The Bobcat 325 hydraulic line overhaul project. I'm going to stop these leaks once and for all!

I've had the Bobcat mini excavator for a few years now, and I absolutely love it. It has proven itself indispensable time and time again. However, for the past year or so, every time I use it for something, it starts leaking. I'll track the leak to a hose and replace it, use it on the next job, and it will start to leak again! I'm tired. Time to fix it for good.
Today I'm going to pull every hydraulic line out of the machine, inspect it, and if I see any signs of damage at all, replace it. I know it's going to be expensive, but worth it in the end! At least in my opinion...
Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate every viewer and every subscriber!

[@dishtech43]

Great info... I have a X331.I installed all new pumps and it has 100 hours on new engine. Really like it for what it does. Has a cab with heat. but NO Air. wish it did.. Has little drips here and there. but I think my 2 speed on high side hose broke on drive motor the other day. Now Snow Blizzard out there. might have too set for a bit. But did learn where the hoses run through looking at your vidoe. Thanks.

[@3DayWeekend]

Glad it helped! I wish mine had a heated cab in this weather.... So far so good with the leaks up front, but there is a low pressure line in the rear that has started leaking. Come spring, I'll be tearing into that next! Working on these machines in blizzard is a hard no for me!! Thanks for watching!

[@mattpurvis]

how much did those hoses cost?

[@3DayWeekend]

I had roughly $1000 into all of those hoses and 2 jugs of hydraulic fluid. Definitely not a cheap day, but so far so good! It has been really nice to use it for many projects and not have to worry about it leaking all the time. Thanks for watching!

[@timmer9lives]

I just don't know why everyone doesn't wash their equipment down BEFORE working on it. God it makes life easier. Not critisizing you. Everyone does the same. But...Here is the way to go. Wash it down. Start it up. Look for leaks, fix the leaks.

[@3DayWeekend]

Haha I know that drives people nuts! I usually call it out in my videos as "doing it dirty". What I don't show off-camera over the leading weeks/months, whatever, is that I will spray it all down with degreaser and rinse it out so I can find the leak source. A clean machine absolutely helps determine where the leaks are coming from. Then...... my mistake..... I'll use the machine until I'm ready to tear it apart. Of course, dirt, leaves, grime all stick to the leaking fluid so when I'm ready to work on it, it's filthy! My working order: Machine leak detected, wash it down, look for leaks, find the leaks, use the machine for while, fix the leaks, wash it down. In this particular project though, I couldn't find the leak or clean out behind the swivel joint. It's so tight in there, I just couldn't get the degreaser and water back into that cavity. Hence the overhaul, and the cleaning afterwards. You'll be happy to know that it is still clean and dry up front! Had a leak in the back (I believe the video for that comes out next week), but the front is still good! Thanks for watching and for calling me out!

[@timmer9lives]

@@3DayWeekend I'm far from perfect and have don it myself. Furthermore, when dealing with a machine used in ones business... It's even more understandable. That said, it is a lot easier when cleaned.