My First Bobcat... Steering problems

[balakaay]

Hi all, I have recently bought an old Bobcat 631 (early 80's build date). It is the first skid steer I've owned and is mostly just to be used around my house while i do a heap of landscaping so an old, beat up bobcat is perfect. After using it for an hour or so on the weekend i started to encounter some significant problems with the steering. Goes forward and back no problem, but as soon as you change the drive speed on one side it groans and struggles. Pushing the controls in opposite directions is completely out of the question, as it groans and feels like it's fighting you. I've searched the forum and similar questions have been asked before but usually it seems to be one side that is giving people trouble. It doesnt matter if i try to turn left or right i get the same issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Tazza]

With the cab or seat out for access to the pump, look for a square block on the hydraulic pump with 3 hoses on the left side, behind the middle fitting, there should be a hidden filter. It needs cleaning or replacing.
Hopefully your machine has this setup as it's a very easy fix.