CT230 First Troubles

[CT230 Fan]

Well, I guess I've joined the bad Hyd. Oil Cooler Club. Just noticed a small puddle under my CT230. I did some investigation and found that my cooler is covered in hyd. fluid. My cooler lookes exactly like Krazsk's. It looks like it must have happened close to the time I finished pushing snow the other night because I didn't have the oil all over everything. I'd say it was about 15 degrees out night before last when I was using it.
I wonder how widespread this issue is. It is sounding to me like Bobcat knows about the problem but is resisting sending out a recall notice. If that is the case, I think that's kinda bad on their part. I will be talking to my dealer in the AM, and will post what I find out.

 

[qed-cat225]

got my new cooler installed today, took 3 days to get it in from bobcat parts, My tractor is the CT225 and the new cooler looks just like CANADA-CT230 with the extra tubes coming out the side. I am at 125hrs or so tight now on a first 2008 run unit

 

[CT230 Fan]

Follow up, Talked to the dealer. They are ordering one in and should be available first of next week. They will not come and pick up the tractor without charging $85.00. I guess I'll have to load it up and take it to the dealer.

 

[qed-cat225]

charged me 85 as well but I do not have a trailer and figured by the time a borrowed one etc or rented I would be out near that anyway

 

[krazsk]

Don't do it!!! Don't have it shipped to the dealer!!! Changing the oil cooler is about as simple a repair as you can do. You remove the aircleaner by unhooking the rubber straps, no tools needed. You remove the battery, removing the electrical connectors from the posts and remove the 2 bolts on the bracket holding the battery in place. Now you have a clear shot at the oil cooler. See my pic. Then you remove 2 nuts (easily accessable) to remove the mounting of the oil cooler. The oil connections are 2 banjo bolts. You remove them by turning them counterclockwise Replace the orings on the banjo bolts if you want to be really safe. (make the dealer give you these) The oil does not spill out, except what's in the cooler if you tip it and let it drain out. Reinstall the new one by doing the above backwards. If you can drive the tractor you can easily do this.

 

[Canada_CT230]

You don't have to remove the battery.

 

[krazsk]

Touche' But then it's hard to get a decent pic for this discussion.

 

[Canada_CT230]

Very true...Thats why I don't have any really good pics.

 

[CT230 Fan]

Yea, I've thought about doing it myself and I'm sure I could. However, I think I'm going to request that the dealer flush the hyraulic system and replace the oil. I know it isn't likely to get moisture, but I would prefer not to find out the hard way. I am also going to have them look at my cruise control, as it has never worked.

I also have to go down there to pick up my supplies for the 50 hour service.

 

[CT230 Fan]

Update, I guess these must be flying out of the factory because the dealer has it on order, but it is backordered with the distributor. So, I sit and wait. They told me they expect it in about a week. I hope it doesn't snow any more.

 

[qed-cat225]

Funny they have none for it not being an issue, at least that is what my dealer told me, I actually asked two of them, both said they have not seen any issues with the coolers...huh?

 

[CT230 Fan]

Funny they have none for it not being an issue, at least that is what my dealer told me, I actually asked two of them, both said they have not seen any issues with the coolers...huh?

My dealer told me that they had had several, I think 5 not including mine. He also said he was trying to get Bobcat to make it a field service item. We'll see, only time will tell.

 

[tmorg1220]

I just wanted to join the bad oil cooler club!

 

[krazsk]

yeah, I had oil dripping, it looked like from both the hoses to steering hydraulic cylinders. I called the dealer and asked if they had a problem with that because it looked like it was leaking from both both of them. He said they didn't have a problem with that, but look at the oil cooler. So he knew what it was when I didn't even do a reasonable job of describing it. He said it was only a cold weather problem and that's why Bobcat wasn't issuing a general recall. But in ND he'd obviously seen it before.

 

[tmorg1220]

I live in central Ga, In my case I guess it could be cold weather, but I keep my machine in an insulated shop and always let it warm up there. we have had about three weeks with lows in the low 20's. maybe ran my machine 2 or 3 times.. I guess well see if temp is really the culprit this summer.

 

[tmorg1220]

Just got word in from my dealership..3.5-4 week wait for a new oil cooler. I have requested a loaner, but not sure yet if they are going to give me one.

 

[CT230 Fan]

I just reported mine to the dealer about 2 weeks ago. Mine came in on friday, but I can't be home to let them swap it out until this friday. Maybe they are getting a big run on these now. I bet a lot of these units were purchase around the same time.

Make sure that your dealer is ordering that as an Emergency order, and not as stock. That can make a difference.

 

[Gittyup]

Call some Kioti dealers and ask if they have it in stock. Then get your dealer to do an exchange with one of them. Or have him take one off of one of his inventory tractors. This will test what kind of dealer he is.

Yes, this is a known problem. But, I thought they redesigned it on the Kiotis a couple of years ago. I would have thought that all the BC's would have the new design.

 

[tmorg1220]

My dealer has no tractors in inventory, or loaners, He offered a t150 skidsteer as a loaner..this actually works great for me. I had some grading that I was planning on doing, this will actually be more efficient for me! Great service so far..

 

[mikefromnh]

I live in central Ga, In my case I guess it could be cold weather, but I keep my machine in an insulated shop and always let it warm up there. we have had about three weeks with lows in the low 20's. maybe ran my machine 2 or 3 times.. I guess well see if temp is really the culprit this summer.

I'd say that they can't claim it as a "cold weather" problem anymore if it is happening in Georgia Low 20's is bordering on no jacket weather.

Bobcat: time to step up and issue a recall, so no one is afraid to turn on their tractor if it snows.