Bobcat Excavator Lost All Hydraulic Functions. What Happened and Why?

[@stkqtekilla2962]

I'm amazed how clean the shirt is in the end.

[@victoryvisiontour]

Good idea putting your tools on a blanket. You are quite skilled working in tight spots while recording video. When removing a pattern of bolts such as flywheel, head, lug nuts, etc, break one free then retighten to approx 75% of it's specified torque. Break the next one free and retighten it the same. Continue until all are broke free. This makes them so much easier to break free. That last flywheel bolt was more difficult than the others because it had 100% of the stress on it. Keeping all the bolts tight divides the stress across all of them instead of focused stress on one. Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@flat6fever680]

Interesting. Makes sense!

[@renesolaire8319]

I don’t think so. Because that coupler is made of plastic, it’s a bit flexible. Basically each screws fight against it’s related steel insert only

[@motionclone231]

Thanks for putting this up. Good to know the motor doesnt have to be yanked to change that coupler. I have a 337

[@PawPaws_Place]

Man I can honestly say I was saying out loud “ooohhhhhh” as you were cranking on that Allen bolt. I had a relief of anxiety when it broke free. 😂 Glad it did for you. 👍

[@toadabc]

I think I have seen a unicorn. A highly skilled, knowledgeable, honest, well equipped honest serviceman who does mobile? Doesn't exist in Northern CA.

[@6Diego1Diego9]

Jesus Christ why don't you ask him on a date Cynthia

[@In2investing]

Wow I'm surprised at the accessibility and ease of service on these older bobcats. PS...I was holding my breath hoping that Allen head bolt wasn't going to strip. Nice job

[@tetradgroup]

Me too! Thanks for watching!

[@jrac863]

Another great video from the master.We have the smaller version of this a 425 and in order to do this job we had to remove the whole 500 pound counter weight in the middle of the woods not fun

[@flat6fever680]

Can't imagine? How many guys? Or a machine?

[@jrac863]

@@flat6fever680 just 2 guys and a s185 with pallet forks

[@flat6fever680]

Awesome field fix! Just found your channel. Liked and subscribed. You sure have the mentality and strength for this job. Not for the meek. 💪

[@dinosshed]

Easy job compared to many automotive applications. Was waiting for that bolt head to strip and knuckles into the pump. Nice work

[@tetradgroup]

I agree, I would not want to be in the automotive industry these days.

[@TristanBanwell]

Thanks! I was other way around, replacing the pump on my 334 and realized I need to do the coupler. Sure appreciated this video.

[@matthastings7224]

Pretty impressive! I cant do maintenance on any of my bobcat tractors, without using expletives. Good video thx

[@tetradgroup]

I edit out the expletives simply for the KZbin algorithm LOL

[@fordmodela3641]

Awesome patients, thank goodness for people who do the work you do!

[@gmp-garazmojapasja]

It is really good job. I appreciate your ideas and experience. Thank you, Artur

[@dane9175]

Thanks!

[@tetradgroup]

Thanks again my friend!

[@allensandven0]

Only thing that would make this repair more challenging would be a good steady hard rainstorm with a little wind chill ? …. That always gets the more empathetic new subscribers onboard. Like Jerry’s kids who say no to that …! 😊

[@dukeboy-6645]

LOL, I was thinking how lucky he was to have a really nice day.

[@terrylundquist2646]

Enjoyed the video, again. We truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge, and all your helpful "tricks of the trade". 👍

[@KarasCyborg]

At what point do you decide to field-fix (Stay and Play) vs get a Crane and transport to a shop (Load and Go)?

[@tetradgroup]

Very rare I send one back to shop. Today for instance I had a track off a T870 in the middle of a creek bed and engine would not start, 4 hours later the machine was operational and removed from the creek under its own power. I recommended the customer take to shop to have cleaned and inspected for any additional damage and to make sure no water got into fuel tank.

[@Kevin_Geard]

Your know how, patience and never say die is worth a considerable hourly rate. I hope your income allows a mighty fine work life balance. I enjoy your channel immensely. Regards Kevin New Zealand

[@brimanco]

Great Content! Keep up the good work

[@normhowes2975]

Amazing! Plastic gear just like a KitchenAide mixer! Made to break down while costing top dollar.

[@barrygrant2907]

It's sacrificial, cheaper to replace than a sheared pump shaft.

[@daleolson3506]

Had it made in China to maxamize profit

[@songweaver6076]

I can't believe it's made of PLASTIC!!!!!

