731 problems

[sparkynp25]

Hi all,im new to this forum,weve just bought a 731 bobcat from a farm sale,she starts fine and everything seems fine but when you use the loader to lift any weight its very slow or wont lift at all.the other problem seems to be it makes a noise when pulling on the levers(DOESNT SOUND NORMAL)some told us to change/clean the bronze filter which we have but this makes no difference.hope u guys on here can help.thanks jason

 

[Tazza]

Did you clean or replace it?
Try running it without the filter in the port block. The noise is tell tale of the filter being restricted.
You mention it doesn't lift as well.... Mine only ever had drive issues, the lift/tilt was fine when my filter was plugged.
The aux hydraulics isn't stuck on is it? (right hand lever).
Does it run ok when cold, but gets worse when it warms up?

 

[sparkynp25]

Did you clean or replace it?
Try running it without the filter in the port block. The noise is tell tale of the filter being restricted.
You mention it doesn't lift as well.... Mine only ever had drive issues, the lift/tilt was fine when my filter was plugged.
The aux hydraulics isn't stuck on is it? (right hand lever).
Does it run ok when cold, but gets worse when it warms up?

thanks tazza,we didnt replace the filter just cleaned it,it didnt look dirty in any way. the right hand lever is not stuck on but maybe the valve is?. the noises on the drive are from cold so it doesnt get worse when hot. have spoken to someone about this bobcat and he said it could be the pressure plates worn. the boom lifts right up but slowly,struggles with weight on it. any more advise would be good.thanks jason

 

[OldMachinist]

thanks tazza,we didnt replace the filter just cleaned it,it didnt look dirty in any way. the right hand lever is not stuck on but maybe the valve is?. the noises on the drive are from cold so it doesnt get worse when hot. have spoken to someone about this bobcat and he said it could be the pressure plates worn. the boom lifts right up but slowly,struggles with weight on it. any more advise would be good.thanks jason

Does the hydraulic oil get foamy after running for a while? If it does you have air getting into the system.
Next check the system pressure by putting a pressure gauge on one of the aux hydraulics fittings. The 700 series machine should be 2000-2100 psi at full throttle.

 

[sparkynp25]

Does the hydraulic oil get foamy after running for a while? If it does you have air getting into the system.
Next check the system pressure by putting a pressure gauge on one of the aux hydraulics fittings. The 700 series machine should be 2000-2100 psi at full throttle.

hi,thanks for that.the oil doesnt get foamy at all,havnt checked the pressure yet.abit worried as the loader wont lift a tractor bucket we have on the farm and the noises from turning the machine.thanks jason

 

[OldMachinist]

hi,thanks for that.the oil doesnt get foamy at all,havnt checked the pressure yet.abit worried as the loader wont lift a tractor bucket we have on the farm and the noises from turning the machine.thanks jason

Getting a pressure reading will give you starting point to diagnose what's wrong. If the pressure is low and adjusting the main relief valve doesn't bring it up then ether the relief valve is bad or the hydraulic pump is worn.