Dale

 

[ddbackhoe]

Hello TBN,
A neighbor has a 2000 Earth Force EF-2 SSK that he bought used, and it drives painfully slow. He said he heard these machines require 2 keys.

Thank You!

Not that I remember reading about. Does he have a second key switch? The Earth Force EF-2 pretty quickly transformed into a Bobcat B-200, then an IR BL275. 5 or 6 mph may be topped out.

MChalkley bought an earth force and wrote quite a bit on TBN about his experiences. But, unfortunately, IMO bottom line is you have a mechanic special. It will either teach you a lot or you’ll end up frustrated and dumping it. I hope its the first part.

 

[Frisco The Beagle]

Fallon, Meisen, DD - Thank you for the replies Gents!
After reading some more threads here on the Earth Force machines, sounds like the issue may be the "green switch" on the dash. There is not a second key switch and the ignition key won't come out unless the machine is shut off. All in all, seems to indicate there probably isn't a second key. He bought the machine used and it didn't come with an owner/operator manual.

Thanks Again!