m610 - First problem - weak steering?! (pics)

[lbeckm3]

Well, I started working with the new/old Bobcat today. I started off greasing all the grease fittings I could find and making sure the oil level in the engine was good. I started working the driveway going backwards with the bucket tipped down to try and smooth things out. After a few minutes I notice that it really didn't want to turn. Seems to go forward and backwards fine - but it also seems to me that the sticks have to be pushed forward and backward to almost the end of travel for them to work. Does that sound like the clutches need adjusting? Low hydraulic fluid? This is an m610 so not sure how that works with belts etc. but I thought it was hydraulics that engage the clutches for the chains to turn the wheels.
Possibly related, I did notice in the garage a lot of fluid on the carboard I had placed under the machine as it sat for a few days. From sitting in the seat it would be the right side towards the back of the machine. And there were other areas but they were way more minor.
Now for the pictures - to check the hydraulic fluid - I need to remove these two little ports right? The one I'm pointing too is the lower one, but if I can get the top one off - I fill until it comes out of there right? Also, the original owner said to put ATF in it and I'd heard 10w30 was the thing to use. If it is ATF, any ok? Dextron 2 or whatever the latest is? Guy I bought it from said, "the red stuff" but I think all ATF is red. Guessing it is best to just keep using what prior owner did.

Looks like that upper port is rounded off - not looking forward to that - any suggestions would be great! Locking pliers maybe? I'd like to replace that when I do get it off - is that a "standard" part I could find somewhere or do I need to hit the dealer up?
Also, the following pic hopefully shows "where" I add the fluid. Let me know if this is right! Sorry total newbie here!

Thanks!!
-Lyle

 

[Hotrod1830]

Yes, it sounds like the clutches need adjusting. Fill to the top hole. If you cant get the top plug out, fill to the bottom plug and overfill by 2-3 quarts. Not sure on the ATF, but Im pretty sure those take 10-30 engine oil. Use what it calls for. The leak could be an axle seal.

 

[lbeckm3]

Yes, it sounds like the clutches need adjusting. Fill to the top hole. If you cant get the top plug out, fill to the bottom plug and overfill by 2-3 quarts. Not sure on the ATF, but Im pretty sure those take 10-30 engine oil. Use what it calls for. The leak could be an axle seal.

Thanks for the info - I will try adjusting them. The funny thing is that after letting it sit for 5-6 hours it seems fine again?! Very odd. I may have to drain and refill the sucker to 10w30 soon.

 

[mechtech]

1. Do you have the manuals? check my profile for my email and send me a msg. I can send you the manuals.
2. My machine used Hyd. Fluid, many others use ATF fluid, not sure about anything else
3. The 610 does not use Hydralics to drive wheels, chains and clutches off of driven pulley
4. My guess is that the plug that is rounded off, that you can get a similar plug at the hardware store
5. Good Luck, there are quite a few of the 610's still out there.

 

[Helomechanic]

1. Do you have the manuals? check my profile for my email and send me a msg. I can send you the manuals.
2. My machine used Hyd. Fluid, many others use ATF fluid, not sure about anything else
3. The 610 does not use Hydralics to drive wheels, chains and clutches off of driven pulley
4. My guess is that the plug that is rounded off, that you can get a similar plug at the hardware store
5. Good Luck, there are quite a few of the 610's still out there.

Hello, I believe I have a 610. Not sure the S/N tag is missing but another poster says a lot of the parts are interchangeable between year models. I need a Service Manual and Parts Manual. Do you have any manuals for sale? Thanks Gary Anderson 865-922-2860 [email protected]

 

[Mikefromcny]

Hello, I believe I have a 610. Not sure the S/N tag is missing but another poster says a lot of the parts are interchangeable between year models. I need a Service Manual and Parts Manual. Do you have any manuals for sale? Thanks Gary Anderson 865-922-2860 [email protected]

The plugs you point out are the low and full plugs for the hydraulic oil. If nothing comes out the bottom hole, fill it until it comes out of the top hole. The breather you pointed out is the fill hole. I replaced those plugs in mine 2 days ago. They are 1/8" pipe plugs. I replaced mine with a brass hex plugs from the hardware store and tightened them to around 10 ft lbs. I had to weld nuts on to mine to get them out, brand new vise grips wouldnt touch them. My 610 likes to vapor lock, its about 75F here, how about you guys?