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Need C-V joint for front wheel on 1997 Predator 425 backhoe

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Alan Rushforth
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2000-09-10          19662


I recently bought at auction a 4wd 1997 Predator 425 backhoe. It runs and works ok in 2wd, but the front left c-v joint is pretty demolished. There is a rubber boot that is torn up. Inside the boot there appears to be two small greasy u-joints (similar to on a pickup truck drive shaft) in line with connecting parts missing. When driving the backhoe, I can see through the torn boot and watch the disconnected c-v joint rotate along side the adjacent rotating wheel hub. The prior owner was at the aution and told me that the Predator co. is out of business and was taken over by Earth Force, and that parts are identical. We have a local dealer who happens to deal with Earth Force bachoes. The front axle on their comparable machine appears different on the outside - all cast iron with no exposed rubber boot. I don't know if the inner u-joints are alike or not. A couple local dealers,including one who deals with Earth Force, said they can't help. I have no manuals, but my next step would be to see if I can get it apart and take the damaged pieces around to different equipment dealers or repair shops. I'm not looking forward to what might turn out to be a fruitless waste of time. Any advice would be appreciated.



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Need C-V joint for front wheel on 1997 Predator 425 backhoe

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rhabakus
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 4 new jersey
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2009-02-16          160368


Were you able to get any answers regarding parts for your predator 425? I am looking to buy one and i am hesitant if i cannot get service or parts for this machine. ....


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Need C-V joint for front wheel on 1997 Predator 425 backhoe

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earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
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2009-02-16          160379


I would not expect any answer seeing as the post was 9 years ago. ....


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Need C-V joint for front wheel on 1997 Predator 425 backhoe

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rhabakus
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 4 new jersey
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2009-02-16          160381


yes - you are right. I assume that your name as earthworks mean you are affiliated? and i assume you do not know of anyone servicing the predator? yes? ....


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Need C-V joint for front wheel on 1997 Predator 425 backhoe

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earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
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2009-02-16          160385


No sir, Earthwerks is my company name, and what I do. (I gave it a Germanic flavor--plus, when I went to register the name in my county there were 11 other companies that had similar-sounding names like mine, so I had to be different--legally).

If you Google "Earthforce Predator"--not me :) --you will see the company is/was in South Carolina and may still be in business. Good luck. ....


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earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
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2009-02-16          160389


The company is called "Earthforce America" in Summerville, SC. The web site indicates they're still in bidness, I guess. ....


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Need C-V joint for front wheel on 1997 Predator 425 backhoe

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rhabakus
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 4 new jersey
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2009-02-17          160399


thank you...appears their phone is disconnected...

thanks for your effort ....


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Need C-V joint for front wheel on 1997 Predator 425 backhoe

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earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
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2009-02-17          160411


All may not be lost---Google "Earthforce parts inventory". If they are out of business someone may have bought their inventory or even their tooling--ya never know.

I had an orphan backhoe made in the 1980's. Turned out soem of the pats were shared with other manufacturers, including tracors, 4x4 pickup trucks, and forklifts.

It possible some of your parts are used on other things too. ....


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Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999
Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
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2009-02-18          160417


Most of those types of units were built Frankenstien-style, a big shopping list of existing over-the-counter parts put together made up the unit.

I'll bet if you can find someone experienced in small equipment they will tell you that is a standard part from a big manufacturer.

Try to find any other manufacturer of a smilar size and style machine and see what they use, there likely aren't too many people making parts like that.

Best of luck. ....


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candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1932 North Dakota
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2009-02-18          160419


Alan Rushforth,

I did a little digging for you and found some interesting discussions pertaining to your 425 backhoe.

It seems as though you can get all the parts you need from your local Bobcat dealer.

I'm including a link to a discussion I found on another tractor site.

Joel ....


Link:   425 Predator Parts

 

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kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5275 South Carolina
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2009-02-18          160427


Never had heard of them and I am only about 70 miles form Summerville so look them up. Per the link below they were bought by Ingersoll Rand as Joel has pointed out in 2001. Article link is below. ....


Link:   

Click Here


 

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Need C-V joint for front wheel on 1997 Predator 425 backhoe

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Pred425
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 2 USA
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2009-12-30          167802


This post is more as an update for those researching the Predator 425 Backhoe Loader.

I purchased one of these used in 2009 and it is a great machine. Super powerful for its size and can dig over 11’ deep with the hoe. I’ve lifted over 2,500 lbs with the loader and it didn’t even hesitate. It is 4WD (can opt out for 2WD), and is front steer. Steering radius has been just fine and I have not felt the need for 4 wheel steering.

As for parts and repair: Bobcat does not support these, nor would you want to purchase parts that way . . . it is expensive.

The Engine: The Lister-Petter engine is a world class industrial engine, and is well supported for parts and accessories. Air, fuel, oil filters can be purchased at NAPA or other parts stores.

Hydrostatic Drive Motors: Char-Lynn Eaton (DANA Corp.) hydraulic motors made in the USA & still in production.

Hydraulic cylinders: Metric but should have domestic equivalents if replacement is needed. I had one of mine rebuilt for $75 – new seals, etc. as it had a small seal leak. Works like new!

Gauges & Switches: generics will work if replacements are needed. I replaced the ignition switch on mine for $10.

Backhoe operation: Super smooth and very easy – not jerky like many of the other small units I’ve used.

Loader operation: Again smooth and easy. Lifts an incredible amount of weight for its size.

Seat: Multi-purpose, spins 180 deg. Only need 1 seat to operate the unit & backhoe.

Overall Costruction: Rugged! Frame is plenty thick; decking is thick diamond plate steel.

Axles: Weak Weak Weak! This is the only shortcoming I found. I broke the front CV u-joints very quickly. Instead of simply replacing the U-Joints I totally rebuilt the axle hub to hub & redesigned the H-Yoke CVs into a single u-joint of much larger size on each size (much like you see on a 4WD truck. The result was a much stronger axle with all new parts (bearings, fasteners, seals, gaskets, retaining rings, etc.) The differential was taken apart & inspected, but was not in need of a rebuild. I made the gaskets & modified the U-joints in my shop (now using an inexpensive heavy duty Spicer 1350 series). The bearings, retaining rings, fasteners, etc. were all available through suppliers like Fastenal.

I also broke the rear pinion. Major components for these differentials are not available as far as I could tell. I simply removed the rear axle and replaced it with a stronger one, A Ford 8.8. The Ford axle was a good candidate for several reasons. (1) It is stronger (bigger ring gear, thicker pinion, thicker shafts), (2) inexpensive (about $250 used), (3) Well supported in the aftermarket for parts, (4) has some desirable features such as a flat mounting flange for the hydrostatic motor mounting, & gussets on the differential case for mount surfaces. I replaced the gear set with one that closely matched the front gear set on the Predator. While doing this I cleaned it all up, installed new bearings & seals & made a few brackets to mount the axle to the tractor and the hydrostatic motor and parking brake to the differential.

This turned out to be a bit more work than I had anticipated, but in the end, with the axles replaced/improved, it is an unbeatable machine for the money. I’ve put it back to work with the new & rebuilt axles & hubs without any further incidents. Aside from the front CVs & pinion, the rest of the machine is built very tough & strong.
....


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