Bobcat e50 is a 47.9hp turbocharged diesel engine powered compact excavator. It comes in two models e50 long arm model with greater bucket reaching distance as compared to the ordinary e50. Bobcat e50 excavator and all other excavator brands experiences problem due to wear and tear of their mechanical and electrical components over time. They use high pressure hydraulic fluid system for their heavy duty applications which also makes their hydraulic system components susceptible to failure. Bobcat e50 excavators are supplied with manuals that helps to teach on excavator use and care. To discuss the problems of Bobcat e50 excavator, we will look at the major components which are the undercarriage, cab and arm or boom. The undercarriage is the bottom part which houses the whole excavator tracking system while the cab houses the engine and all other controls. The arm is the part that does the actual excavation work with buckets and cylinders.
Table of Contents
Undercarriage Problems
Undercarriage consists of excavator tracks, track shoes, track bolts, sprockets, rollers, idlers and track chains. All these components fail largely due to wear and tear and improper.
Incorrect Track Tension
Bobcat e50 excavator tracks are important for equipment movement from one point to another. Improper tensioning of Bobcat e50 excavator tracks results in de-tracking problem of the tracks. This refers to tracks moving out of position and hence the excavator will not move. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to ensure tracks are properly tensioned. Inspections are required especially when movement is on rough terrain. To further avoid track slackening avoid excessive equipment movement. The excavator should be stationed at its working site and moved in low bed trucks where distances are long.
Track Does Not Move Properly
There are many reasons why the track may not be able to move properly. First thing is to look at the track parts for loose attachments particularly track bolts and shoes. These components loosen during operation and hence require periodic inspection and tightening to keep the track intact and avoid movement problems in Bobcat e50 excavator. The next components to inspect regularly are the track rollers, sprockets and chains. These items wear with time and finally fail. Most of the times failure of one component if unnoticed may result in damage or failure of other interlinked components. All worn out components should also be replaced as per supplier recommendation and guide. Pinions are also easily affected by debris and mud and hence the undercarriage should always be inspected for cleanliness. All debris should be removed to allow free track movement. Sprockets also should be inspected for gear wear and replacement done if gears are excessively worn out. Track guides should also be firm and in position so that tracks will not move out of position.
Cab Problems
Cab is the housing or simply the body of the car where the driver is housed. This is where the operator main controls are located. It houses the engine, main control valves, fuel tanks, hydraulic fluid tanks.
Engine Overheating
Engine overheating problem in Bobcat e50 excavator is caused by many factors including low coolant level, loose fan belt, faulty coolant temperature sensor, damaged radiator, coolant leakages and faulty water pump. To avoid these problems, periodic inspections should be done to monitor coolant levels. Coolant levels should not be allowed to fall below the minimum required levels. Always top up coolant to the right levels using the prescribed coolant type. Another reason why the engine may overheat is the faulty temperature sensor for the coolant. In this instance the sensor will fail to read high temperatures and insinuate that temperatures are normal while the engine is overheating. It is advisable to engage the services of competent person to troubleshoot these components. In case of damaged radiator and faulty water pump replacement is the most viable option. It is also recommended to check and ensure fan belts are properly tensioned or not worn out so that the fan cooling system is not compromised leading to overheating problem of Bobcat e50 excavator engine. Another cause of engine overheating is coolant leakages. Coolant leakages can easily be identified by contamination of engine with the coolant. Leakages are usually as a result of broken or damaged seals or gaskets. Any visual sign of contamination implies the need for seals and gaskets replacement to avoid coolant leakages that result in overheating problem in Bobcat e50 excavator.
Low Engine Oil Pressure
Bobcat cab control has got warning lights to indicate oil pressure. If the low pressure warning indicator is illuminated, this is a sign that oil pressure level is low. This indicates lack of lubrication which can cause engine problems in Bobcat e50 excavator. To address this, check and top up the oil level to required levels. In case the low pressure warning light is still illuminated after oil top up, check for oil leakages and replace seals where leakages are occurring. It is also recommended to periodically change your engine oils and filters as required by service scheduled provided by supplier. This helps to keep the oil circulation efficient thus providing effective engine lubrication and cooling.
Arm or Boom Problems
This unit also experiences problems due to wear and tear. The boom consists of cylinders, the arms which holds the bucket during operation. These are operated by cylinders and valves using high pressure hydraulic fluid.
Boom Attachment Failure
Bobcat e50 excavator boom or arm has multiple attachments linked using links and pins. These units require adequate lubrication to reduce wear during repetitive operation cycles. If lubrication procedure is not strictly adhered to and joints get dry, the links and pins fail resulting in Bobcat e50 excavator arm attachment problem. The boom will not be able to freely move and irritating noises may come from the boom joints. To solve this problem in Bobcat e50 excavator, always ensure that all joints are properly lubricated using the correct grease type. Pins should always be inspected for proper positioning and wear. Faulty and excessively worn out pins require replacement.
Hydraulic System Failure
Hydraulic system plays a pivotal role in excavator operation. The basic components of a hydraulic system consists of hydraulic pump, cylinders, pipes, valves and control levers.
Failure of any of these units results in whole system malfunction.
Hydraulic Pump Failure
The hydraulic pump is the heart of Bobcat e50 excavator and failure of this unit results in whole hydraulic system problem. To check if the pump is faulty, remove the pump outlet and switch on the engine momentarily. If no fluid is coming out the pump is dead. Care should be exercised to avoid irritation from high pressure fluid from the pump. The most ideal solution is to source a technician to repair the unit or replace with a new one.
Hydraulic fluid leakages
Leakages are also a common problem in all excavators including Bobcat e50. This is due to wear and tear of system components from high pressure and high temperature hydraulic fuel circulation in certain components. Leakages are mainly caused by burst or broken pipes, broken or damaged seals and gaskets and loose pipe and valve fittings. The basic way of identifying leakages is to visually examine the components for oil contamination and all pipes. Broken pipes fittings should be replaced to avoid leakage problem in Bobcat e50 excavator. All loose fittings and connections should be tightened.
