fuel issues on new ToolCats

kevcom · Jan 30, 2015

My 2014 H series has been having fuel issues with the filter plugging up. Finally got it resolved at the dealer ((hopefully)). It was a combination of the fuel cooling line, which they have a fuel modification for, and the 2 micron filter plugging up. I guess it's been a problem for them. They put in a thermostat to heat the fuel and circulate it thru the fuel tank instead of cooling it. I filter all my fuel from my transfer tank and never had any problems before. Has anyone have suggestions for the best way with fuel? I've been using fuel additives, and buy my fuel from a reliable source. Bobcat mentioned that with the emission standards for the newer engines you have to be really careful.

murphy1244 · Jan 30, 2015

I buy diesel where they sell a lot of it. Try buying at Truck stops.

kevcom · Jan 31, 2015

That's where I get my diesel from too hoping to get as fresh fuel as possible. The dealer said the fuel produced lately is not as good as in the past because of all the new emission regulations and I was told to filter it thru as fine a filter as possible. Most filters I've seen are 10 microns and I was just wondering what others were doing. Never had a problem like this before with any of my Kubota's even last year with all those cold 10-25 below nights.

Xfaxman · Jan 31, 2015

This is the first mention of a series H that I have seen. Is it a 5600 or 5610?

Can you give us any info on the difference from series G to H?

Here is a link to my fuel system problem: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...9694-v417-versahandler-quit-running-look.html

kevcom · Jan 31, 2015

My Toolcat is a 5600. Not sure what differences between the G and H. I need to call the dealer next week anyways and I'll ask. Had to go to a dealer in Green Bay for the dealer I bought from locally lost their dealership. Better off though for the Green Bay dealer seems to know a whole lot more about the Cats, even have a dedicated tech for them. Really good people there. Although hauling it down there can be a bit inconvenient. I've been running it now in below zero weather and it runs like a charm so that fuel modification did the trick. Still wondering what the smallest spin on micron filter is out there. The one I'm using is a 10 micron water block. Any suggestions?

SSdoxie · Jan 31, 2015

Xfaxman said:
This is the first mention of a series H that I have seen. Is it a 5600 or 5610?

Can you give us any info on the difference from series G to H?

Here is a link to my fuel system problem: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...9694-v417-versahandler-quit-running-look.html

There is no H series out yet. I thnk Kevcom is reading his model number 5600H. That H designates Hi-Flow option installed.

samtip · Apr 1, 2015

I thought my fuel issues was filter plugging up on my F series high flow. It was not the filter it was the winter blend of fuel. It would start loosing power when running at full throttle while using Aux Hydraulics after 5 - 10 minutes. After 5 minutes the fuel starts getting warm and thins. Dealer drained my tank and refilled it from their tank and it was fine.

The best fuel I found is off road diesel fuel. I can tell the difference from gas station pump highway diesel fuel. Even though some people swear it is the same. I have more power at full throttle with off road fuel then gas station pump highway diesel.

PS running stump grinder in the winter time.

timm9 · Apr 1, 2015

I just noticed this post and thought I would add my personal experiences. I have been battling fuel issues with my B Series Toolcats (3) for the last several years and believe I have finally found resolution.

Part of the problem is that MY TC痴 are parked during the summer and the fact that the fuel tanks are black plastic is not helping. During the summer (with full tanks) the black plastic heats up and condensates adding water to the fuel. So much so that typically within 3 or 4 hours of running the units (first storm) start to lose power and RPM痴. The only way to recover is to replace the fuel filters which typically only have a few hours on them. I have more fuel filters in my shop than the dealer has on his shelves.

At the end of each season I top off all tanks, add fuel additives (including algae treatment) and no matter what I do I end up with water in my fuel. Interestingly enough this is not happening to my other equipment but they do not have plastic fuel tanks, and the tanks are not in direct sunlight.

After soliciting help from the Service Manager at my dealership we have devised a plan to make life a little easier. At the end of this season I plan on cutting the fuel line just after the fuel tank and before the hand bulb where I will be installing a drain in the line. This way with the TC sitting (and the water settling/pooling at the bottom of the tank) unmoved opening the drain will allow me to siphon off the water from the bottom of the tank.

FWIW, the algae treatment is a must if your equipment is sitting like mine. Otherwise you will have 'growth' in your filters and tank.

RonBoyMN · Apr 13, 2015

I just picked up a 2005 TC B series, looking forward to hearing how your fix works. I won't be having this issue this summer as I will be using it pretty much every weekend working on a new property. Might become an issue later so will look forward to hearing.