Loader hydraulic question?

[bbse]

I have been doing a lot of brush cutting, mowing and dirt moving with my still new CT225 and 7TL loader. What I have noticed is that with the loader on I cannot do near the mowing/cutting than I can with the loader off, on any ground that is not level anyways. Even if I drop to low range it bogs easily with my 5ft King Kutter brush cutter and 5ft KK finish mower if I have the loader attached. I checked specs and it ways 735lbs, which is nothing to sneeze at, but I figure in low range it should not matter. I meant to try it with the loader on and the hydraulics disconnected but I have not had a chance yet....actually, I forgot to try last time I had it on with a mower.

Just curious if there is a way the loader hydraulics are stealing power from the hydro tranny, even though it is not being actuated or is it just the extra weight?

 

[tinman955]

I suggest to contact yr dealer and see what they tell you. These lack of power are issues if not normal that need to be addressed before the Bobcat line of tractors get a bad name. My dealer has yet to make an attempt to contact me for a solution, I guess I need to call again today to see whats up. Ive had several owners contact me via PM's about the same type of power issues, I really hope they get resolved. I have a funny feeling the answers are going to be that its normal nothing wrong.

 

[CT230 Fan]

I have a CT230. I use a 6' Land pride finish mower. I run in Medium gear to mow, and have always had the FEL attached. I do not feel that my unit is underpowered in the least. It does not ever bog down, and I can drive at full speed and raise and lower the FEL while the finish mower is engaged and mowing.

 

[bbse]

Took it out this morning to test the loader question. No difference, I put it against a tree in a field, revved her up to 2800 in low range and could not spin the tires. Disconnected the loader but left it raised and on the tractor, same thing. I played with it on one of my shallower slopes and I found with the bush hog and loader on(connected of course) I could not make it up the hill in mid range. I could keep the rpms up to 2800, but the tractor will not move. Put it in low and went up the slope.

So I call the dealer, talked with a nice guy there, he agrees it sounds like a pressure relief valve letting off to early, he is calling the factory and I am going to take it to them after they have some idea what to check. They have not had to work on 225's yet, so they are unfamiliar with them at this point. I am wondering now if a lot of these Bobcats may have the Hydro relief valve's set to low. Just a thought.

Just saw the previous post. I will address that issue also. On flat ground it does ok, unless I work the loader while I am moving. That will bog down the tractor quickly. Glad to hear that is not normal, just means that I need to get this one set up properly. I am going to call the dealer back and meantion that also.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Took it out this morning to test the loader question. No difference, I put it against a tree in a field, revved her up to 2800 in low range and could not spin the tires. Disconnected the loader but left it raised and on the tractor, same thing. I played with it on one of my shallower slopes and I found with the bush hog and loader on(connected of course) I could not make it up the hill in mid range. I could keep the rpms up to 2800, but the tractor will not move. Put it in low and went up the slope.

So I call the dealer, talked with a nice guy there, he agrees it sounds like a pressure relief valve letting off to early, he is calling the factory and I am going to take it to them after they have some idea what to check. They have not had to work on 225's yet, so they are unfamiliar with them at this point. I am wondering now if a lot of these Bobcats may have the Hydro relief valve's set to low. Just a thought.

Just saw the previous post. I will address that issue also. On flat ground it does ok, unless I work the loader while I am moving. That will bog down the tractor quickly. Glad to hear that is not normal, just means that I need to get this one set up properly. I am going to call the dealer back and meantion that also.

I am curious to the outcome of this. I have had to let off the hydro pedal more than once when running a bush mower uphill. You could hear the pump squealing. It would be fine in a couple of seconds and back to work I went.

 

[tinman955]

I think I have 2 different problems, if I pulled up to a dead object like a tree that wouldnt move and pushed forward my tractor would stall instantly, any and all resistence my tractor will stall. I think I was a pressure issue also as far as my implements are concerned but also have some kind of drive issue.

I called my dealer back and his answer was bring it in so we can look at it. After 3 weeks of waiting for him to call me back so he could check into it, i get a bring it in,lol.

 

[bbse]

I am curious to the outcome of this. I have had to let off the hydro pedal more than once when running a bush mower uphill. You could hear the pump squealing. It would be fine in a couple of seconds and back to work I went.

Sounds about like mine. If I am running with just the brush cutter and I am going up a hill cutting some thick weeds, I can keep it going in mid-range by feathering. I don't have too much to complain about in that dept. I just don't think it is reasonable to have the loader kill the drive power or I cannot even take off on a slope in mid range w/loader or that I cannot spin the tires in low at full rpm.

 

[billiardbrawler]

Has anyone tried running in 4 wheel drive? I've seen some units bog in 2 wheel drive on hills and high brush because the tractor is somewhat plowing the front tires. Once we put it in 4 wheel, we got the power back.

Also, in case you're not familiar with hydrostats, the most power you will have is with the least travel speed.

If you happen to also have rear auxiliaries, make sure there not in detent as you will be dead heading your aux, contributing to a loss in power.

 

[bbse]

Has anyone tried running in 4 wheel drive? I've seen some units bog in 2 wheel drive on hills and high brush because the tractor is somewhat plowing the front tires. Once we put it in 4 wheel, we got the power back.

Also, in case you're not familiar with hydrostats, the most power you will have is with the least travel speed.

If you happen to also have rear auxiliaries, make sure there not in detent as you will be dead heading your aux, contributing to a loss in power.

To answer your question, I never take mine out of 4wd unless I am on a hard surface. This is my fourth CUT so I am fairly familiar with their operation. No, I do not have remotes so that is not an issue. And as to how top operate a hydro, that is what I have been talking about having to feather, let up on the pedal and depress it only enough to get moving. I could not get her to move up that hill in mid range, nor could I break the tires loose in low range. I wish it were only a training issue, it would be easier on everyone.

 

[bbse]

Let me jump back in here and say something positive about this little tractor. It is built really well. I am impressed with it (with the noted excepton) and I am sure that Bobcat and Dae Dong will take care of any issues that are real. I filled my tires last week with washer fluid and it was already the most stable tractor I have had to date but now it is rock solid on my hills. I have even turned around on some of them and had no pucker factor at all. The control I now have with the hydro is also a lot better than anything I have had to this point. The loader is great, easy off and on, the deck is awesome, great seat too. That little motor runs great, the one in my 3054 is bullet proof, and I am sure it's power will getter even better as it breaks in. As soon as I get this hydraulic issue taken care of I am certain this will be the best tractor I have ever owned, it is by far the best looking one already, and should be the one I keep for years to come.

I did not want to leave the impression that I was all mad and upset because I am not at all. I was just wanting to discuss the issue and hear others experiences. I told my dealer to find out the factory recommendations for this issue, let me know when we can get together and not to feel rushed. I can get to it when I can get to it. It is getting the job done as it is.