How to check hydraulic fluid on your Bobcat skid steer

[@bigjohn1202]

I opened all my cylinders then topped it off. Dang near burnt mine down with the overflow. Good explanation because when the rams are all in the chrome lifting arm takes up space in the cylinder and your fluid levels fluctuate normally. Extended, you are over filled and fluid will spill out.

[@triangleequipment]

That's a great point to bring up, thanks for sharing!

[@jurpikag]

I hope you can answer me. I have an older machine, a 843. The $160/bucket Bobcat oil is a bit out of budget for this old machine. The internet has too many answers. Should Bobcat fluid be substituted with AW46 ( I am in GA) or Tractor Hydraulic fluid?

[@triangleequipment]

@jurpikag, good morning! We posed your question to Lee, the Service Manager at our Bobcat of Wilmington store. "Bobcat hydraulic fluid is formulated to withstand higher temperatures than normal hydraulic fluid. This is because the hydraulic fluid in your Bobcat is used to actually run the machine, not just push cylinders," he said. For that reason, he wouldn't recommend substitutions.

[@mikebryant9423]

​@@triangleequipment1:54