Bobcat 863 is a 73hp four cylinder oil cooled engine skid steer loader supplied by Bobcat. All loaders including Bobcat 863 loader due to their mechanical design and materials properties tend to experience problems. Partly problems are due to wear and tear, incorrect operating procedures and loader operating environments.
Table of Contents
Starting Problems
Bobcat 863 loaders experience starting problems due to a number of reasons. These can be as a result of a faulty engine, fuel shortages, insufficient oil and blocked oil and fuel filters. These items requires periodic inspection and servicing as prescribed by supplier to avoid problems.
Faulty Engine
Engines require care to keep them functional and efficient. Bobcat 863 engine is very sensitive like other diesel engines to fuel and oil type used with it. Use of wrong fuel and oil type affect the engine resulting in starting problems.
Using wrong oil type causes problems including engine overheating which in turn results in excessive seals and gaskets damage. Gaskets damage results in excessive oil leakages and ultimately engine failure. Overheating problem also results in damage to bearings, crankshafts and piston expansion. These engine components affect engine start up performance and hence it’s important to ensure that correct fuel and oil type and quantities are always added to Bobcat 863 loader engine to avoid the starting problems.
Spark plugs and ignition coils are also a cause for concern in starting loaders. These elements are very important in starting performance of Bobcat 863 skid steer loader. It is recommended to check these units for any damage or burnt signs. Any defective element should be replaced with a good working unit. Ignition coil should show no sign of damage or being broken. If the coil is broken, replace it. For assistance in these troubleshooting, it is encouraged to consult competent person.
Faulty Battery System
The battery is the electrical power source for all loaders and serves to provide enough electrical charge to start the ignition process. Battery system is made up of the battery itself, cable connecting the battery to all loads in the ignition system. Batteries may fail due to broken battery terminals, leakages of electrolyte which causes starting problems with Bobcat 863 loaders. Always check the electrolyte levels and ensure it is sufficient for the battery chemical processes to take place. Always refer to battery maintenance procedure for topping up the electrolyte. If the battery fails to provide adequate voltage to start the engine, replace the battery with recharged one. Services of a competent person may be necessary in repairing the battery unit and replacement to ensure correct connections and avoid further component damage. In some cases the electrical cables may be broken or shorting resulting in Bobcat 863 starting problem.
Continuity is what allows current flow and once it is broken either from broken cables or loose connections, no power flows and the engine will not start. To solve this problem, trace all cables for damage, replacing all damaged cables. All loose connections should also be tightened and bare wires properly insulated to avoid short circuits. These solve all battery related starting problem.
Hydraulic Problems
Hydraulics plays an important role in loader function. Bobcat 863 uses a high flow engine capable of delivering extra power as compared to other models. It is this hydraulic system capacity that enables the loader to deliver exceptional loading and stock piling abilities. Hydraulic system consist of the hydraulic pump being the major unit of the system, high pressure hydraulic pipes, valves and control levers which activates various hydraulic valves to execute different tasks. Due to high pressure application for this system, component wear is high and therefore periodic recommended inspections and services are important to ensure they keep working efficiently. This results in Bobcat 863 loader experiencing problems including loss of loading power, stock piling and failure of cylinders.
No Power to Lift or Load
This problem mostly comes from hydraulic pump failure and excessive hydraulic fluid leakages. The pump is the most important part of the hydraulic system and supplies hydraulic fluid to all hydraulic pipes allowing pressure build up and power to execute certain function like loading. Faulty pump does not pump fluid to push and lift the cylinders to perform loading operation. The pump should be taken for repairs with a competent person. If the pump cannot be repaired, replacement with a functional unit. The second item to look at are the hydraulic pipes, they should be free from damages and firmly connected to the pump and cylinders. Visually inspect for any excessive leakages and address them to ensure pressure is availed to perform various loader functions.
Loading Cylinders Get Stuck
Bobcat 863 loader cylinder getting stuck is a common problem. The bucket will be raised and the fails to be lowered or vice versa. This is largely attributed to hydraulic system inefficiencies. Malfunctioning hydraulic pressure valves can cause this problem in Bobcat 863 loaders. The valves may effectively work in one direction and stick in reverse operation. All this is due to valve failure or valve contamination which controls fluid movement. Valves and control levers work hand in hand and failure of these control levers also affect the cylinders performance. It is also recommended to check all valves and replace faulty ones. Additionally, if cylinders get deformed they may also result in problems of either retraction or extension of the cylinder. Inspect cylinders for dents and deformation and replace all deformed cylinders. For proper cylinder care, operation manuals should be read, well understood and applied during equipment operation to avoid Bobcat 863 cylinder problems.
Piston Moving Slow
The piston is designed to extend and retract at a defined speed range, Bobcat 863 loader sometimes experiences a problem with slow piston movement. The movement is limited either by faulty pump which supplies hydraulic fluid at a very slow rate and so does the cylinder piston. Faulty pump components should be identified and repaired to bring pump performance to normal. Excessive hydraulic fluid leakages also causes slow piston movement thus delaying operation. Oil leakages leads to pressure loss as the force acting per unit piston area is reduced. Pall pipes should be inspected for leakages and burst pipes should be replaced with correct high pressure application pipes recommended by supplier.
