The Bobcat 873 skid steer loader is a popular choice for construction sites and other industries like mining, etcetera because of its compactness and versatility. However, like any other machine, the Bobcat 873 can experience problems that can hinder (or completely hault) its performance. In this article, we will be looking at common problems that the Bobcat 873 may encounter and how to solve them.
Table of Contents
1. The Hydraulics Tend To Leak Quite A Lot
One of the most common problems with the Bobcat 873 is the hydraulic fluid leaking out. This can be caused by a variety of things like too much pressure with the hydraulic fluid in the steer skid loader, or damaged hydraulic hoses/ tubes (which leads to leaking). When the hydraulics of the Bobcat 873 start to fail and you experience most or some of the aforementioned problems it will certainly make your skid steer loader unusable. Hydraulics are what give the Bobcat 873 (or any other similar machine) their power and ability to function, if they don’t work, then the machine is just another moving vehicle.
What You Can Do
- When experiencing hydraulic problems like damged hoses/ tubes, the first step is to check the hydraulic fluid level. If the fluid level is low, refill it to the recommended level, but you would first need to patch/repair the damaged area.
- If the hydraulic fluid level is normal, the next step is to check the hydraulic filters. Clogged filters can stop the flow of hydraulic fluid, leading to the poor performance of the Bobcat 873. Make sure to also replace the filters if they are dirty or damaged.
- Another cause of this problem on the Bobcat 873 is damaged hydraulic hoses. Check the hoses for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks, and replace them if necessary. If the above solutions do not solve the problem, it may be wise to seek the assistance of a professional Bobcat mechanic.
2. It Can Experience A Lot of Electrical Failures
This can be caused by anything from damaged wiring, to faulty switches, and/or a dead battery. Unfortunately a strong but compact machine (steer skid loader) like the Bobcat 873 is only so on the outside, the inside (where most of its controls and electronics are is much more delicate.) Damaged wiring cannot transmit electrical current so some of the parts of your steer skid loader may not work. The same can be said for faulty switches which may be damaged due to too much use from the part of the operator.
What You Can Do
- When you’re faced with electrical problems, the first thing to do is to check the battery (it is advised that you do this with a voltage meter.) If the battery is dead (or if it has a voltage that is lower than 12.3V), replace it immediately with a new one.
- If the battery is not the problem, the next step is to check the wiring of the Bobcat 873. Damaged wiring can cause electrical failure or simply cause some of the features on the steer skid loader not to work at all. If you notice any damage, repair or replace the wiring . If the problem is not solved by now then it may be wise to seek the assistance of a professional Bobcat technician.
3. The Bobcat 873 Has Somewhat of A Delicate Engine
This means that most of the components of the engine may be liable to serious damge at an early stage. These problems include a low oil pressure, weak power output after a couple of hours on the job and other kinds of wear and tear due to the various types of strain and work that the Bobcat 873 is put through. Although strong on the outside, the Bobcat 873 has somewhat of a problematic inside.
What You Can Do
- When most of the above problems occur, you need to check the oil level. If the oil level is low, refill it to the recommended level (you can find this in the Bobcat 873’s user manual.) If the oil level is normal, the next step is to check the filters.
- Dirty/ clogged filters can restrict the flow of oil, leading to poor engine performance/ power output. Replace the filters if they are dirty or damaged with cleaner filters.
- One way to avoid engine failure is to check components such as the fuel pump, spark plugs, and air filter for any signs of damage, and replace them if necessary. Always service your Bobcat 873 skid steer loader after every job you do using it.
4. The Tires of The Bobcat 873 Aren’t As Rugged As They Should Be
The Bobcat 873 may experience tire problems that would make it unusable. This can be caused by things like low tire pressure, worn-out tires due to punctures on the construction/ job site, etcetera. Although some skid steer loaders use tires entirely made of rubber, the Bobcat 873’s tires are air filled so you are very likely to deal with the problem of puncture sooner or later.
What You Can Do
- The first thing you can do is to check the tire pressure. If the pressure is low, refill it to the adequate level but if the tire pressure is normal, the next step is to check the tires themselves. Worn-out tires can lead to poor performance, because tires are just as important for the Bobcat 873 as the engine is. Replace the tires if they are worn out.
- Always seek professional help from a certified technician, mechanic and the like if you cannot solve any of the problems of the Bobcat 873 yourself.
Conclusion
The Bobcat 873 is a great skid steer loader, but like any other machine, it can experience some issues. Hydraulic, electrical, and engine problems are common with this skid steer loader from Bobcat. Always remember that if the issues persist, it may be wise to seek the assistance of a professional Bobcat mechanic because it is never wrong to seek help on matters you do not know.