[@killstrees]

It has to be plastic as a sacrificial part. If the pump blows up, it will shear the coupler and protect the engine from damage. Much cheaper to replace a pump and coupler than pump AND engine.

[@michaelwray4359]

Can’t thank you enough sir this is what I’ve been looking for 😊

[@IndependenceIron]

That 435 really seemed to pull down the engine when doing multi function. Is that common for those 400 series zero tail swing machines? My old 331 multifunctions and can blow relief and still never really seems to drag on the engine.

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

Salt stains on your ball cap. Sure sign of a workin' man!

[@Ariel-x1x]

Brilliant mate ... impressed.

[@robertpatey4713]

Hey, I’m really liking your videos. I have a bobcat E 50 excavator. Couple codes came up regarding the load sensor and I was looking to do a hydraulic pressure test looking at the manual service. You need to pretty expensive machine. I was hoping to hook up a gauge and, check the high-pressure and the low pressure and adjust it from there. What port would I hook up the gauge on the manifold side?

[@demartinsm8479]

Nice work! Glad I found your channel.

[@michealphillips77]

Lost all controls after a loud poof of air, is there anything other than the plastic gear that would lose all controls? 2020 e32

[@robertambrose1168]

I got a 435 Fast Track bobcat change the drive belt twice damn near have to tear the machine apart to do all that I never had your problem before don't matter what kind of machine you got you always got to work on it to keep it going

[@bwdiver1]

I just bought a 2023 R2 E35 and the drive motor is already being replaced. They brought it to me with 3 hrs and by 20hrs drive is popping and is now in the shop. Are these E35’s any good or are they trouble? I’m hearing the 35’s aren’t that great. Dealer is slow they still have the machine over two weeks later.

[@kevineleven5610]

Knowledge won the day ☺️

[@Woodywater]

I have a 329 bobcat excavator. I’m only getting 9 V to the hydraulic lock solenoids I have pilot pressure around 25 to 75 off the block were the solenoids are located. I think this is all electrical issue. I had to replace the keyless instrument cluster. I think somebody put a battery in backwards or jumped it backwards. After you placing the instrument cluster the machine starts but no hydraulic function. My question is where is the solenoid getting its power from? The armrest an instrument cluster?

[@greatvalleyone]

Thank for making another awesome video, this job would take me 2 days, a bolt would strip or break or I would break a fitting or hose in the process, drop a screw and not be able to find it, or not have that special tool.

[@firewoodsolutions]

That is awesome. Now I know you can mechanic in the woods, you better get ready for when I need help

[@skipwilson4792]

Did you say the hours on the machine ?

[@therealbreakroompodcast]

My 435 lost all pressure today but it came with a grinding noise. Throwing metal flakes out of the bell housing. Would the metal coupler fail before the pump shaft? God i hope so

[@SS-zs3zb]

Where to buy the coupler plate?

[@pigslayer106]

Hey man awesome videos. I have a 2019 e45 and the AC isn’t blowing cold anymore. Fan has strong air speed but air isn’t cold. It’s cool but not cold. Radiators on side of machine look clean. Any ideas? I didn’t see a video on the excavators ac systems

[@tetradgroup]

Couple things on the E45, have you changed both cab air filters? Sometimes the heater valves are faulty which is located in front of the battery. You can pinch off the heater hose at valve to eliminate that as an issue.

[@pigslayer106]

I found one filter right below right knee when sitting in cab. It looks clean. I can’t find the other filters

[@tetradgroup]

@@pigslayer106 yeah it sucks, open side hood and look behind and right of hydraulic tank and you will find the filter cover, just pop it off and blow out filter and see if it helps.

[@pigslayer106]

Yes you were right! That filter was clogged. I cleaned it out and blew out the vents with my backpack blower. It blows colder but still not like new. Is there anything else I can try?

[@tetradgroup]

@@pigslayer106 pinch off that heater hose and see if that helps. Pull the whole inside cover off, just pops off and clean evaporator core.

[@darinmorgante7200]

I have a 2009 323 with no hydraulics at all. The lockout light does not come on would a failed coupler cause this (because no pressure) or does that sound like an electrical problem? Any input would help!

[@tetradgroup]

The light should come on regardless, sounds electrical to me.

[@darinmorgante7200]

@@tetradgroup found a couple broken wires in the left arm rest, hydraulics are operational now! It was a tough find, wire insulation wasn't even damaged but wire was broken right through.

[@jeffmaclean7700]

Thanks for the great video,please keep them coming

[@tetradgroup]

I defiantly will, thank you.

