series a toolcat suddenly stops

[mmancuso13]

Yikes! I am not even sure what to think. Toolcats are basically all hydraulic and there are many things that could prevent the machine from moving but none that I can think do that do so without error codes!

Maybe other TC owners can weigh in?

Bump...

 

[Jabonee]

Did the tech get the unit to malfunction when he checked for codes?? Did the lift and tilt still work?? Remember all codes are not storable and the onboard diagnostic will only show them at the time of the malfunction !! I strongly suggest that you have a BOBCAT dealer plug into this unit and see whats really going on!!

 

[SSdoxie]

Yikes! I am not even sure what to think. Toolcats are basically all hydraulic and there are many things that could prevent the machine from moving but none that I can think do that do so without error codes!

Maybe other TC owners can weigh in?

Bump...

The controller will only set a fault code when it senses a command being sent and return/response volt signal is incorrect. So looking on the bright side, no code means no random intermittent electrical problem to chase down.

In this case, as Jambone stated in his first reply post #2 is to verify if the boom and bucket stop working also or if these do still work.
If loader functions also stop then problem is in the lift arm switch or arm mounting. Loose, worn, or broken part in switch mount or arm pivot can cause the switch to move out of correct contact position and controller would interpret it as arm bar being raised while moving.

If problem is with drive only there are a number of issues that could cause it. Keeping in mind that the system is set default to "Axle Matching". A speed sensor in each differential monitors motor RPM and controller will de-stroke the pump for the faster motor to match the slower one, so if one motor stops pulling both axles stop. One of the reasons is internal failure of one or both drive motors. Also if 1 or both of the speed sensors have a build up of metal filings from the differential it could send a false signal the axle has stalled so the pump(s) de-stroke.
There is a way to turn Axle Matching Off using the control panel but I don't remember the button sequence and have no manual. Before the software update to turn Axle Matching off with the controller was added we unplugged one or both speed sensors. Machine will drive without speed sensor connect but will set a code. Disconnect speed sensors 1 at a time and test drive, whichever sensor is un-plugged and machine does not stall that is axle, motor, sensor that is creating the problem.

 

[Jabonee]

I think that axel matching is gone by that model and newer.

 

[SSdoxie]

I think that axel matching is gone by that model and newer.

Model in question is A model, first model built. All A thru C series have axle matching using 2 speed sensors, 1 in each axle. This was necessary because the hydrostatic pumps each had internal charge pump that was used for pilot pressure to stroke that pump. If charge pressure was not the same in each pump the swashplate angle would be different in each pump resulting in unequal flow to the motors so the sensors were used to monitor the speed and adjust pump stroke. Starting with D series the hydrostatic pumps change to using a common charge pump as part of the gear pump and hydrostatic pumps have swashplate angle sensors to monitor and even out the pump stoke to obtain equal flow to both motors. Thus only 1 speed sensor is used to read ground speed for speedometer.

 

[Jabonee]

'A' Model. Yes it should have it.

 

[oldphart]

well i am back and with the same machine. the dealer still owns the machine they took in on trade and the hours have just barely increased. they have been passing it around from one location to the other and each shop bypasses trying to fix the issue and give it to the next. "it isn't at a bobcat dealer either by the way" they are considering selling it to me as is so i need some advice on possibility of repair costs from the most simple to the most expensive. it is a 2003 model by serial number with around 700 hours on it. i have traced it back to the original owner and the story sounds accurate and it is still within 100 miles of it's original destination. any opinions are welcome Thanks

 

[Jabonee]

The best thing to do is get it to a Bobcat dealer and plug it in !!! It could be a $50 switch or a $1000 controller. If you could state what exactly its doing and not doing when the issue Coors that would help a lot. Getting the codes when it failed would be the best.

 

[oldphart]

The best thing to do is get it to a Bobcat dealer and plug it in !!! It could be a $50 switch or a $1000 controller. If you could state what exactly its doing and not doing when the issue Coors that would help a lot. Getting the codes when it failed would be the best.

Thanks and i agree but i have to deal with this equipment dealer for a purchase price first. i began late last year and the dealer wanted to repair it before they sold it. in fact they did sell it and had to refund the customer and go get it because of this issue. since then they began passing it from one location to another and i wrote it off because they couldn't get anyone to sell it. now fast forward and it is still in there system back at the location that took it on trade and they tell me it need a new transmission. i asked them to quote me a price as is and the salesman acted interested but now has disappeared again so i think something fishy is going on.