Low Hydraulic pressure

[powerscol]

I have my dealer service folks stumped and they have a call into the Colorado rep.

I have a low performance issue on a CT 235 (new last year ) with 40 hours on it.

Break out and lifting performance are greatly reduced, as well a power to move. During heavy use I can smell hot oil, but cannot find any leaks, neither can dealer

Dealer confirmed it is down on power, but waiting on direction on where to look further from state rep. Waiting for him to call back with answer.They did confirm it is a warranty issue though.

Any thoughts? They have had it for over 4 weeks now - getting a bit frustrated with lack of progress. Excuse is they are swamped with other customers, probably contractors paying for work which I can understand to a point as I am retired and use it around the place.

Thanks for any help - Keith

 

[galaxie428]

Sorry to hear about your problem. I am sure others will chime in that are more knowledgable than I am but I know a few times I have hit the lever for the rear remotes without having an implement attached and can feel the reduced power. Plus, without being able to recirculate, the fluid gets hot.

Do you have rear remotes?

 

[powerscol]

Thanks for the reply. I do not have rear remotes.

Whats frustrating is the communication with the dealer. I left a message for the service manager yesterday, but no call back yet. I guess Ill try later today again.

Keith

 

[SSdoxie]

Weak loader functions and weak drive - the only common items these systems share is the reservoir, suction line up to the gear pump(s). One gear pump unit with 2 sections in it, 1 section pumps to loader & 3 point the other pumps to steering and charge pressure for the hydrostatic drive. If the gear pump has failed it could send hydraulic fluid into the engine which could causing the burnt oil smell you noticed. Did you or the dealer check engine oil level to see if it is overfull? Otherwise, a loose suction line connection or slight crack in the steel suction line could cause the low power, not the oil smell without having an external leak show.

 

[powerscol]

Thanks SSdoxie

I called the dealer late today - finally got through.
They think it is the pressure release valve, but have not pulled it apart yet. I will mention your thoughts too as the pressure relief valve would not explain the oil smell as you mention. They think it is this part, as the motor does not bog down when put under full lifting load - releasing pressure early.

Oil level was normal the last time I checked, but will have the dealer recheck before they service.

The help here is great - thanks again
Keith

PS where is everyone getting their filters for their CT 235. I am fine with online ordering, brand name or certified aftermarket. Also looking for quick connect pallet forks (Christmas present to myself)

 

[galaxie428]

I buy my filters at the dealer as they are just as cheap as anyone else. Some dealers are cheaper than others. I am not sure anyone has been able to cross reference the hydraulic filters, only the oil.

There are many of us that use alternatives to the hydro fluid though because the Bobcat fluid is expensive. I personally use Connoco Powertran. There are lots of discussions on this topic on this site if you search for it.

As far as forks, get something light so it doesn't hurt your lift capacity too much. I bought some skid steer forks because I got them at a very good price but they are really heavy and limit what I can lift. Again, there is a lot of good info in the attachments forum on forks. I think a lot of people like the ones from everythingattachments.com, they are a sponsor on here. They have a set of compact tractor forks that are only 200lbs but will handle more than your loader will anyway. Here is the link to those. They are a little pricey but I think most people like them.

Construction Attachments 42" Compact Tractor loader Pallet Forks CAL-1PFCMPSM42

 

[catdozer]

PS where is everyone getting their filters for their CT 235. I am fine with online ordering, brand name or certified aftermarket. Also looking for quick connect pallet forks (Christmas present to myself)[/QUOTE]

Try Filter 1 great Wix filters never had a problem, they come from New York and if you order $50 or more free shipping and no tax, they got every filter for anything you got, cars, trucks, atv, utv, and all heavy equipment. Then if you got a problem with anything ship it back and full refund, when you order ask for the ordering catalog every machine and vechicle in their, with the numbers for fuel filters, oil, hydraulic, etc. Try them out won't be disappointed.

 

[J_J]

First thing I would do is install a hyd gage in the system ane it will help you trouble shoot your hyd system.

How many hyd pumps on your tractor?

If the pump is good, and the valve is good, then the pump is pumping and the fluid has to go somewhere, and if the valve routes the fluid to a cyl, the cyl should move. That being said, the flow from the cyl should not be blocked anywhere.

If the relief in the FEL vale is stuck open, your lift circuits can not develop the necessary power, and the fluid will get hot.

Does you 3pt system work correctly? If so, that means that your pump is good.

 

[powerscol]

J J

3 point works fine

Checked back with dealer this morning - service is out again on a call. Seems the contractors and loud owners get service first. I try to be patient.

Hopefully they will make it right, both fixed and cut me a deal on the pickup and delivery charge. I need to get me a trailer to haul the beast around, or find a neighbor willing to let me borrow one.

Thanks

 

[DK35vince]

Checked back with dealer this morning - service is out again on a call. Seems the contractors and loud owners get service first.

I'm sure they do.
But there is no excuse for taking over 4 weeks to fix that tractor!