2006 Cat 257b no factory auxiliary hydraulics

[sizkicks68]

Hey guys I'm brand new on here hopefully you guys have some answers and clarification. I purchased a 2006 Cat 257b last year with the hopes of snow plowing with it. Aux hydraulics don't work and I was told by a mechanic that my machine did not come factory with this option. Had anyone ever heard of that? I find it hard to believe because the machine has the plumbing on the boom for aux and the thumb switch inside the cab. Any one ever heard of this before. Thanks in advance

 

[ddbackhoe]

If the mechanic wasnt referring to high flow, time to find a new mechanic. Most likely an electrical issue, thumb rocker switch is worth a close look.

Here is a Possible ThumbWheel Switch *SOLUTION*

Hello everyone, I have a possible solution to very popular "THUMBWHEEL SWITCH" problem that seems to plague these CAT skid-steers. I have managed to REPAIR the one in my 226b. I have also repaired 2 other switches for a couple members of this forum. One member had a 229d and the other had a...

www.heavyequipmentforums.com

 

[brdgbldr]

Hey guys I'm brand new on here hopefully you guys have some answers and clarification. I purchased a 2006 Cat 257b last year with the hopes of snow plowing with it. Aux hydraulics don't work and I was told by a mechanic that my machine did not come factory with this option. Had anyone ever heard of that? I find it hard to believe because the machine has the plumbing on the boom for aux and the thumb switch inside the cab. Any one ever heard of this before. Thanks in advance

I'm not sure about CAT machines but I do know that Bobcat, at least later models, have a lot of options on them that are controlled with the computer. The dealer can turn them on or off depending on what package you purchase.

 

[haymaker]

I would be very surprised if a machine that new did not have at the very least standard flow auxiliary hydraulics.
Very easy to look up the specs of the machine on the web to confirm.
That is where I would start!
According to this spec sheet for the 247/257 aux hydraulics ARE standard

 

[TWC]

I don't know if you got the problem sorted out or not but I ran into similar trouble with our 2007 257B2 (4,600hrs) this past month. I'm over in Nova Scotia, Canada. I use the aux hyd for running a grapple attachment just about on a daily basis. Engaging the thumb button on the right joystick should perform the function of the grapple (grab and release). The other grapple function is to rotate either way 360º, and that is done by pressing down on one of the buttons (top right) on the left joystick, in conjuction with the thumb button on the right joystick.
It's only today after getting their mobile tech service to the yard. His determination is that the ECM (part # 2160658) under the floor board is not working correctly. He said, "There is no output from pin 40 and pin 42 which is for A1 solenoid and no ouput for pin 58 and pin 42 which is A2 solenoid. This is directly from the ECM. The inputs are working as they can read using the laptop but nothing comes out of the ECM as 12 volts on pin 1 and 3."
Choices are to buy new from CAT (about CAD$10K), or a reman (about CAD$7K). Expensive either way. Or, find someone to rebuild it.
I went looking online and far east sellers have them at USD$1400 to $2900. Then I found a company in Texas that rebuilds them by sending in the core to fix, or as a part refund if buying a rebuilt one they offer for USD$2495. Goecm.com, anyone have experience with them?