Toolcat 5600 Joystick locking

[simontoolcat5600]

Good morning, I am a homeowner with a Tool Cat 5600. I purchased it used from the local Bobcat dealer in Bowmanville Ontario Canada. It has been very reliable , however I have run into a problem. The joystick is locking up after 5-10 minutes of use. Either dump will lock or the up-down will lock but never both. If I turn it off and leave for a few minutes, it will work again, but only for a few minutes. I do see the dash light suggesting the mast /bucket are locked, but I can't disengage except by turning it off. Any suggestions on some simple things I can check would be really appreciated before having it floated ($500.00 there and back). Thank you.

 

[mmancuso13]

The joystick is an electro hydraulic control. There are two solenoids and pilot valves for the joystick curl (bucket) and lift (boom) (there are a total of four on the machine - 2 joystick, the brake and one for drive). The different failure modes make me wonder if it is signal issue (electrical) vice hydraulic.

If you are handy can pull the stick and clean / check the joystick electrical connectors. You may have a lose or intermittent path there?

 

[simontoolcat5600]

Good morning. thank you or your response. I too thought it was related to a solenoid, but once I realized it meant taking the console apart etc. I finally relented and called the local Bobcat dealer. I find the service and willingness to communicate very good, but now they have subcontracted the float service to an outside contractor. In my case it was $500.00, subsequently reduced to $400.00. I find that quite high compared to when the sales guy would do it for half that much. Anyway back to the subject at hand. It turned out mice had gotten inside the console somehow. They had chewed wires , so some wires were replaced and a solenoid. Subsequently the machine was dropped off. It sat for a few days. I went out to start it and no go! Bobcat came and looked at NO CHARGE. They replaced a fuse relating to a fuel pump and mentioned a possible solenoid as root cause. I also noticed my windshield wiper/ fluid do not work. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[mmancuso13]

So your machine is running again but you have no windshield washer fluid spray? I am assuming it is just dead right?

 

[simontoolcat5600]

neither the wiper nor the spray are working.

 

[Spanner]

Look for further rodent damage to wiring.
The dealer possibly disturbed something when repairing your initial problem. That was all they were looking for possibly when they should have checked thoroughly for damage elsewhere.
Just guessing but the co-incidental timing is suspicious.

 

[simontoolcat5600]

My thoughts exactly. What are the chances a fuel pump solenoid and wiring for the wiper/washer also on the console both failed ? BTW, have any of you found a way to stop the rodents getting in there? My concern of course is they will sniff out their old home and cause similar damage.
Thank you all for your feedback. I may take the initiative to try and get the console off myself. Not looking forward to another expensive float bill.

 

[mmancuso13]

I would check the fuse first but I would agree where there is one mouse chew there are probable a few... Rhymes hey?

 

[mmancuso13]

Trying to inject some laughter in an otherwise not funny situation...

 

[Spanner]

I would check the fuse first but I would agree where there is one mouse chew there are probable a few... Rhymes hey?

Seems you're a Poet,
But didn't know it !

:laughing: