Table of Contents
1. The Power Problem
Decreasing Power is a major problem because it affects the performance of your Bobcat E35. While an insufficient supply of hydraulic fluid is a leading cause, there are other factors that may contribute to the power issue. Excessive friction is one of them because, for higher friction to be overcome, the machine requires more power. Other cases may include a weak charge pump which doesn’t provide sufficient pressure. This makes it very difficult for the internal brake to be released.
Solutions
Leakages are a major cause of insufficient hydraulic fluid supply, so make it a point to eliminate them completely. Detect leaks by pressurizing the hydraulic lines, then plug leaks or replace worn out components that compound the leaking problem for your Bobcat E35.
Maintain regular service on the hydraulic system, check hydraulic pump, clean the case drain filter, check hydraulic lines. Ensure that the supply of hydraulic fluid is not only constant but also free of dirt and debris.
2. Main Bearing Failure.
Rolling bearings are precision machine elements that aid positioning and alignment of gears and other components, while also reducing friction, wear and tear. The tell-tale signs of failing bearings include unusual noises in the final drive, excess vibration and overheating, among others. When bearings are damaged, they cause misalignment of shafts and gears, this in turn leads to problems of abnormal vibrations and clunking and squealing noises when the Bobcat E35 is operating at high speeds.
Solutions
Failed bearings on the Bobcat E35 will give you a problem of high friction metal to metal. The best solution available is to replace the bearings as soon as you detect any of the above mentioned symptoms.
The two drainage holes on the main bearing can accumulate dirt and debris over time. This may lead to the problem of excessive friction and damage of other components of the machine. Make sure these holes are not blocked by cleaning them and changing oil regularly.
Lubricating oil prevents direct metal to metal friction by covering the Rolling and sliding surfaces with a thin oil film. With greatly reduced abrasion, bearings not only last longer but they better serve their intended purpose, which is to enable smooth functioning of gears and shafts in the drive motor.
3. Hydraulic System Malfunction
For the Bobcat E35 and other Bobcat excavators in general, this is a common problem, attributable to a number of causes as outlined below
Clogged filters.
The filtering system plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the hydraulic system. A build up of dirt and debris may compromise fuel flow and contaminate fluids that are supposed to be supplied to the hydraulic system.
Defective Seals and Hoses
When your machine has worn out lines, seals and hoses, the issue of leakages develops. Leaks are bad, not just for letting important fluids drip out, but for also allowing harmful substances inside.
Solutions
The hydraulic system is made up of a number of different components (pumps, lines, seals, cylinders etc), each serving a unique purpose. To solve the hydraulic problem for your Bobcat e35, it is sometimes best to take the unit apart and inspect it part by part. This is particularly helpful and may well save you lots of time and money because you are more likely to single out and address the actual cause of the problem.
Inspect the hydraulic system and check that oil and other fluids are not leaking. Leaks are mentioned with emphasis because they can be very damaging. Performance is greatly compromised because of the loss of fluids, decrease in horse power and below par excavation speed and efficiency. Replace or repair leaking components and plug leaks, where necessary. Always refer to the Bobcat E35 owner’s manual or contact your manufacturer when handling these problems.
Hydraulic filters, as per recommendation, should be replaced after 250 hours of use. During the period of use, ensure that filters are cleaned and remain dirt free. Dirty filters will let in contaminated fluids and air into the hydraulic system, which compromises its capacity for operating at full power.
4. Overheating Problems
The Bobcat E35 develops overheating problems from time to time. The system naturally generates heat when heavy loads are carried, especially under hot temperature conditions. Other probable causes of overheating may be oil that is too low, faulty water pump or leaking coolant hoses.
Solutions
Coolants play an important role in the prevention of overheating by helping to maintain optimum temperatures in the system. For a properly cooled system, make use of the recommended type of Coolants. Bobcat uses propylene and not glycol Coolants so always avoid mixing the two as the “gelling” reaction may damage your radiator. To avoid fluid mixups, the propylene coolant has a purple color while the hydraulic fluid is orange.
To minimize the overheating problem on your Bobcat E35, it is recommended that you change coolant fluids every 1000 hours of use or every 2 years. Also regularly clean the radiator and filters and inspect coolant hoses for leaks.
5. Drive Motor Problems
One of the main purposes of the final drive motor is to transfer power from the engine to the tracks in order for them to turn. Unusual noises and excessive vibrations may be indications of a faulty drive motor. Possible causes could be worn out bearings and insufficient or contaminated gear oil. A drive motor problem reduces power on your Bobcat E35 and affects performance.
Solutions
The recommended procedure for drive motor maintenance is check gear oil level once during the first 50 hours of use on a new machine. After that, checks should be done every 250 hours. SAE 90W is the gea oil that is considered almost appropriate and it must be completely changed every 1000 hours or every year.
Bearings play a major role in protecting final drive components and preventing drive motor problems on the Bobcat E35. By reducing friction, reducing wear and tear and maintaining correct alignment of shafts and gears, they keep the drive motor from getting damaged. Regularly checking and replacing worn out bearings will ensure that the drive motor’s life span is extended.
