Get rid of my s220 and get a similar sized unit that I can do the service and repair myself, advice please. Thx

[eyyu]

I’m a tree trimmer and I’m naturally more familiar with wood chippers, stump grinders and mini skid. I always wanted a larger, standard sized skid to use around my property for digging. That was the reason I bought this 2008 joy stick controlled S220 from a friend. It seemed to be a good move at the moment. It’s been a city unit for road fixing, so pretty lightly used. Now, after a few times getting locked out of the lift/tilt function and have to haul it to the dealer for “fixing”, I’m not sure anymore if I made the right move. I either need to figure out how to work the BICS system or replace it with a manual machine. If the decision is a manual machine, what model bobcat or other brand name if they’re better designed for fixing. I REALLY don’t have any Brand loyalty to Bobcat at all. Thx. Erwin

 

[eyyu]

Just to vent a little. Brought it in this morning. Hate the feeling of handing over the machine to the service guy and not knowing what they're going to do to it is really needed and how much. You feel so tiny!

 

[reaperman]

Any bobcat since the late 90"s are all equipped with BICS, not just hand controlled units. With that said, I'm not sure anyone really knows a "quick fix" for a BICS not working properly. It can be one of many different issues that make up the BICS platform. I personally like the simplicity of manual controls vs hand controls.

 

[863cat]

Any bobcat since the late 90"s are all equipped with BICS, not just hand controlled units. With that said, I'm not sure anyone really knows a "quick fix" for a BICS not working properly. It can be one of many different issues that make up the BICS platform. I personally like the simplicity of manual controls vs hand controls.

Used to have an older 80’s-ish bobcat 543 that was easy to work on and had plenty of power for a smaller diesel machine.... The bucks isn’t that bad to troubleshoot just sensors reporting back to a controller as for the lift/tilt locking that could be something as simple as your seat or lap bar

 

[farmshop]

Used to have an older 80’s-ish bobcat 543 that was easy to work on and had plenty of power for a smaller diesel machine.... The bucks isn’t that bad to troubleshoot just sensors reporting back to a controller as for the lift/tilt locking that could be something as simple as your seat or lap bar

A s220 is still a basic machine by today’s standards. A decent dealer should be able to make it reliable. A operators manual will help as the machine will usually tell you what’s going on with error codes. A faulty seat bar switch can cause grief if the plastic bushing wear out

 

[eyyu]

A s220 is still a basic machine by today’s standards. A decent dealer should be able to make it reliable. A operators manual will help as the machine will usually tell you what’s going on with error codes. A faulty seat bar switch can cause grief if the plastic bushing wear out

Guys, thanks for your encouragement. I already feel better now. I’m the kind of guy that has to know every single piece of my equipment fleet. Guess it’ll take time for me to figure things out and be comfortable with it. It gives either 3265 and 3236 or 3265 and 3231. It does not tell me anyThing specific

 

[flyerdan]

Guys, thanks for your encouragement. I already feel better now. I’m the kind of guy that has to know every single piece of my equipment fleet. Guess it’ll take time for me to figure things out and be comfortable with it. It gives either 3265 and 3236 or 3265 and 3231. It does not tell me anyThing specific

There is both a parts and service book for the S220 in the manual thread, as well as a listing of all Bobcat error codes.

 

[farmshop]

There is both a parts and service book for the S220 in the manual thread, as well as a listing of all Bobcat error codes.

You can google the codes also. 3231 and 3234 are codes for the actuators. I’d tip the cab up and check the connections and wiring around the valve under the seat

 

[eyyu]

You can google the codes also. 3231 and 3234 are codes for the actuators. I’d tip the cab up and check the connections and wiring around the valve under the seat

Guys, Thx for your help and encouragement. Just got an email from the Bobcat dealership saying that they did all the tests and actuators are both ok. That’s good news. Bad news is that they have no clue what’s causing the issue (3265 3236 3231). Even worse news is that they want to start from replacing my battery and alternator ($900) until they find out what wrong. I told them, no. I think that the tech is not competent at all. I don’t mind paying someone who can actually do some real diagnostic instead of swapping parts till it’s fixed. The service manager told me that he’ll talk to the tech in the morning.

 

[farmshop]

Guys, Thx for your help and encouragement. Just got an email from the Bobcat dealership saying that they did all the tests and actuators are both ok. That’s good news. Bad news is that they have no clue what’s causing the issue (3265 3236 3231). Even worse news is that they want to start from replacing my battery and alternator ($900) until they find out what wrong. I told them, no. I think that the tech is not competent at all. I don’t mind paying someone who can actually do some real diagnostic instead of swapping parts till it’s fixed. The service manager told me that he’ll talk to the tech in the morning.

I don’t see where throwing those parts at it are going to help as long as voltages are normal. I would still be looking at the harness by the valve body first

 

[eyyu]

I don’t see where throwing those parts at it are going to help as long as voltages are normal. I would still be looking at the harness by the valve body first

totally agree. I told them that I at least know that much not to throw parts into the charge system. If the "tech" suspects battery, he can use a test battery. if he suspects alternator, he can measure its output of greater than 13.5V. At least they know that I'm not that stupid. Hopefully they'll put someone competent on it and get it figure out. I won't mind paying for a few hours of their time, just don't like to feel being ripped off. If I have to bring it home now I know what to look for. I did thoroughly clean the machine inside out with power washer after I got it. I probably messed up some connectors or grounds.