YARDMAXYD8203 Track Barrow, Briggs and Stratton, CR950, 6.5 hp, 208cc, 660 lb. Capacity

These are my initial impressions, I have not yet been able to take it over to my rugged woodland in the foothills of the Appalachians where I will use it to haul firewood out of the hollow and haul chainsaws and other tools into the woods to work.First, the freight company, XPO was fantastic, and the driver extremely helpful. I had plenty of notice as when to expect the delivery and how it would be delivered. He had a lift gate and a dolly and we rolled it into the garage without trouble. The crate was well built and undamaged. I liked the way the hardware was packaged to correspond with the numbered steps in the instructions. The instruction book I would rate a B-, obviously not written or translated by a native speaker of English.The metal of the hopper is very substantial and heavy, I was impressed and had expected it to be more flimsy. Assembly went well, the attachment of the heavy hopper base and installing the pivot pin is really a 2 person job but unfortunately I had to do it myself. Improvisation is needed. I don’t feel like the controls on the Briggs engine are very well marked but finally I got them figured out. I was really impressed when the engine fired up the first time I pulled the cord. The instruction manual seems a bit sketchy about using the controls in spite of the manual admonishing the user to “Know Your Machine”. I was able to take the machine on several laps of the patio. It doesn’t drive or steer like anything I’ve driven before, the steering is sort of jerkey but I suppose that’s the way tracked vehicles drive. I believe it’s recommended that you stop before making steering corrections. The left hand control requires you to press the clutch lever above and to turn while moving you must also squeeze the steering lever below. This is a very large span which I can’t really reach and I doubt that many people can. There might be an adjustment possible or maybe you’re just not supposed to do that.So I haven’t run into any deal breaker problems yet and it seems well built for the cost. I know that over 2 grand is steep but considering a Bobcat type machine is 40k or more the YardDozer, as we call it, seems reasonableBy now I’ve been able to put the machine to work in my rugged woodland. The engine is very impressive and performs flawlessly. I’ve hauled many loads of firewood, about 500 lbs. each, up the long steep slope out of the hollow. I use second gear at about 1/3 throttle. The performance is outstanding. However steering while going either up or down a steep slope requires great care and very small increments. Just a quick squeeze on the control. Also, it doesn’t steer much at all going down a slope, I suspect this is due to the machines internal brakes trying to control the decent. The instructions mention some type of automatic braking but don’t explain how it works. I had the oil level at the top before I started working and did not have any problem with engine shut-off. I found a detailed explanation of the auto shut-off on the YardMax website, I think it’s in the FAQ section.After several days of use a problem occurred, when the machine had been sitting for awhile it was very difficult to get it moving. At first I thought it must be a gear problem but when I took the cover off the belt housing I discovered that when I engaged the clutch lever the drive belt would slip on the gearbox pulley. Adjusting the clutch lever didn’t help. I could get it rolling by pushing on the clutch pulley support bracket with a piece of wood. So it looks like the belt is stretched and lost its grip. I called YardMax and they were very helpful, they shipped me a new belt and this has fixed the problem. I don’t know if the problem will return. I’m going to look for a more robust, industrial type belt with more grip.My overall impression of the machine is “Where have you been all my life honey?”

I use it mostly for moving firewood. I can pick up big rounds.Tilt the bed. Roll BIG round into bed. Tilt and lock the bed. Drive to splitter...repeat. Climbs anything. Very stable, but could roll on a steep side hill and high load as to be expected. Doesn't tear up the turf as much a riding tractor. The motor pulls so easy on start, must have a compression release. I've been playing with small motors all my life. The Briggs and Stratton is absolutely fantastic. It starts so easy, I shut it off and restart anytime just so I don't have to listen to the motor. Controls are easy. Turns sharply. 3rd gear is a comfortable walking speed. I only wish I bought it years ago.I’ve been using this tool now on several jobs. I’m more impressed than ever. Piling dirt, wood or stones, I drive it right up on the pile to dump. Piles material higher without having to throw. The low bed height makes it easy to load material. Especially huge logs. 30” rounds tilt right in. The tracks don’t chew up the ground like tires would. Put your tools in the bed, drive to the job, put a plank across the bed for a stable workbench or saw horse. This machine is the bomb!I’ve now owned this machine 2 years. The starter cord broke. I adjusted the valves when I serviced it last because it sometime backfired when starting. No other motor problems. Best small mother ever! Thanks Briggs. I use it hard regularly. My only complaint is the bed could have a better design. The sides could come off and on easier, be stronger, and sockets for stake sides. I do jobs on steep hillsides, French drains, retaining walls, moving firewood... I still give it 5 stars.

Let me say this:The shipping crate was badly broken and the delivery guys said it needs to be looked at before you sign for it.I bought the "scratched return" deal and I'm good with that.But broken parts from the factory, not cool at all. The RUN/STOP switch was destroyed in the box because it was to hard to cover properly? Not enough BUBBLE wrap? or the person is too stupid and/or lazy to do it right the first time.It was returned the first time because of all the paint rubbed off . At $2,700.00 I would have refused also.Craftsmanship I would rate: B-Fitting of the parts is poor, the person needs more training. Take more pride in what you do...Paint: A+Engine: A+It started on the second pull and went straight to idle.Levers for control: DClue... Motorcycles got it right years ago. The levers are to far down and bind when pulling them up to turn the machine. The adjustments are good and easy to reach, it's the parts again. (cheap)Three speed: A+Tracks: A+It climbs up and down great. NOTE: It will shut off if you are on a hillside at a angle (oil shut off safety switch)All in all I love this stupid little orange tank. The color, the tracks and the cool factor is a 10 in my book.The craftsmanship is sad with todays work ethics. They either are pushed to hard to put as many of them out the door, or they just don't get it.I/we did this for years and made a good strong product Made in AMERICA by Americans.MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN or lower the prices.Note: The part was ordered and shipped (no charge) and registered at the same time.Six days and still no part (must be the Postal System)?

Bought this machine about two weeks ago after working alongside someone else with a similar machine. Have used the track barrow before from another manufacturer and loved it. Once I saw that it was able to climb steep grades I chose to purchase one to help with trunk wood removal after tree work. Have been using it for two weeks and love it. Makes moving material way easier than using a dolly / hand moving. Would definitely recommend it to anyone needing to move heavy material. Set up wasn't too bad either except one of the bolts stripped but that could have been an error on my end.