The Bobcat E42 also known as a compact excavator or simply a mini excavator is a versatile machine whose job fits most of the outdoor functions in the heavy machinery world. This compact excavator can tackle many notable tough projects which include but not limited to excavation, demolition and landscaping. The Bobcat E42 boasts of enhanced performance, control, efficiency and comfort among other striking features. While the Bobcat E42 is similar to many other mini excavators it has its own differences which include the powerful 42.6hp feature as well as the extendable arm. It also has an efficient bucket digging force. However, the Bobcat E42 has problems that are not uncommon to machines of this type. These are discussed below.
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1. Slow Hydraulics
Your Bobcat E42 can experience overall slow hydraulics. This might affect the bucket curl to become very slow and it can even affect the track speed. In order to correct this problem you will need to adjust the pressure on all pumps. If this does not work to the expected standard then you will need to perform a complete pressure adjustment of the whole system. If you don’t feel confident enough to carry this out then please be advised that the intervention of your reputable dealer will be required.
2. Failure Of The Main Bearing
Another problem that your Bobcat E42 compact excavator is likely to face is that of the main bearing failure. This should not surprise you much because you need to understand that there isn’t anything that lasts forever. The worn out main bearing of the Bobcat E42 excavator is responsible for causing stress on the final drive motor. This will lead to the replacement of the damaged final drive parts. At times it might even mean the replacement of the whole motor.
In order to remedy this situation you will need to check the drive oil regularly. Change it often as and when it should become necessary. Some users suggest such a change to take place when the compact excavator has operated for almost 300 hours. Another way of checking for the damaged bearing is to look at the existing oil to find out if it has some metal flakes. Unfortunately, if you see these flakes it means indeed your main bearing has been destroyed and will need replacement.
Consequently, you can also inspect to find out if there is any leak in the main seal. Here, be careful enough to notice even the slightest of bearing lubricant loss as this is detrimental to the well-being of the main bearing. You should also make sure that when you do your maintenance for your Bobcat E42 compact excavator, check for the drive oil so that it stays at the recommended manufacturers’ level.
3. Won’t Start
The Bobcat E42 compact excavator can also undergo starting problems associated with the starter. This will show itself when your try to crank the engine and it will turn over like, but will not start. It might sound as if the battery is not functional. However, if you try jump starting it, it might not respond positively. At other time this process will repeat itself until it won’t even turn over at all. The cause of such a problem could be that the starter would be shorted. This will require its removal so that it can be tested. Usually free testing at parts stores would significantly help.
4. Error Code 4622
Another problem of the Bobcat E42 is that it can sometimes produce the error code 4622. This can happen when the machine turns off and won’t start. This might be caused by one sensor that would not be able to recognise any voltage. It is therefore ideal to test the sensors so as to identify the one that will be faulty. You will have to test the affected wiring in case there is some damage somewhere too. Then you will also do well to inspect the fuses for any that will be malfunctional. Whatever the case is, any damaged sensor will need replacement and the same goes for any damaged fuses as well.
5. Rollers Failures
Another common problem of this compact excavator is premature failure of rollers. This may be caused by uneven load of the Bobcat E42. Failure of rollers can also result when during the normal repair work the ones that are not entirely functional are allowed to remain on the excavator. They will only deteriorate and eventually fail. Sometimes the rollers will fail due to high speed driving for a prolonged period of time. If there is any oil leakage these will lead to incorrect bearings lubrication. In turn this will lead to failure of rollers.
Also, if the Bobcat 42 compact excavator’s track rollers lack the right amount of oil, the bearings will get stuck. In this condition they won’t be able to rotate around their axis inside the roller resulting in serious damage. You will need to replace all the track rollers that have leaks or blocked bearings. This will prevent damage to other Bobcat E42 components. These components include mainly the link chain since the non-rotating rollers lead to quick wear of the track chains. This results from an increase in the frictional force on the roller shell and the contact surface of the chains. So the bottom line is that all bad rollers need to be timeously replaced.
Conclusion
The Bobcat E42 compact loader is an indispensable and reliable lifelong machine. However, just as many humans have to visit the doctor every now and then, this compact excavator also needs to be regularly well serviced. Many heavy equipment machines of this type will suffer wear and tear of crucial parts which include final drive motors, final drives, the boom and the bucket among other crucial components. These parts make for a good and esteemed compact excavator and their repair and replacements will be inevitable as the passage of time lapses. Remember that basic maintenance and mindfulness when operating and keeping the Bobcat E42 compact excavator helps to prolong its lifespan.
