Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Replacing Motor Mounts on ASV RC30 Skid Steers: Vibration Issues, Installation Tips, and Design Considerations
#1
Motor Mounts in Compact Track Loaders: Function and Failure Modes
Motor mounts serve a critical role in compact track loaders like the ASV RC30. These components isolate engine vibration from the frame, maintain alignment between the powertrain and drivetrain, and absorb shock loads during operation. In machines powered by Perkins diesel engines, the mounts are subjected to constant torque, heat, and hydraulic fluid exposure—conditions that accelerate wear and degradation.
In one case, a technician discovered that the rear motor mounts on an RC30 were cracked and swollen due to oil saturation. After replacing them with OEM parts, the machine exhibited severe vibration—worse than before the repair. This raised questions about installation technique, mount design, and torque procedures.
Terminology Explained
  • Motor Mount: A rubber or elastomeric component that secures the engine to the frame while dampening vibration.
  • Limiter: A metal stop integrated into the mount to prevent excessive movement under load.
  • Bushing: A sleeve or insert that allows controlled movement and prevents metal-on-metal contact.
  • Snugging: The practice of tightening bolts just enough to seat components without over-compressing rubber elements.
Common Symptoms of Motor Mount Failure
  • Excessive engine vibration
  • Misalignment of belts or pulleys
  • Oil-soaked or swollen rubber
  • Cracks or separation in mount body
  • Clunking noises during startup or shutdown
Installation Challenges and Vibration Diagnosis
The technician tightened the new mounts until the limiter contacted the frame, effectively compressing the rubber and bushing into a rigid state. This eliminated the mount’s ability to absorb vibration, causing the engine to transmit harsh pulses directly into the chassis.
Unlike automotive mounts, which often rely on preload and torque specs, ASV mounts may require a more nuanced approach:
  • Do not fully compress the mount during installation
    Allow the rubber to retain its damping properties.
  • Use torque specs if available
    If not, tighten until the mount is seated but not rigid.
  • Inspect bushing alignment
    Ensure the center bushing is not binding or misaligned.
  • Check for frame distortion
    Warped mounting surfaces can cause uneven compression.
Field Anecdote: A Vibrating Loader in Alberta
A contractor in Alberta replaced all four motor mounts on his RC30 after noticing excessive engine movement. He torqued them to spec but still experienced vibration. After consulting with an ASV technician, he loosened the mounts slightly and added a thin washer between the limiter and frame. The vibration dropped dramatically, and the machine ran smoother than it had in years.
Recommended Solutions and Preventive Measures
  1. Use OEM or High-Quality Aftermarket Mounts
    Low-grade rubber may not withstand diesel oil exposure.
  2. Avoid Over-Tightening
    Compressing the mount fully defeats its vibration isolation function.
  3. Inspect for Oil Leaks Before Installation
    Oil contamination accelerates rubber degradation.
  4. Replace in Pairs or Sets
    Uneven mount stiffness can cause misalignment and vibration.
  5. Monitor Engine Alignment Post-Install
    Check belt tracking and pulley alignment after mount replacement.
Additional Parameters to Consider
  • Mount durometer rating (rubber hardness)
  • Bushing material (steel vs. composite)
  • Mount height under load
  • Frame mounting surface flatness
  • Engine torque and vibration frequency
Conclusion: Precision Matters in Mount Replacement
Replacing motor mounts on an ASV RC30 may seem straightforward, but the details matter. Over-tightening, misalignment, or poor-quality parts can turn a routine repair into a vibration nightmare. By understanding the function of each component and respecting the mount’s design intent, operators can restore smooth operation and extend the life of their machine. In compact loaders, comfort and control begin at the motor mount.
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  Takeuchi TL150 Skid Steer Loader Overview MikePhua 0 3 11 minutes ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  CAT 627H Scraper with CAT C13 Engine: Irregular Idle Speed Issues MikePhua 0 3 40 minutes ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Where Are Motor Scrapers Still in Use MikePhua 0 1 57 minutes ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Case 580K Phase 1 vs Phase 2: Key Differences and Considerations MikePhua 0 8 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Komatsu PC138USLC-2E0: Common Issues and Solutions for Operators MikePhua 0 6 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Compact Wheel Loader vs Skid Steer for Versatile Job Sites MikePhua 0 5 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  CAT 246D Skid Steer Operational Review and Ergonomic Assessment MikePhua 0 4 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Marsh Equipment: Overview, Applications, and Considerations for Use MikePhua 0 11 Yesterday, 07:08 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  The Rise of the Slope Nose in Kenworth Truck Design MikePhua 0 8 Yesterday, 06:57 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Komatsu PC75UU-2 Excavator: Insights and Key Considerations MikePhua 0 10 Yesterday, 06:27 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Design Quirks and Retrofit Options for the Ford L9000 Series MikePhua 0 7 Yesterday, 06:24 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Identifying a Wabco Motor Grader with Cummins 160 Engine MikePhua 0 7 Yesterday, 06:13 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Cuttings Hauler: A Comprehensive Overview of Design, Use, and Maintenance MikePhua 0 5 Yesterday, 06:04 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  CAT 140M Service Advisory: Key Issues and Solutions MikePhua 0 6 Yesterday, 05:52 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Working in Papua New Guinea: Challenges and Considerations for Heavy Equipment Operators MikePhua 0 10 Yesterday, 05:40 PM
Last Post: MikePhua

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)