Limited slip differential versus Hydrostatic traction control (HTC)

[Slummer]

Can anyone explain to me the difference between these 2 descriptions that I read about. I see the newest models (G series) have this HTC but it is an option when ordering the toolcat. If you have the left sided tires slightly off the road but with good traction and the right sided tires on ice, will the machine walk out of the ditch or will it be stuck?

 

[oldnslo]

If HTC this is truly individual wheel hydrostatic drive option then in theory it should be an all wheel drive with all wheels driving at very similar speeds. I could not find where they gave a good description of how the HTC works though.

 

[kevin37b]

Sounds like a skidsteer . You are basically stuck .

 

[yellowdogsvc]

From what I was told when trying to decided between waiting for a G or going with an F, other than the new motor and price increase that went with it, the traction option was the only difference I could see. From what I gathered, it is a like a braking system for the hydrostat. I may be wrong but I thought it provided a brake on side that was slipping and more power to the side that wasn't. Does that make sense? Maybe SSDoxie will read this thread and chime in. He's most knowledgeable on these things.

 

[Slummer]

That's what I'm thinking as well. When you read the brochure for the new G series, if it has the HTC option on it, if one side is slipping, it will divert the drive power to the traction side, theoretically allowing you to get out of a "stuck" situation. I test drove a new G series (engine I thought was a little quieter than the Kubota engine) and what I described in my opening thread happened. Drivers side slid off the road slightly, passenger side tire were on ice and I was hooped. Left tires sat there and spun. The HTC is supposed to be around a $700 option but if it got me out of that -- priceless!! Unfortunately, the G series is not in my tax bracket, that brings me back to the limited sip differential that is supposed to be in previous models. If it works like the G series that I test drove, I'm going to have to re-think the whole Toolcat purchase. I need to blow a lot of snow, keeping a private road open in Northern Ontario -- lots of hills and rock -- I love the front mounted snow blower but I need the traction as well. Currently using my T190 and on the hills, it just scary. Thanks for the comments so far, keep them coming.

 

[SSdoxie]

HTC is standard equipment in current 5610, is an option on the 5600. This works off the front axle comparing the speed of the wheels, when it detects 1 wheel is spinning faster it applies braking to that wheel and the opposite rear wheel to force wheels with traction to rotate. Same technology used in most of todays automobiles with some type of traction control.

 

[Slummer]

how well does the limited slip differential work in the older models - the 5600's that are more affordable.

 

[Xfaxman]

HTC is standard equipment in current 5610, is an option on the 5600. This works off the front axle comparing the speed of the wheels, when it detects 1 wheel is spinning faster it applies braking to that wheel and the opposite rear wheel to force wheels with traction to rotate. Same technology used in most of todays automobiles with some type of traction control.

Define current?

My 2012 5610 F series doesn't have it, as far as I can tell.

I think the locking differential only works in 2 wheel steer.

 

[Slummer]

From what I have found out about HTC, if you have it on your Toolcat, then you should have a toggle switch on the dash that allows you to turn it off. It turns on automatically when the machine is turned on but then you can turn it off with the switch, not sure why you would do that. The latest Toolcat brochure says that it was available starting in the D series. I spoke to someone yesterday with a 2009 for sale and they said they had HTC on their machine. You're the second person I've seen that have said that the differential only works in 2 wheel steer. We had the demo Toolcat in 4 wheel steer when we were stuck on the side of the road and the differential certainly had no effect at that time. Didn't think of putting it in 2 wheel steer at the time.

 

[SSdoxie]

Define current?

My 2012 5610 F series doesn't have it, as far as I can tell.

I think the locking differential only works in 2 wheel steer.

HTC was introduced September 2013. It can be retrofitted to earlier machines, D & F models.

 

[Slummer]

Man, is there ever a lot of confusion over this stuff. Different dealers are saying completely different things.

What is your comment on "differential only working in 2 wheel steer mode"???

 

[Xfaxman]

From what I have found out about HTC, if you have it on your Toolcat, then you should have a toggle switch on the dash that allows you to turn it off. It turns on automatically when the machine is turned on but then you can turn it off with the switch, not sure why you would do that. The latest Toolcat brochure says that it was available starting in the D series. I spoke to someone yesterday with a 2009 for sale and they said they had HTC on their machine. You're the second person I've seen that have said that the differential only works in 2 wheel steer. We had the demo Toolcat in 4 wheel steer when we were stuck on the side of the road and the differential certainly had no effect at that time. Didn't think of putting it in 2 wheel steer at the time.

You can put the rear wheels at the needed angle, then switch to two wheel steer. The rear wheels will stay at the angle, giving you crab steer to get out of trouble or get close to something.


I set an angle when mowing the dam, feels less likely to rollover.

 

[Tlysflys]

HTC was introduced September 2013. It can be retrofitted to earlier machines, D & F models.

I just called my local Bobcat dealer and he claims that there is no kit to retrofit earlier models. What is the source of your information?
TL

 

[SSdoxie]

I just called my local Bobcat dealer and he claims that there is no kit to retrofit earlier models. What is the source of your information?
TL

Dealer is correct, there is no Kit number to order all parts required. My apology if I lead you to think otherwise. Part changes, required to make the retro-fit include; different left front CV/axle shaft, speed sensor, new main frame harness, new cab harness, new pilot manifold block, possibly some hose changes at the manifold block, and a software update. Machines without HTC have a single brake circuit in the manifold block, when brakes are applied it pressurizes all 4 wheels the same.
Given the number of parts required for D series and older F series it is quite costly to make the change over but can be done. F series 5600's starting at serial number A94Y14000 and up already have the needed left CV shaft and both main frame and cab harnesses needed so they would only require the manifold block, speed sensor, and software programing. I was told Bobcat is looking at a kit for these newer machines (built after HTC became optional) so dealers can upgrade if needed, but kit is not out there yet.

 

[Slummer]

SSdoxie: can you tell me if you have to have the toolcat 5600 in 2 wheel steer for the limited slip differential to kick in?

 

[SSdoxie]

I don't have either one. I just work on them now and then.

 

[trlbrkr]

Bobcat brochure explaining traction control

 

[DEWFPO]

Bobcat brochure explaining traction control

Thanks for providing this trlbrkr. This is helpful. Do you happen to have a link to anything describing the previous system in the D-F series?

DEWFPO

 

[trlbrkr]

Thanks for providing this trlbrkr. This is helpful. Do you happen to have a link to anything describing the previous system in the D-F series?

DEWFPO

I could not find old brochure but found this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MV50GPggg8

 

[Mountaineer777]

SSdoxie--I have a 2011 Toocat 5610. Model number APFB1102410072011. The answer I received from a local dealer for this question was "Unfortunately I do not believe we can install the hydraulic traction control. This would require a new wiring harness and the new harness will not be compatible with your machine." This does not seem to gibe with your information. Am I getting a "no" from someone who doesn't want to/know how to say "yes"? Or are they just not willing to research it more thoroughly? Does anyone know of a way to get beyond the dealer and pose a question more directly for a definitive answer from the engineering folks at Bobcat industries itself?
I love my Toolcat--I have dreamed since day one of it being "perfect"--if only it was not such a pig in mud/snow!