2018 Bobcat E26 - Weak Hydraulics

[Dameon]

I think they are all likely in the same spot I am... I've been a lifelong "DIYer". I've always had pretty good troubleshooting skills. Understanding the means by which something functions and then understanding how a failure in a component(s) can cause a particular undesirable response.

The problem with this is that it is a "simple" process: a pump pulls fluid through a set of filters and then out to a couple of large manifolds. One manifold controls drive/track functions, the other controls arm/bucket functions. For both manifolds to be weak is an oddity outside of the pump failing. Here's where troubleshooting goes awry... when there are multiple failures in a single system or the most obvious part failure is replaced with an expected working part, but isn't. Just because this pump was new from Bobcat, doesn't necessarily mean it is fully functional. When possible, I always test new parts before installing them. That wasn't an option here. I could spend considerable time and money building a bench testing mount, but I wasn't prepared to do that. That being said, I have a ~$30K mini-ex that is collecting dust because "no one" can figure out what the issue is.

Thanks for replying Haymaker.

 

[antoine Tur]

Not having a lot of luck finding an answer. I'm learning that the Bobcat dealer is a "parts swapper" and blamed the pump which apparently isn't the problem.

Is there a common manifold block all hydraulics go through? I would expect that there are two main manifold blocks... one for drive functions and one for arm functions. I saw evidence of this in the connections to the main pump. Four hoses.

Any thoughts?

Just to comment your experience, I also have an E26 with 2000hrs and just with the boom you won't tilt the machine, but boom+stick you should be able, I was also doubting on the slew speed. Like you at first I was questionning my self and I tried the same machine with 500hrs same thing, my uncle worked with one having 1300hrs same remarks. All other hydraulics features have 0problems. For mine I concluded it was the machine design, I have been using the machine for 400hrs no problem, but I'll change for a Kubota for sure before the end of thé year

 

[antoine Tur]

Not having a lot of luck finding an answer. I'm learning that the Bobcat dealer is a "parts swapper" and blamed the pump which apparently isn't the problem.

Is there a common manifold block all hydraulics go through? I would expect that there are two main manifold blocks... one for drive functions and one for arm functions. I saw evidence of this in the connections to the main pump. Four hoses.

Any thoughts?

Just to comment your experience, I also have an E26 with 2000hrs and just with the boom you won't tilt the machine, but boom+stick you should be able, I was also doubting on the slew speed. Like you at first I was questionning my self and I tried the same machine with 500hrs same thing, my uncle worked with one having 1300hrs same remarks. All other hydraulics features have 0problems. For mine I concluded it was the machine design, I have been using the machine for 400hrs no problem, but I'll change for a Kubota for sure before the end of thé year

 

[alice.smith097]

It sounds like there might be a hydraulic issue, especially if you're seeing weaker performance and trouble with the left track motor. I'd recommend checking the hydraulic pressure, particularly in the control block and valves related to the left track. That flopping left handle might indicate internal wear or a valve not fully engaging, which could definitely affect your machine's power and responsiveness.

 

[Dameon]

I suspect, after some extended use, it isn't isolated to one track or the other (like I originally thought). I did replace the track control valve body with a new one. That took all the slop out of the track controls.

Been at the shop 4 weeks and they haven't even looked at it yet. When I dropped it off they said they should be able to take a look within a week or two. I have a feeling no one wants to deal with it. Hot potato service ticket.

 

[Dameon]

Wow... weird coincidence. Dealer just called and said it was ready. Just last week they said they hadn't even brought it in the shop yet. Guy on the phone didn't have any details on the issue... I'll have to talk to the mechanic when I pick it up. He seems to think (maybe based on the parts on the service ticket?) that they replaced the main pump. I told him I just replaced the main pump with a new one before I brought it to them. :hugeeyeroll:

More to come...

 

[haymaker]

Seems all the techs can do these days is replace parts. I hope that isn't the case for you.

 

[Dameon]

Seems all the techs can do these days is replace parts. I hope that isn't the case for you.

True... "parts swappers". I lament about that on a regular basis. Mechanical aptitude and logical troubleshooting is a lost art.

 

[emilyjohnson85]

The weak track motor and difficulty lifting with the boom suggest that you could be dealing with low hydraulic pressure or flow, possibly from a worn or malfunctioning pump. The fact that it only performs well at high RPMs points to a potential problem with the hydraulic system not delivering enough power at lower speeds.

