Bobcat 873 Power/Response Issue when Steering

[jblueep]

I recently bought a Bobcat 873. Motor runs great. It has plenty of power and speed going straight forward and backwards. The boom and bucket work great and have power, except that the boom bleeds down. The issue is that when trying to steer left and right, the steering is fairly unresponsive and lacks a lot of power. I've read through some threads and it seems like it could be the drive motors? My dilemma is that I have power and speed if I'm not turning. Ideas of where to start and what/how to test? Thank you, Jason

 

[Bobcatdan]

If it is an old servo steer unit, that's how those things are.

 

[jblueep]

If it is an old servo steer unit, that's how those things are.

But it's basically not usable like this? I can't turn it in any reasonable amount of time.

 

[Bobcatdan]

But it's basically not usable like this? I can't turn it in any reasonable amount of time.

Remove the drive motor hoses from the motor and cap them. Start the the uni and stroke the pumps. The engine should respond to the load of dead heading the system to the point of stalling. If you can load the engine as such, look at motors as the problem. If just opposite happens, weak pumps.you can take a look at your case drain filter too, see if that's full of metal.

 

[jblueep]

Remove the drive motor hoses from the motor and cap them. Start the the uni and stroke the pumps. The engine should respond to the load of dead heading the system to the point of stalling. If you can load the engine as such, look at motors as the problem. If just opposite happens, weak pumps.you can take a look at your case drain filter too, see if that's full of metal.

Thanks. I will do that. What should I use to plug them? Something I get from the hardware store? I'll post the results back here. I've checked the drain filters on both sides and they were dirty, but no debris.

 

[Bobcatdan]

Thanks. I will do that. What should I use to plug them? Something I get from the hardware store? I'll post the results back here. I've checked the drain filters on both sides and they were dirty, but no debris.

Remove the hose from the drive motor. It will be one of three styles. JIC, flat face o ring or clang, I'm not sure which style bobcat was using on your vintage of machine. Either JIC or flat face you can get the right plug from a hydraulic shop like a Parker store. For flange, you will have to make a cap out of heavy flat stock. You can use your stock clamps.

 

[jblueep]

Remove the hose from the drive motor. It will be one of three styles. JIC, flat face o ring or clang, I'm not sure which style bobcat was using on your vintage of machine. Either JIC or flat face you can get the right plug from a hydraulic shop like a Parker store. For flange, you will have to make a cap out of heavy flat stock. You can use your stock clamps.

I'll give that a shot. Thanks.