863 drive issues...

[fstjb2]

I've got an 863 that I bought cheap knowing it had some deferred maintenance, and would need a little help along the way. The bucket/fork lift and tilt hydraulics seem to be pretty tight and strong, but I don't seem to have a good drive hydraulics. I can go straight forward or reverse without issues (favors the right side slightly) but if I try and turn, it seems to hesitate unless I give it a little help in the same direction with the other side. For instance, if I'm trying to turn right and push the stick all the way forward I get little to nothing, but if I ease the right stick forward a bit, the left side will start turning. I definitely can't do the bobcat spin around by pushing one and pulling the other. I'm torn if this indicates a weak pump (I do get some groaning) or if its just drive motor(s)?

 

[Tlawdogg]

Hello, I am brand new to Skid steers... April bought a 1998 863 F. Mine did what you are describing. First, is your Hydraulic oil Full (On Dipstick?) Mine was low, I added fluid and it drove a bit better...But after it warmed up (used the machine for a shirt period) the problem was there. (Mine was right side) I was told you could Switch drive motors..left to the right and right to the left and then if the problem is on opposite side it's the drive motor. That is a lot of work (just switching sides) so I pulled the Right Drive Motor. ****I bought a Plug kit which came in handy.for the Hydraulic hoses...I also replaced 3 hydraulic hoses at the same time. I took apart the drive motor and it was obvious . A few crumbled pieces where a Seal should be...then another...it was the Seals.. I got the seal kit and had it rebuilt and put together in no time. It runs like a Champ now. Just my 2 cents since I just did this fix last week. Todd

 

[fstjb2]

Hello, I am brand new to Skid steers... April bought a 1998 863 F. Mine did what you are describing. First, is your Hydraulic oil Full (On Dipstick?) Mine was low, I added fluid and it drove a bit better...But after it warmed up (used the machine for a shirt period) the problem was there. (Mine was right side) I was told you could Switch drive motors..left to the right and right to the left and then if the problem is on opposite side it's the drive motor. That is a lot of work (just switching sides) so I pulled the Right Drive Motor. ****I bought a Plug kit which came in handy.for the Hydraulic hoses...I also replaced 3 hydraulic hoses at the same time. I took apart the drive motor and it was obvious . A few crumbled pieces where a Seal should be...then another...it was the Seals.. I got the seal kit and had it rebuilt and put together in no time. It runs like a Champ now. Just my 2 cents since I just did this fix last week. Todd

Thanks Tlawdogg. Fluid is good. That sounds in line with what I've been reading. My symptoms didn't sound quite like I was reading and the fact that the side moves fine when I give it a little opposite stick didn't seem to be what others experienced. Ultimately I intend to rebuild both of the drive motors this winter, but was hoping maybe there way something I should/could focus on first to improve it prior to that.