743 wants to drive forward on its own

[cgord15]

I have a 1988 Bobcat 743. When I start it both drive sticks pull themselves forward and the skid steer literally drives itself. The machine has always creeped a bit but this started after I changed a hydraulic hose. Can this be related, air pocket maybe? I've got to get this sorted out before the winter because I can't even let it warm up without jamming it into a snowbank and letting the wheels spin away. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tazza]

Check your linkages, are there any obstructions? Also check that the centering plate is free to move back and forth. The nylon guides can stick. Ensure the bearings are greased as well as the alloy housing that runs on the bar that runs across the machine to the two bearings. Make sure the spring is in good shape, if not it will not have the power to push the sticks back to neutral.
With that sorted out, you may need to do a neutral adjustment. Block the machine so the wheels are off the ground and free to turn, then proceed to do this:

Better version to read and print out: http://users.tpg.com.au/tazza_/Steering Adjustment.jpg

 

[cgord15]

Check your linkages, are there any obstructions? Also check that the centering plate is free to move back and forth. The nylon guides can stick. Ensure the bearings are greased as well as the alloy housing that runs on the bar that runs across the machine to the two bearings. Make sure the spring is in good shape, if not it will not have the power to push the sticks back to neutral.
With that sorted out, you may need to do a neutral adjustment. Block the machine so the wheels are off the ground and free to turn, then proceed to do this:

Better version to read and print out: http://users.tpg.com.au/tazza_/Steering%20Adjustment.jpg

Thanks, I really appreciate the help. I will lift the cab on the weekend and see what I can do.

 

[donald73d]

Thanks, I really appreciate the help. I will lift the cab on the weekend and see what I can do.

My 843 has some creep mainly on the left side. Are there maint. parts that one should replace as they go about this adjustment.

 

[Tazza]

My 843 has some creep mainly on the left side. Are there maint. parts that one should replace as they go about this adjustment.

The 843 uses a different pump setup. The only one i have ever worked on needed a fair bit of work. It had two spring loaded guides that were worn, i had to machine them out and sleeve them.
Hopefully you won't need to do this. The main thing to check is the rubber and steel bushings that are in each pivot point in the steering linkages. If they are loose, replace them. They aren't that expensive and take a lot of play out of the steering levers.

 

[1bobcat]

Check your linkages, are there any obstructions? Also check that the centering plate is free to move back and forth. The nylon guides can stick. Ensure the bearings are greased as well as the alloy housing that runs on the bar that runs across the machine to the two bearings. Make sure the spring is in good shape, if not it will not have the power to push the sticks back to neutral.
With that sorted out, you may need to do a neutral adjustment. Block the machine so the wheels are off the ground and free to turn, then proceed to do this:

Better version to read and print out: http://users.tpg.com.au/tazza_/Steering Adjustment.jpg

I tried to read your http: but it would not open. Thanks

 

[fortworth-cowboy]

The neutral block can be turned around if they are not already were turned. Usually they have wear spots and the bushings wear out thats why your machine comes out of neutral. PM me and I can give you help and maybe even the parts.

 

[WVRoger]

This seems to be a common problem since I have a 751 and it does the same thing. If you are able to find and fix the problem
Can you post the solution and how it was repaired here?

 

[WVRoger]

This seems to be a common problem since I have a 751 and it does the same thing. If you are able to find and fix the problem
Can you post the solution and how it was repaired here?

 

[fortworth-cowboy]

This seems to be a common problem since I have a 751 and it does the same thing. If you are able to find and fix the problem
Can you post the solution and how it was repaired here?

I will see that I can do this this weekend. And YES it is very common for all Hand control machines.
I would have to send the literature in a PM, do not want to get in Trouble.

 

[laurencen]

put the machine on blocks so wheels can turn, lift cab and start adjusting neutral blocks

 

[fortworth-cowboy]

Ok, here is the procedure to adjust neutral, make sure the machine is on jack stands