New 610 owner with questions.

[narlyharley]

I just purchased a 610 Bobcat yesterday. I think I made a good buy but when I came to load it the 610 wouldn't climb up the trailer ramps in low range. I had previously driven around the guys driveway and it worked fine. I checked the high/low range and seen the drive clutch was working properly. When I put it in high range it climbed up the ramps ok. Is there something I should look for? I am new to the forum and Bobcat ownership as well. I recently sold My little Ford 2N and thought a skid steer would be more practical for My use. I also want to know what the vacuum gauge reading is normally and when to see the hydraulic filter needs attn. I'm not sure if the hour meter has worked all its life but it is working now and reads under 500 hours? Thanks for the info. I am currently shopping for an owners manual on Ebay. The 610 has the original wisconsin 4 cyl.

 

[HanSolo]

A clogged hydraulic filter would probably cause the lift and tilt functions to be jerky. Regarding the lack of power to travel up ramps - I'd recommend you check the compression on the Wisconsin. I've got a M700 and was reading 50- 70 PSI. From what I've been told that should be more like 90 - 125. I'm getting a rebuilt long block.

 

[narlyharley]

A clogged hydraulic filter would probably cause the lift and tilt functions to be jerky. Regarding the lack of power to travel up ramps - I'd recommend you check the compression on the Wisconsin. I've got a M700 and was reading 50- 70 PSI. From what I've been told that should be more like 90 - 125. I'm getting a rebuilt long block.

Thanks but my hydraulics work fine. I was just wondering about what the vacuum reading should be as my vacuum gauge isn't working. The power seems to be there as the engine was running strong as I tried to go up the ramps but the travel stopped. It seemed more like the belt was slipping on low range but in high range the belt tightened up and moved it forward. I used it quite a while today moving some rocks in my old pasture I now mow and I lifted a rock that was to large when I got it out and one of the hydraulic lift rams sprang a leak. Other than that I am very happy with the power. I probably will still check my compression just for curiosity sake.

 

[jerry]

Thanks but my hydraulics work fine. I was just wondering about what the vacuum reading should be as my vacuum gauge isn't working. The power seems to be there as the engine was running strong as I tried to go up the ramps but the travel stopped. It seemed more like the belt was slipping on low range but in high range the belt tightened up and moved it forward. I used it quite a while today moving some rocks in my old pasture I now mow and I lifted a rock that was to large when I got it out and one of the hydraulic lift rams sprang a leak. Other than that I am very happy with the power. I probably will still check my compression just for curiosity sake.

Is your belt worn or oily? measure the width of a new one at dealer for comparison. they used to be about 80 or 90 bucks but it may cure the problem if the present one is slipping.

 

[6brnorma]

Is your belt worn or oily? measure the width of a new one at dealer for comparison. they used to be about 80 or 90 bucks but it may cure the problem if the present one is slipping.

Assuming the engine is not bogging down and the belt is not slipping at any other point. It is not uncommon at the very lowest setting for the belt to slip some for a number of reasons. Jerry has mentioned the main two......just bump up the tension on the belt slightly and it should run just fine in low. Personally.....I wouldn't change the belt until it fails completely. First time to change the drive belt is not for the faint of heart.

 

[narlyharley]

Assuming the engine is not bogging down and the belt is not slipping at any other point. It is not uncommon at the very lowest setting for the belt to slip some for a number of reasons. Jerry has mentioned the main two......just bump up the tension on the belt slightly and it should run just fine in low. Personally.....I wouldn't change the belt until it fails completely. First time to change the drive belt is not for the faint of heart.

Thank you for all the help. That was my first thought to. I believe the belt is worn and a little oily. I used it a lot today and it worked fine in mid or high area. I have been looking at a lot of the posts on belt replacement and have gotten a lot of good advice when it comes time to replace it.

 

[SkidRoe]

Thank you for all the help. That was my first thought to. I believe the belt is worn and a little oily. I used it a lot today and it worked fine in mid or high area. I have been looking at a lot of the posts on belt replacement and have gotten a lot of good advice when it comes time to replace it.

My neighbours 610 does a similar thing. If you slow it right down, you loose drive. You pick the speed up a bit with the variable, it works fine. A new belt will do the trick.

 

[narlyharley]

My neighbours 610 does a similar thing. If you slow it right down, you loose drive. You pick the speed up a bit with the variable, it works fine. A new belt will do the trick.

Thanks for all the input. In the spring I'll tackle the belt after gathering up some courage this winter.

 

[jerry]

Thanks for all the input. In the spring I'll tackle the belt after gathering up some courage this winter.

When you put it into the lowest speed take a look at the driven sheave to see if it is closing up all the way, could be crud or rust keeping it apart a little.

 

[narlyharley]

When you put it into the lowest speed take a look at the driven sheave to see if it is closing up all the way, could be crud or rust keeping it apart a little.

Thanks Jerry, I haven't payed attention to the driven clutch position. I need to check that out and give the machine a good lube job and while i'm at it.

 

[SkidRoe]

Thanks Jerry, I haven't payed attention to the driven clutch position. I need to check that out and give the machine a good lube job and while i'm at it.

You may want to grab a service manual for it, if you haven't already.

 

[narlyharley]

You may want to grab a service manual for it, if you haven't already.

Thanks, thats next on my list.

 

[7LBSSMALLIE]

Thanks, thats next on my list.

i myself have been tryini. g to disregard the 610 /m700 posts etc truth be told they land in my lap when they arrive at my dealership.( the younger guys say if was built before i was born im not working on it) invaribaly they come in cust states i want it fixed i want it fixed right but i dont want to sink any money into it, soas to how to express my opionion, yes they are cool as to antique value. not yet.money pit yes add up work to be done between repairs. dont know im a mech not a operator, seems there is a lot of them still out there a testimonet to origanal design. i myself have a 76 trimunph bonny chopper. its fun but not for labor, if are commited to gettining this running and using it please look thru to end game, WILL INVESTMENT PAY OFF.

 

[6brnorma]

i myself have been tryini. g to disregard the 610 /m700 posts etc truth be told they land in my lap when they arrive at my dealership.( the younger guys say if was built before i was born im not working on it) invaribaly they come in cust states i want it fixed i want it fixed right but i dont want to sink any money into it, soas to how to express my opionion, yes they are cool as to antique value. not yet.money pit yes add up work to be done between repairs. dont know im a mech not a operator, seems there is a lot of them still out there a testimonet to origanal design. i myself have a 76 trimunph bonny chopper. its fun but not for labor, if are commited to gettining this running and using it please look thru to end game, WILL INVESTMENT PAY OFF.

I was wondering where you were Mallie If they ever get this site to be Apple friendly, I'll do a complete 610 restore. You can really give me a hard time then.

 

[SkidRoe]

I was wondering where you were Mallie If they ever get this site to be Apple friendly, I'll do a complete 610 restore. You can really give me a hard time then.

Just do it, 6b!! I would be more than happy to post the pictures for you!!!!

 

[HanSolo]

Just do it, 6b!! I would be more than happy to post the pictures for you!!!!

I'm with Skid. Repair, restore and work the 610. The Wisconsin parts aren't that hard to source and it's a durable motor. The chassis and hydraulics are built like a tank. Rust problems can be taken care of fairly easily. The way I look at it - if I can restore an '72 Opel GT to show winning condition - a like aged Bobcat will be a piece of cake!

 

[6brnorma]

Just do it, 6b!! I would be more than happy to post the pictures for you!!!!

How would that work Skid?

 

[SkidRoe]

How would that work Skid?

E-mail me the pictures. You can find my e-mail address on my profile page.