Given the loose left handle, it might not be fully engaging the valves, leading to poor performance in that direction. I'd start by checking the hydraulic fluid level and filters, then have the pump pressure tested. If the left handle is floppy, it could indicate a worn linkage or internal valve issue that's affecting the hydraulic flow to the track motors.

 

[Stokes Solar]

It would make sense to me, that hotter (aka thinner) hydraulic fluid would only be a factor in the pump. The manifold wouldn't care, the filters wouldn't care, in fact those things would likely be improved with thinner fluid.

I am having the same problem on my 2014 E26. Did you figure it out?
Best
-John

 

[Dameon]

So, good timing John. I just got my E26 back and I ran it for an hour or so this weekend. Seems to be 100% now. For the resolution, see my assessment above. Bad pump, new from the factory.

When I picked it up, the lead mechanic that worked on it wasn't there. All I got was a fairly observational report from a buddy that works there, but not in the service department. He said the new pump I just installed (with significant difficulty) was removed and disassembled. They found major scoring on internal parts. They also found some rotted o-rings in the main valve body. One, or both, of those factors were allowing fluid bypass.

I'm convinced the o-rings were a more significant factor than the new pump. Yeah, new parts can fail out of the box, but the pump is typically QA'd at the factory. It has signs of factory testing... oil, thread marks, etc.

Good luck finding your solution John. Not sure if this information helps or not.

 

[haymaker]

I'm curious, is Bobcat refunding the cost of the "bad from the factory" pump?

 

[Dameon]

Just to comment your experience, I also have an E26 with 2000hrs and just with the boom you won't tilt the machine, but boom+stick you should be able, I was also doubting on the slew speed. Like you at first I was questionning my self and I tried the same machine with 500hrs same thing, my uncle worked with one having 1300hrs same remarks. All other hydraulics features have 0problems. For mine I concluded it was the machine design, I have been using the machine for 400hrs no problem, but I'll change for a Kubota for sure before the end of thé year

Even in its current functioning state (which I suspect is probably optimal) it won't lift itself by stick or boom (as you correctly stated), but now it will lift quick and easy on bucket curl. That's a noticeable difference.

 

[Dameon]

I'm curious, is Bobcat refunding the cost of the "bad from the factory" pump?

Yes, they did, because I said it would be BS if they didn't. They intended to charge me for it and had to reprint the invoice when I pointed it out. They were attempting to put it off as "customer installed parts".

 

[Dameon]

All that being said, I'd like to find someone who could use my "original" pump. I suspect it is actually in working shape and could be a good deal for someone willing to take the risk. I think it has right at 1000 hours on it. Not sure what the life expectancy is on a pump.

 

[Stokes Solar]

It would be interesting to talk to the head mechanic. My next plan is to get a pressure gage, check the pump, check pressure relief valve.
Best
-John

 

[DirtRodeo]

Please let us know how your repair goes. My E26 has minor power issues at 2500 hours. Many thanks!

 

[Dameon]

It would be interesting to talk to the head mechanic. My next plan is to get a pressure gage, check the pump, check pressure relief valve.
Best
-John

Checking the pump using the factory test ports might be a challenge if your system is bypassing. It won't build enough back pressure to give your gauges an accurate reading.

Yes, the pressure relief valves would be my first suggestion to validate.

 

[Dameon]

Please let us know how your repair goes. My E26 has minor power issues at 2500 hours. Many thanks!

What are the symptoms? Worse with engine/hydro heat? Check the easy stuff... replace hydro fluid with known proper grade, replace filters. What engine RPM are you working at? The E26 is pretty flat under about 2100 rpm. I typically run at 2200. Also, rabbit mode will boost functions. Does that make a difference in operation?

Friend of mine had issues with an E35i. Performance. Ended up being... his engine fuel injectors. When the pump starting drawing down the engine, the engine didn't have the power to deliver due to dirty/failed injectors. This was on a Doosan Tier 4 engine and Bosch fuel system.

 

[Stokes Solar]

I installed the new pump that I waited 6 months for from bobcat, when cold works good at all RPM, when it warms up, you have to crank the throttle to get proper performance. I really like this machine, just cant wait to get this figured out. It almost sounds/noise like the relive valve is opening prematurely after warm.
Best
-John