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| BR-160 / 180 Questions | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 24 2013, 06:00 AM (2,636 Views) | |
| Bob C. | Jun 24 2013, 06:00 AM Post #1 |
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Advanced Operator
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Our club is looking Purchasing a used BR-160 / BR-180. Any comments regarding: BR-160 vs. BR-180? ME vs. MP? Thanks for your help Bob C. |
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| couchsachraga | Jun 24 2013, 03:53 PM Post #2 |
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Advanced Operator
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I can't compare the ones you are asking about, as I've run a BR180 just a little, and never a BR160. I'm thinking the BR180 was hydro and BR160 was brake steer, but that may not be correct. I can put you in touch with someone who ran the BR180 (stick) for several years for Garnet Hill in North River NY (XC center) if that would be helpful. As operators we preferred the 10 and 20 year older PB's... they felt more "solid" and didn't break down as often.... |
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| 600SDI | Jun 24 2013, 04:51 PM Post #3 |
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Advanced Operator
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We had a '93 BR 160 with cable operated sticks, and replaced it with an '04 BR180 MP with the electronic stick controls. The 180 has noticeably more power, and I like the sticks in the armrest rather than between your knees like the 160. The 160 uses a combination hydraulic drive/final drive unit while the 180 has a more typical hydraulic drive motor connected to a separate final drive. When we got the 180, I figured that we would have no problems with the operators making the change as they are very similar. What I found out is that many were running the 160's sticks with both hands, and the change to the left hand only along with the electronic stick's quick reaction to a little movement took some getting used to. The 160 served us well, but I would be looking at the 180's if price is similar. I don't think there are many steering wheel 180's out there, but IMO the wheel style will suit the average "driver" better where as it takes more of an "operator" to run a stick machine. Peter Craig - AKA "Catman Craig" on here or Bob Gallegos AKA "Bobbardier" both have a lot of experience with these machines and can offer more info on the mechanical differences between the 2. Both of these guys have been a great help to me thru the selection, purchase, and maint. of our BR's. |
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| BOB BARDIER | Jun 25 2013, 12:29 PM Post #4 |
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35 YEARS EXP / BR,LMC,PB,PN
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Hello Bob C. I will chime in here on a few things, 1-BR-160 & the BR-180 both have the Perkins 1000 series turbo diesel engines, BR-180 is higher in HP & Torque. 2-BR-160 uses Sunstrand 90 Series hydrostatic drive pumps as does the BR-180, the hydrostatic motors of the BR-160 are a combined hydrostatic & brake unit manufactured by Poclain, they seem to be in my experience very reliable. 3-BR-180 uses Sunstrand 90 Series pumps & motors with the Ausco wet brakes and Fairfield W6C Torque Hubs for final drives, extremely heavy duty, when combined with the 90 Series drive system, the Fairfield gear reduction T-Hubs give the BR-180 Superior power over the BR-160 with Poclain motors. 4-Mechanical vs Microprocessor drive steering, the MP or microprocessor drive system in my opinion is far superior to ME or mechanical steering, it allows for quicker response and less fatigue when operating the snowcat, it has self diagnostics with the MP and is reliable. The MP's system works with the Perkins engine to allow maximum performance of the snowcat. 5-BR-160 vs BR-180 both good machines, BR-180 superior in power, better drive system components, higher value, higher resale value, overall IMO, BR-180 MP with FNR's is superior to the BR-160, lastly I would advise against the BR-180 steering wheel machine, get one with MP & FNR's. Any questions let me know, Regards, Bob Gallegos, AKA Bob~Bardier |
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| trailboss77 | Jun 25 2013, 07:39 PM Post #5 |
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Advanced Operator
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Bob. What is the FNR? Is that the machine with the sticks on the arm rest? |
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Have been grooming since 1978 have covered more than 100,000 miles of snowmobile trail. | |
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| 600SDI | Jun 26 2013, 10:10 AM Post #6 |
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Advanced Operator
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Yes, the manual for the 180MP refers to the armrest sticks as FNR controls. Forward, Neutral, Reverse. Sort of like the PRNDL lever on your car.
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| BOB BARDIER | Jun 26 2013, 10:15 PM Post #7 |
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35 YEARS EXP / BR,LMC,PB,PN
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Hi Guys, That is correct, steering levers mounted on armrest on the left side of drivers seat, also you may ask a few operators opinions on the balls installed on the FNR levers. We did install larger balls on some MP's and Large ball with Small ball for some operators to reduce hand/wrist fatigue, large balls are better choice for extended hours operating the BR-180 MP, Plus MP, BR-275 & BR-350's. Good luck! Bob Gallegos Edited by BOB BARDIER, Jun 26 2013, 10:17 PM.
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| Catman Craig | Jul 1 2013, 02:16 PM Post #8 |
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Svc Rep/Prinoth
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Between vacation and seminars been off the web for a few weeks. The BR160 was the 1st generation "small" groomer built for XC and TG. The 160 came only with mechanical sticks between yer legs. Was built for 5-6 years until 1997 when the next generation BR180 was released and was built until 2007. It was replaced at that point in the line up by the Husky. There are mint BR160s out there and beat BR180s so it is a case by case basis. The shape of the drive system pumps and motors is importain as a diesel engine is cheap to replace compaired to the hydrostats. Another advantage is I live 2 hours from Speculator/lol. |
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| roady | Jul 3 2013, 08:03 AM Post #9 |
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Advanced Operator
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Right down the road the Deerfield club has one of each. Ask Billy what he thinks as he's been through both of them. |
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