Why is My Bobcat Skid Steer Not Moving?

Why is My Bobcat Skid Steer Not Moving?

A Bobcat skid steer that won’t move can be frustrating and costly, especially on a job site. Whether your machine won’t move forward or backward, turns sluggishly, or has lost all drive power, the issue could stem from hydraulic system problems, drive motor failures, or control malfunctions. Below, we’ll break down the most common causes and solutions for a Bobcat skid steer that won’t move.

Common Causes of a Bobcat Skid Steer Not Moving

1. Low Hydraulic Fluid or Contaminated Oil

Bobcat skid steers use a hydrostatic drive system, meaning low or dirty hydraulic fluid can prevent movement.

Solution:

  • Check the hydraulic fluid level and refill with the correct type listed in your Bobcat skid steer service manual.
  • If the fluid appears milky or dark, perform a full system flush.
  • Inspect for leaks that may be causing fluid loss.

2. Clogged Hydraulic Filters or Case Drain Filters

Restricted hydraulic flow can prevent the drive system from getting enough pressure to function.

Solution:

  • Replace the hydraulic filter and inspect the case drain filters for contamination.
  • If debris is found, check the entire system for contamination.
  • Use filter replacement steps outlined in your Bobcat repair manual.

3. Faulty Drive Motor or Pump

The drive motors and hydrostatic pump power the wheels or tracks. If either component fails, the skid steer won’t move.

Solution:

  • Perform a pressure test on the hydrostatic pump to ensure it’s within manufacturer specs.
  • Check for excessive heat or noise coming from the drive motors.
  • If a motor is failing, it may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Follow diagnostic steps in your Bobcat skid steer repair guide.

4. Damaged or Disengaged Drive Belt

Some Bobcat models use a drive belt to transfer power from the engine to the hydraulic pump.

Solution:

  • Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, or looseness.
  • Adjust or replace the belt if necessary.
  • Refer to your Bobcat service manual for belt tensioning procedures.

5. Electrical or Control System Malfunction

Many Bobcat skid steers have electronic controls that engage the hydrostatic drive system. A malfunction in these controls can prevent movement.

Solution:

  • Check for error codes on the machine’s display.
  • Inspect wiring harnesses and fuses for damage.
  • If the solenoid controlling the hydrostatic drive is faulty, replace it using guidance from your Bobcat equipment manual.

6. Parking Brake Stuck or Not Releasing

If the parking brake is stuck, the skid steer will not move, even if the engine runs normally.

Solution:

  • Ensure the parking brake switch is disengaged.
  • If the brake is stuck, check for hydraulic or mechanical failures in the release mechanism.
  • Follow troubleshooting steps in your Bobcat operator manual.

Preventive Maintenance for Bobcat Skid Steers

To prevent drive issues in the future:

  • Regularly check and change hydraulic fluid and filters.
  • Inspect and maintain the drive belt, motors, and hydrostatic pump.
  • Keep electrical connections clean and secure.
  • Follow all maintenance schedules in your Bobcat skid steer service manual.

Get the Right Manual for Your Bobcat Skid Steer

A Bobcat skid steer service manual is essential for diagnosing and fixing hydrostatic drive problems, hydraulic failures, and electrical faults. At PDFManualsShop.com, we provide Bobcat service manuals with step-by-step troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, and repair procedures.

We also offer manuals for Case, John Deere, Kubota, and Volvo.

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