[@VolvoGonzo]

Nylon.... are they meant to wear out to avoid damaging more expensive components or did they just cheap out?

[@tetradgroup]

Exactly, acts like a shear pin to protect other components.

[@Rprecision]

That really sucks! How many hours did the machine have? BTW, how the hell do you stay so clean, I would be covered head to tail

[@tetradgroup]

This machine had about 4000 hours on it and I believe that was the original coupler because all the bolts were in the bell housing, usually I find if a coupler has been replaced then all the bolts do not get installed because of the difficulty of getting to them. I get accused of not working all the time because I never get dirty lol.

[@douglasjewell9324]

​@@tetradgroup, I have a question about a 773 bobcat diesel engine, looses tilt and up, down movement to the bucket, tried removing sensor but can't get it all the way off the shaft before it hits engine, any advice?

[@BUSTABR0WN]

Whew! The suspense was killing me… which would break first, the Harbor Freight ratchet or the Allen head bolt.

[@tetradgroup]

Can't kill the old Harbor Freight ratchet 😆

[@kylekoskinen5976]

I have a 2004 430 ZHS with 4200 hours. Lost hydraulics while digging but machine still drives. Would this be the same issue? Thanks

[@timschmidt1928]

very composed! i woud be frustrated by the lack of working space

[@hightechredneck_0566]

Really appreciate your videos. I have a 2017 A770 that would give me intermittent error code 4404, Aux Controller loss of Communication. So I bought a brand new Aux controller but now I'm getting an H4423 (Aux Controller Not Programmed) error code. Does the dealer have to program these new aux controllers before they can be used?? If not, how do I program it?

[@EliteSoul92]

Dang didn't recognize you with that moustache

[@jonathantaylor6926]

Put a torch to those bolts especially if they have loctite on them.

[@chrisowen9378]

So how is the proper clearance between couplers obtained.

[@tetradgroup]

The measurement is in the service manual and if you don't have a service manual for your machine then your dealer should provide the info with parts if you ask.

[@moe2470]

Positrack hyd pump couplings fail at around 1000hrs when high flow is used alot.

[@jamesmerkel9442]

a piece of old tuff jewing gum spacer washer so it seats it self under pressure just so & some rebounding force as well build in.

[@LyndonBreaux]

Trick you may not know about. Always tighten bolts and nuts to break loose. Then loosen. It prevents stripping and shearing.

[@johnoler357]

My thumb was all brown, sticky and smelly a quarter of the way though this video. I sympathize with you brother.

[@skylinedesignstudio723]

I have this same Mini Ex ... I am by no means a mechanic and recently struggled with a hydraulic cylinder seal. To my surprise, I was able to get it all back together. After which, the Excavator worked for a couple moments, then the hydraulic system seemed to stop working. After watching your video I thought I had a solid diagnosis but it turns out my blade still works! So the question becomes, where else should I be looking? what could be wrong?

[@tetradgroup]

Does the light on the console turn on and off with armrest?

[@skylinedesignstudio723]

Yes, once the armrest is down an light turns on

[@timbo1961]

Thanks for the video- I learned something from it.

[@ProtonOne11]

Seems like it would be way easier to fix that issue if the designers used a plastic gear on the pump shaft and a metal gear on the motor side in the bell housing (or some kind of plastic coupler between two metal gears, if the pump shaft is to small to transfer the torque into a plastic part directly). Seems odd that people who design these machines don't think more about service and field repairs, especially with a plastic part that is an intended breakting point to protect the pump and will need replacement probably more than once in the lifetime of a machine if it's worked hard by the operator.

[@kenlarsenful]

Is the 325 easier ? I lost all hydraulic yesterday:(

[@usalife1978]

I have e 35 excavator and only have about 75 psi of pressure Any idea what should I check for ?

[@tetradgroup]

Could be lots of things, really depends on the symptoms.

[@usalife1978]

@@tetradgroup What should I check for ?

[@Nudnik1]

Many machines use the same coupler. Even CAT M318 . ASV has plastic teeth

[@jamesmerkel9442]

That side sheet metal over pump compartment should turn screw remove.

[@victorhernandez769]

Thank you for the video.

[@kylejones2075]

Very informative thanks for sharing

[@andrewgable7273]

Thanks for that. I learned something today. Now I can rest easy. This heat sux, doesn't it!?!! Question about my 2018 T770. Im getting error code 3532-2 on start up. It eventually goes away once the machine warms up. Thoughts?? Thx in advance!!! Check out Redmond Salt's Re-Lyt. Best electrolyte drink mix I have ever found. I hope I spelled that right. Anyhow, thanks again, stay cool and hydrated as best you can!!

