My 2001 Vortex is being serviced for a transmission problem. Basically, the PTO gear housing fell off. Thank the sweet, sweet lord the tranny and PTO guts seem to be OK. The dealer working on it here in Indy told me that the combo of 133k miles on the truck and 7500 hrs on the machine is like having 350,000 miles on the transmission! I still think of that truck as being new (it seems like we just got it) but it's 8 stinking years old. I can't believe how time flies. Anybody else running geriatric equipment like me? Somebody posted a month or so ago they have had a truckmount for 20yrs or something crazy like that.
Good thing the Trans and PTO are okay. I have an '87 Ford Van, with the same year Hydramaster CDS (PTO). And it still runs like a champ. The ford motor was rebuilt 8 years ago, and still runs very well. Still on my original transmission. The Hydramaster keeps chuggin along. Everything is pretty much original on it, blower, pump, etc. The ford has an inline 6, 4.9L and everyone tells me they are a tough motor that can go a longggg time. I bought a new van, and just getting money together to get another CDS, cant wait! How does the Vortex run off the transmission, you have it in park so why would it be like having 350k on the trans?
I can write you a book on stupid problems..and I promise you before you do to much get a hold of me because there is a great chance I have already been down that road and can tell you where to get the cheapest parts..... consider yourself lucky on this one... My "C" clamp that holds the u-joint broke and I was running full out...the PTO shaft came undone in 9 different directions and all hell broke lose..The front yoke decide to leave my truck and one its way out put a hole in my transmission pan.. I could of tied up the PTO shaft and drove it home and just fixed it but once it hit the pan it was game over.... I service and grease my truck and machine every 50 hours...there was no sign that this was cracking ..all u-joint were good...just a freaky thing..
You must be who I was thinking of. That's awesome you kept that baby working and making money for so long. I wonder how much it's put in your bank over the years? As far as the transmission goes, the stock Nissan has a power take off for whatever you need, a dump bed, winch, sliding flatbed, etc. Basically just like on a tractor. So Vortex added their own gear housing that attaches right to the Nissan's tranny with a drive shaft that powers the machine. Even though the truck is in park the PTO is basically an extra gear used to power the machine.
We can all attest to that fact Jim, crazy things happen regardless of what you do. Back on topic, I have a 2000 van with 140k miles and a Performer with almost 5k hours ....and it's a back-up!
Jim, I grease zerks like a crazy person, and I have still had constant drive shaft problems with this Vortex. I am not kidding, I replace the bearings/joints/yokes/belts about once a year, and have had the drive shaft reworked three times in four years. I don't know if I just got a lemon or what. It's an older Vortex, so maybe they didn't have all the bugs worked out. What year is yours? Was your problem ongoing or a one time thing? I know what you mean about tying the drive shaft up. I've done that three times. The worst was at 3 in the morning cleaning a Buffalo Wild Wings with a full crew. Had to pay them even though the truck failed and the job was half done.
mine is a 2004 and so far this is the only time this has happened... I think the clamp that holds the u-joint cup for the bearing got a stress crack...and she just let lose... I don't think I am the one you were thinking of..this particular problem just happened this year..... who made yours ??
Jim, Sorry, I was trying to say topnotchman is who I was thinking of. I should have specified. As far as who made mine, I'm not exactly sure what you're asking. Vortex, I guess. It was before Blueline got involved and also before all the Aerotech stuff went down. I bought it used in '04, and it had been abused, neglected, and misused, so I don't know all of my truck's history. As I understand, it sat in a lot somewhere in Sarasota, FL for two years not being used. Nothing can destroy equipment like the environment down there, especially a diesel, and especially if it's not being used.
I feel for you guys. I have 2200 hours on my Aero Tech and had a crack in my water tank (pin hole) and at gave me a new tank which has had no problems and the bolt that holds the pump clutch on came loose. I am still on my original blower belts and they still look great. My Aero Tech has never let me down yet. I can't say for sure but it seems like when At and Shawn split, AT fixed the quirks. I just love my truck. Dave Posted via Mobile Device
I said I have the 20 yr old shaft drive that has worn out 3 vans (High milage and rust.) and is on it's 4th and last one. (Had 110,000 mile when installed this van 4 yrs ago. Now have 151,000) Don't know the total hrs on machine, gauge was disconected for years. I still have all orig componets except for HX. on last Van change drive shaft was moved from left to rt side of engine and a surpentine belt clutch added. Hey top knotch, You bought your uncle tommys rig didn't you??? I remember it new, Hell, he never hardly worked so when you got it it was still like knew. Haven't seen or talked to him in years, Last saw he had a newer style van a couple of years back while we were in Stanwood driving down the road.
Hey Elwood yeah thats the unit. Yeah, he took good care of it, and he was always a part timer anyways. It still runs good. I got a new van myself, and just saving up for a truckmount for it. Tom has a Prochem Performer slide in unit in a newer Ford Econoline. You ever hear from Claude? He's a busy guy these days, always traveling it seems.
Guys , look this is a prime example. Everything breaks down at some point. No matter who makes it. Look you are probably running 300 to 1000 a DAY and on some days more. For us to think things will never break down is well not right. The best we all can do is try to catch things before they break. A rigours inspection program may help. This is equipment that is pushed to the limit every day. our Hearts arteries ,knees, back,shoulders all wear out. SOmetime they break causing death. Is this a flaw no just the way things are. In 4.5 billion years when the sun dies the solar system will go cold and die is this a flaw? NO it has just run it course and depleted fuel causes the sun to quit. nothing runs forever with out problems cropping up/ I have a freind with a blueline champ. Sure he as had someproblems and he has put a ton of hours on it. Just because things break do not make it the mfg fault.
Ross.........sounds to me like you are having a alignment problem if you are chewing up belts and shafts.....the first thing I would concentrate on is the carrier bearing at the end of the PTO where the blower belts come down.....If the PTO gear housing fell off that also would indicate alignment issues.. Start taking pictures and post them so we can look at this.....maybe one of us can figure it out...
The truck is about an hour away from me right now so I can't get to it to take pics. They just called and said I need a new PTO. The best price he found was $1432.00. You know of any cheaper parts?
start here.. UD Truck Parts:Largest Inventory of New & Used UD Parts in the USA! and then call Salt lake city GMC/UD..1-801-265-1511
2007 chevy express extended, 20K miles. PowerClean Freedom XT with 1100 hours. Averaging approx 20 driven miles for every machine hour.
Got a 1999 Venturi , had it 3 years and still going strong - hot as hell and same belts as when I bought it . Worse thing I had happened 1st month , leak at PTO and didnt notice - cha ching - new transmission purchase ( and now I check under the van after every job - I think I have developed a trans phobia )
