873 Indicator Light and Oil Porblem?

[justintorkelson]

Rookie question here, which indicator light is it that looks like it has the oil drop in the center of what looks to be a gear. I assume it's an oil pressure light but I'm not sure. I have the service manual but been through it twice and can't find anything helpful. Once I figure out what light it actually is I can explain that the light comes on with the bucket in the air or when the rpm's aren't at idle (it goes off at idle). May or may not be related but about a half hour into operation the light comes on less and less but the heat seems to be less to. It's important to mention it's about 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

[SkidRoe]

Not too familiar with that symbol when it comes to Bobcats, but in my experience with other equipment, that is usually a hydraulic system warning light. How is your hydraulic oil level?

 

[justintorkelson]

Not too familiar with that symbol when it comes to Bobcats, but in my experience with other equipment, that is usually a hydraulic system warning light. How is your hydraulic oil level?

Thanks for the reply. Added 2 qts prior to this last run (when the light started showing). Just enough to cover the glass. Since the light goes out when the bucket is being raised, is it possible to have put too much fluid in?

 

[russ]

Thanks for the reply. Added 2 qts prior to this last run (when the light started showing). Just enough to cover the glass. Since the light goes out when the bucket is being raised, is it possible to have put too much fluid in?

I had the same problem , I change the oil and fiter and now is OK, I use AW 32 from NAPA

 

[farmboy55]

I had the same problem , I change the oil and fiter and now is OK, I use AW 32 from NAPA

Too much hyd oil is not a problem. Your filter may be restricted. that would be the first thing I would ck. When you remove it, dump it out and inspect the fluid.

 

[spitzair]

Thanks for the reply. Added 2 qts prior to this last run (when the light started showing). Just enough to cover the glass. Since the light goes out when the bucket is being raised, is it possible to have put too much fluid in?

I think too much fluid is not your issue. Is it cold where you are? My 873 does the same thing when it's cold out, that light shows 3 different sensors I believe, one is high oil temperature warning, one is low main hydraulic pressure warning and one is hydraulic filter bypass. I'll try my best to explain it here... When the oil is cold it is really thick still, maiking it hard to flow through the filter. When the engine is idling the flow from the pump is relatively low and the bypass stays closed, hence your light is out. When you rev up the engine your pump puts out more flow. The oil is still cold and the filter can't handle the increased flow yet because the oil is still thick so the bypass opens up allowing some of the oil to bypass the filter and the light comes on. When you lift your bucket up the oil flow gets diverted into the cylinders and there's once again not enough flow across the filter to cause the bypass to open and the light goes out. Once the machine warms up the light should stay off. Hope this helps! Merry Christmas!

 

[justintorkelson]

I think too much fluid is not your issue. Is it cold where you are? My 873 does the same thing when it's cold out, that light shows 3 different sensors I believe, one is high oil temperature warning, one is low main hydraulic pressure warning and one is hydraulic filter bypass. I'll try my best to explain it here... When the oil is cold it is really thick still, maiking it hard to flow through the filter. When the engine is idling the flow from the pump is relatively low and the bypass stays closed, hence your light is out. When you rev up the engine your pump puts out more flow. The oil is still cold and the filter can't handle the increased flow yet because the oil is still thick so the bypass opens up allowing some of the oil to bypass the filter and the light comes on. When you lift your bucket up the oil flow gets diverted into the cylinders and there's once again not enough flow across the filter to cause the bypass to open and the light goes out. Once the machine warms up the light should stay off. Hope this helps! Merry Christmas!

This is tremendous. Thanks for all the help. We're going back out to give it a try tomorrow and will report back with what we find. Hope everyone had a good Chrismtas.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

This is tremendous. Thanks for all the help. We're going back out to give it a try tomorrow and will report back with what we find. Hope everyone had a good Chrismtas.

Yes that is your hydrostatic charge pressure light. They do come on if the oil is too heavy or cold, but 5mins of idle time should put it out unless you have a plugging filter. -5 is not that cold, I have run 10/30 motor oil in that temp with a short warmup time. Change your filter(s) and go from there.
Ken