Tips for Timberjack 230 first time owner

[Andrewzz]

I'm pretty pumped to finally have one in the yard, its rough around the edges, but the bones are solid and it feels like there's still plenty of life left in it, this will be my first time running a 230 personally, though I've been around them enough to know they're built like tanks, I'm planning to use it mostly for small to mid scale hardwood jobs
So any advice on common issues to watch for, maintenance quirks? I've already gone through the winch and steering cylinders, and I'm keeping a close eye on the pivot pins but I just feel like there should be more

 

[FallingTree]

Good start. Just a heads-up, keep an eye on those cradle bushings and how the center is wearing. These parts can cause issues if you're not careful. And while you're at it, give the frame a good once-over for any cracks, especially if it's been working hard

 

[3choccake]

I'm pretty pumped to finally have one in the yard, its rough around the edges, but the bones are solid and it feels like there's still plenty of life left in it, this will be my first time running a 230 personally, though I've been around them enough to know they're built like tanks, I'm planning to use it mostly for small to mid scale hardwood jobs
So any advice on common issues to watch for, maintenance quirks? I've already gone through the winch and steering cylinders, and I'm keeping a close eye on the pivot pins but I just feel like there should be more

just want to give you one short tip. you know the final drives and differentials. These are absolute workhorses and can get neglected. Check the oil in the final drives and differentials regularly. Look for any metal flakes, which can be a sign of trouble. Keep them topped up with the right gear oil

 

[mezzo-alto87]

I'm pretty pumped to finally have one in the yard, its rough around the edges, but the bones are solid and it feels like there's still plenty of life left in it, this will be my first time running a 230 personally, though I've been around them enough to know they're built like tanks, I'm planning to use it mostly for small to mid scale hardwood jobs
So any advice on common issues to watch for, maintenance quirks? I've already gone through the winch and steering cylinders, and I'm keeping a close eye on the pivot pins but I just feel like there should be more

I've been helping a neighbor run his Timberjack 230 on hardwood jobs for a couple seasons, that 230 is definitely built tough, but we've learned a few things the hard way. Have you checked the planetary gears yet? We had one overheat after a muddy haul and found worn brass pins.

 

[outbackLN]

Avoid having water and mud. They can be bad for your planetary gears and bearings.

 

[Alan]

Nice pickup, I've heard 230s are workhorses for sure. What else should they be checking on these? transmission?