towing a tc

[dylan]

i know this has been discussed before ... but i'm really looking for a solution for getting my tc around when it is dead. I do a lot of snow removal and it often dies in the middle of the road. Yesterday, it died blocking two lanes of traffic! I ended up getting a loader and skidding it to the side of the road but I really need a better solution.

I previously built metal skids for under the tires so I could drag it home but if one of the skids grips the road, the wheels counter-rotate and move the skids so they are no longer effective or they get jammed up in the wheel well.

Has anyone come up with a way to disable the hydro system so the machine will free wheel? This should be a standard feature ... a neutral setting. Any input would be greatly appreaciated.

My next plan is to build a "car dolly". Jack up the tc and place all four wheels in cradles and only have the trailer wheels touching the ground. The drawback to this idea is that is take a while to get setup especially while blocking traffic on a busy road.

 

[Spudgunner]

i know this has been discussed before ... but i'm really looking for a solution for getting my tc around when it is dead. I do a lot of snow removal and it often dies in the middle of the road. Yesterday, it died blocking two lanes of traffic! I ended up getting a loader and skidding it to the side of the road but I really need a better solution.

I previously built metal skids for under the tires so I could drag it home but if one of the skids grips the road, the wheels counter-rotate and move the skids so they are no longer effective or they get jammed up in the wheel well.

Has anyone come up with a way to disable the hydro system so the machine will free wheel? This should be a standard feature ... a neutral setting. Any input would be greatly appreaciated.

My next plan is to build a "car dolly". Jack up the tc and place all four wheels in cradles and only have the trailer wheels touching the ground. The drawback to this idea is that is take a while to get setup especially while blocking traffic on a busy road.

Good luck. I spent some time talking with a trustworthy BC mechanic and he said there isn't even consensus from BC Corporate on how to do this. I guess one needs a helicopter with substantial lifting capability.

Obviously, there's an opportunity for some enterprising individual to invent something. The dolly idea is the best I've heard so far.

 

[timm9]

Dylan & Spudgunner,

There is a procedure for properly towing a disabled TC. There is a "special" set of bolts that when installed will completely "disconnect" the drive system. From what I have read in the procedure you will have zero control after installing the bolts so make sure you are on level ground and have the wheels blocked. Needless to say, there is quite a bit more than installing the bolts. My dealer gave me a copy of the the procedure which is not with me at the moment. If memory serves me, the bolts were in the range of $30.00 to $40.00. I have been warned that towing without installing the bolts can cause major issues.

Tim

 

[Spudgunner]

Dylan & Spudgunner,

There is a procedure for properly towing a disabled TC. There is a "special" set of bolts that when installed will completely "disconnect" the drive system. From what I have read in the procedure you will have zero control after installing the bolts so make sure you are on level ground and have the wheels blocked. Needless to say, there is quite a bit more than installing the bolts. My dealer gave me a copy of the the procedure which is not with me at the moment. If memory serves me, the bolts were in the range of $30.00 to $40.00. I have been warned that towing without installing the bolts can cause major issues.

Tim

Man, I'd gladly pay that much for the bolts. I'll pass this by my mechanic and see if he can get a copy of the procedure and p/n. If so, I'll post all the info I can. With regard to damage incurred while towing (sans bolts, presumably), my mechanic mentioned this as well. Actually, he specified towing no more than 16'. I guess that's supposed to be enough to get it on a trailer.

 

[speedy67]

how about something like this:

 

[timm9]

Spudgunner,

If you send me a reminder I will find the procedure and send it to you. I believe it is at home and I'm currently in the office.

 

[DEWFPO]

Dylan & Spudgunner,

There is a procedure for properly towing a disabled TC. There is a "special" set of bolts that when installed will completely "disconnect" the drive system. From what I have read in the procedure you will have zero control after installing the bolts so make sure you are on level ground and have the wheels blocked. Needless to say, there is quite a bit more than installing the bolts. My dealer gave me a copy of the the procedure which is not with me at the moment. If memory serves me, the bolts were in the range of $30.00 to $40.00. I have been warned that towing without installing the bolts can cause major issues.

Tim

Seems kind of dumb that Bobcat doesn't include a set of these and the procedure with the Toolcat so you have it WHEN you need it.

DEWFPO

 

[timm9]

DEWFPO,

While I'm not positive, I think the procedure may actually be in the manual under the heading of Towing. When we were having a "issue" with one of the TC's, I believe the Service Manager e-mailed it to my phone while I was on-site of the break down and quite a few miles from the shop.

Tim

 

[DEWFPO]

I'll check it out timm9.

As always, Thanks.

DEWFPO

 

[timm9]

I know (as per my Wife) it's in the manual for the B series. I have been told that it may not be in the manual for the C & D series. I'll see what I can do about "sharing"... Possibly a scanned version to post.

 

[dsb5610]

The procedure is in the repair manual for the 'A'. Specifically states not to move it more than 25' with the tow bolts installed though.

dsb

 

[Spudgunner]

Attached is the NON-helpful towing info from my SM. I've got a "D".

ETA: Unfortunately I scanned it in upside-down. Shouldn't matter, though, it's short read.

 

[George2615]

i know this has been discussed before ... but i'm really looking for a solution for getting my tc around when it is dead. I do a lot of snow removal and it often dies in the middle of the road. Yesterday, it died blocking two lanes of traffic! I ended up getting a loader and skidding it to the side of the road but I really need a better solution.

The best thing to do is find out and fix why your TC is dying on the road when in use. Is it a diesel? If so is your fuel gelling with cold temps?

 

[timm9]

I have scanned the three pages in my manual for the Towing procedure. Keep in mind this is from a B series manual. I'm curious why it has been removed/deleted from the later manuals.

I just tried to post the pages but the file sizes exceed the limit. Unfortunately the photos have driven up the size and they are needed to understand the procedure. I thought about dumping them onto my server but I don't see that we are "allowed" to post download links...?

Tim

 

[dylan]

I've got lots of antigel in it. it fires over. seems like more of an electrical problem. the battery won't hold a charge. I had the mobile bobcat tech out with me and he had no suggestions. The manual says to consult the dealer.

It's been in and out of the shop all summer for this problem. Seems like we can't quite nail it down. I'll get it floated back to bobcat on monday for another try.

Is there anymore info about those bolts? I'd like to supply my dealer with as much info as possible.

thanks
Dylan

 

[timm9]

Dylan,

I have been trying to upload the three page procedure from the manual that shows the bolts and where they go but the file size is too big. If you PM me your e-mail I will forward the files to you.

Tim

 

[Spudgunner]

Attached is a ZIP file of a 3-page PDF containing the towing instructions timm9 mentioned. Thanks Tim!!

If you don't have an "unzipper" you can get SecureZip for free. Google it.

 

[timm9]

Thank you Spudgunner!

Nice Job!

Tim

 

[Navigator7]

Holy cow!

That is a big deal!!!!

A Tilt-bed tow truck seem like the only way if you are really stuck and really need a tow.

Almost more damage can be caused just by making a mistake and starting the machine with the bolts in.

(BTW Spudgunner...opened right up for me using a Mac.)

 

[DEWFPO]

Thanks timm9 and Spudgunner,

I too was able to open and print the file easily from my Mac as well.

The instructions say to "order the (4) tow bolts" but don't list the P/N for them? Anyone have that info?

DEWFPO