Older Bobcat - 540 - First time Bobcat user, need assistance

bazeven · Nov 14, 2016

Just purchased a nice Bobcat 540. This is the first skid steer I've owned or operated. The engine was replaced about 20 hours ago with a Briggs Vanguard 23hp and nicely done. Engine runs great and the bucket movement is perfect. I'm wondering if something is wrong with the left hand drive. I push both stick forward or backward and I move in a straight line. When I leave the left stick centered and push the right stick, it turns as expected. When I leave the right stick centered and push/pull the left stick, the engine starts to bog and it very slowly turns. If I try to do a sharp turn (one forward, one backward) I also start to bogg down. Where should I start? Would the be a valve somewhere, or the left drive motor? Hoping I didn't make a mistake purchasing this skid steer, but even as it, it's a nice machine and worth repairing. Thanks. Brad Z

Xfaxman · Nov 15, 2016

What does it do if you move the left stick just slightly? And halfway?

bazeven · Nov 15, 2016

I'm guessing I just need to learn better how to operate the Bobcat. The machine is 30 years old, but even more, it's my first skid steer. I recorded a quick video tonight and pushing the stick slightly or halfway seems to work a lot better. Only when I pushed fully forward or backward on a stick or both (1:28 in the below video) did it bog down. I think if I just use it and learn it - I will be very happy with my purchase. Unless you see something and have a recommendation for me. Thanks again!

bazeven · Nov 15, 2016

bazeven · Nov 15, 2016

One question that I did have - when I push or pull on either the left or the right control alone, less than 1/2 way, the other stick goes forward and lets me go straight. This is a great feature, if it's meant to be a feature. To turn, I actually have to hold onto the other stick to hold it into center. Is that how this is supposed to work?

One other thing - I'm trying to get the hang of both feed going in opposite directions - but the bucket seems to pause briefly while goign up or down, when I try to roll the bucket at the same time. (1:51 in the video) Is this how this works?? Practice practice practice!!

roadhunter · Nov 15, 2016

Looks alright after watching the video. Smaller engine machines are just going to be more sensitive to giving full hydraulic flow to just one side. Looks like a great little machine.