[@matthembree1690]

So what if you can still use the blade?

[@tetradgroup]

Then I would start with electrical issue

[@tangoseal1]

That little piece of plastic can handle all those tens of horsepower? Wow! I would have figured it was all steel parts with a shear bolt or something. Not plastic. Also a ljttle splurt of PB Blaster would make getting those bolts out easier but you got it without so good.

[@tpep1693]

Could be raining! Ha., I'm with you.

[@jonstefanko7854]

i have a 430 i would imagine its the same job?

[@tetradgroup]

Yes, it would be very similar

[@jamesmerkel9442]

why would it use plastic gearing any prt crazy. If that serves a purpose then why not a double or triple plastic disk so 3 diff sets of teeth to try & catch/ grip fine, med, or coarse sanding teeth b4 it works itself out. Just need 3n1 grip teeth on the other metal prt too. 1 side 3disks other side 3n1 prt so 3 times the wear or prt connect beats no connection. Not working or broke no middle ground.

[@edgarchavez3]

Why would my 435g die after putting the excavator under load?

[@tetradgroup]

Either engine is weak or pump not set up correctly 🤔

[@jamesmerkel9442]

The finer the teeth the rounder the disk vs 6 sides or 5 sides or rounded.

[@Thor-dy1xu]

Ok, but the most important part of this repair is why did it shear the coupler? What does Bobcat have to say? : }

[@tetradgroup]

Standard repair on many different types of equipment. The coupler is designed to fail before any pump damage or engine damage could occur. After many hours and years this coupler was just worn out.

[@ethansmom2008]

I miss the 'stache!

[@brandonjones4666]

Engineers… imagine if they designed with mechanics in mind.

[@saltygamer5042]

Dude try a rear motor mount on a 2004 Toyota corolla 😆 this is a cake walk

[@csettles1841]

I don't understand why they don't use something like John Deere has on the 650, 750s. High horsepower but they have plastic on plastic for that connection. It's 3 square pegs in 3 square holes, for both pieces. Not metal vs plastic.

[@roblane5699]

That would cut into their company’s profits

[@michaelwray4359]

I have a435ag

[@dumbotater2158]

Unless that "plastic" coupler is like a shear pin, why in the world don’t they make those couplers out of steel. Sure, it would be more expensive, but look at the bad press they are receiving out of having to replace plastic gears!!!! Just sayin’. Well, crap, at least make them easier to repair, since they KNOW the couplers are going to fail, repeatedly!

[@zekesmith538]

Plastic by design or would metal be better…

[@tetradgroup]

Plastic by design to prevent possible damage to much more expensive components.

[@tpep1693]

One thing about these machine's, Not Friendly to work on!

[@rearspeaker6364]

no manufacturers mini excavator are easy to work on.

[@danielemanuelsson4233]

how lucky that you don't have to own old machines.

[@royamberg9177]

Nothing easy about service work. I do plenty of it

[@FrederVision]

For a sacrificial part like that they make it too hard to get to. Bobcat sucks.

[@tetradgroup]

Not just Bobcat but most manufactures use the exact same style coupler. Its like a built in shear pin to protect the pump and engine. Its actually easier on Bobcat than say CAT which requires the engine to be removed.

[@skidoojosey6037]

Removed! That would be impossible. This mechanic is a genius. If I had the talent he has in his pinky finger, I would be very happy.

[@rvadventures]

After watching your videos I realized I'm not buying bobcat, matter of fact I wouldn't take one for free. These things are horrible.

[@tetradgroup]

As a technician for 25 years I have worked on all makes and models, me personally, I wouldn't own anything but a Bobcat. All machines have issues and Bobcat is by far the easiest to work on in my experience. Thanks for watching!

[@skidoojosey6037]

Wow! Now that’s an endorsement!!!

[@rvadventures]

@@tetradgroup I watch Andrew, and few other channels and they all say stay away from bobcat. Drives are bad,hydraulics are bad and electrical is a mess. We see cat and tecumseh but more deere than anything on most road construction vey little bobcat.

[@cyumadbrosummit3534]

For putting plastic in heavy equipment driveline Bobcat engineers should be cancelled.

[@JohnSmith-ug5ci]

Bad design.

[@3406Accert]

That's the most dumbed down Chinese knock off machine in the whole Land Stupidly low budget Chinese part's supplier's , these are simply Chinesedogs and not a blobcat at all. Never would l even rent one let alone own one.