Melroe 610 Hydraulic Issues

[jeffscoggins]

I don't know much about hydraulics, but I know I broke a hose that leads to the drive shaft. Of course, I lost a lot of fluid. When I replaced the hose I put in about 4 gallons. I'm not sure how full to fill the reservoir. Do I just top it off? The bucket works and high speed power is better than before, but my low speed power is very week. I can't even turn. Could this just be a low fluid problem or do I have another problem?

 

[6brnorma]

To check fluid levels…….there are two 1/4" plugs on the side of the bobcat (between tires), if no oil comes out of the lower one when you remove it you need oil…….if oil does come out of the upper one, you are full. I'm not sure which hose broke as there is no "drive shaft" on a 610 bobcat. I'm just guessing that you meant the hose to the variable speed sheave. My best guess is that you have gotten quite a bit of fluid on the sheaves and the drive belt……if so, the belt is probably slipping in low speed. Clean both sheaves and the belt throughly and with some time and use it should improve. You can help it by increasing the tension on the belt just slightly and still be in a lower speed.

 

[mark18mwm]

To check fluid levels…….there are two 1/4" plugs on the side of the bobcat (between tires), if no oil comes out of the lower one when you remove it you need oil…….if oil does come out of the upper one, you are full. I'm not sure which hose broke as there is no "drive shaft" on a 610 bobcat. I'm just guessing that you meant the hose to the variable speed sheave. My best guess is that you have gotten quite a bit of fluid on the sheaves and the drive belt……if so, the belt is probably slipping in low speed. Clean both sheaves and the belt throughly and with some time and use it should improve. You can help it by increasing the tension on the belt just slightly and still be in a lower speed.

I agree with 6brnorma, any oil on the belt makes it slip a lot. that results in the issues you have now. I have blown hoses and got oil on the belt, it takes a couple hours of use for it to go away and return to normal, but it will. If it's real bad or annoying you might want to pressure wash the belt & sheave's or spray it off with brake cleaner, but not sure what brake cleaner does to the material in the belt but it's probably no worse on it than the oil.

 

[jeffscoggins]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it. I have noticed that it is doing better after some use, so I expect you had it right with the fluid on the drive belt. About the drive shaft, I didn't know what to call it. I have a Honda engine in it and it's the shaft that comes out of the engine on the opposite side from the drive sheave. Thanks for the hint how to check the fluid as well. I will do that tomorrow.

 

[6brnorma]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it. I have noticed that it is doing better after some use, so I expect you had it right with the fluid on the drive belt. About the drive shaft, I didn't know what to call it. I have a Honda engine in it and it's the shaft that comes out of the engine on the opposite side from the drive sheave. Thanks for the hint how to check the fluid as well. I will do that tomorrow.

Just so 600 series folks know……as long as the variable speed sheave functions properly, fluid levels would not affect speed or turning ability. Fluid levels would affect bucket, implement or increasing/decreasing variable speed functions……..otherwise the fluid only acts as a 'bath' for the chain, clutches and wheel bearings.