Why Won’t My Bobcat Skid Steer Move or Drive?

A Bobcat skid steer that won’t move forward, backward, or struggles with steering is a common issue that can be caused by hydraulic failures, drive motor problems, parking brake malfunctions, or a faulty control system. If your Bobcat is unresponsive, weak, or stuck, diagnosing the exact issue quickly is crucial. Below, we’ll explore the most common reasons why a Bobcat skid steer won’t move and how to fix them.

Common Causes of Bobcat Skid Steer Not Moving

1. Low or Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid

Bobcat skid steers rely on hydraulic pressure for movement. If the hydraulic oil is low or contaminated, the machine may struggle to drive or stop working altogether.

Solution:

  • Check hydraulic fluid levels and refill if low.

  • If the oil appears foamy, milky, or dark, it may be contaminated—flush and replace it.

  • Inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks.

  • Follow the Bobcat skid steer hydraulic maintenance guide for proper fluid specifications.

2. Faulty Drive Motor or Pump

A failing drive motor or hydrostatic pump can cause weak movement, jerky operation, or complete loss of drive power.

Solution:

  • Use a pressure gauge to test hydrostatic pump pressure.

  • If pressure is low, check for pump wear or internal damage.

  • Inspect drive motors for leaks or unusual noises.

  • If necessary, replace the pump or motor using instructions from the Bobcat skid steer repair manual.

3. Parking Brake Stuck or Not Releasing

If the parking brake is engaged or stuck, the skid steer will not move even when in gear.

Solution:

  • Ensure the brake release solenoid is functioning properly.

  • If your Bobcat has an electronic parking brake, check for fault codes.

  • Inspect the brake linkage or hydraulic release mechanism for obstructions.

  • Follow Bobcat skid steer brake troubleshooting steps for detailed diagnostics.

4. Joystick or Control Lever Malfunction

The joystick or foot pedal controls send signals to the hydraulic system. If they fail, the skid steer may not respond.

Solution:

  • Inspect the control linkage for loose connections or damage.

  • Check for error codes on the Bobcat’s display.

  • If the joystick is unresponsive, calibrate or replace it using steps from the Bobcat skid steer service manual.

5. Hydraulic Drive System Air Lock

If air gets trapped in the hydraulic lines, the drive system may not function correctly.

Solution:

Preventive Maintenance for Bobcat Skid Steers

To avoid future drive system failures:

  • Regularly check and change hydraulic fluid and filters.

  • Monitor drive motor pressure and brake function.

  • Inspect joysticks and control linkages for wear.

  • Follow scheduled maintenance in your Bobcat skid steer manual.

Get the Right Manual for Your Bobcat Skid Steer

A Bobcat service manual is essential for diagnosing and fixing hydrostatic drive failures, parking brake malfunctions, and control system issues. At PDFManualsShop.com, we provide Bobcat skid steer repair manuals with step-by-step troubleshooting guides, hydraulic system diagrams, and maintenance procedures.

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

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