How should I operate my Bobcat?

[HGDMARTN]

I hear through the grapevine that wide open throttle is the best way to operate a Bobcat? Gosh, that seems a little harsh to me. I kind of like to take it easy on my equipment. Is it easier on these things to run them at high RPM than it is at low RPM? I just bought a used (rental) Bobcat 763 and I have never operated one before. First thing I did was change all of the fluids. Except for the chaincase. I'll do it this winter. It runs excellent with Kubota 50 hp diesel. Everything works as I guess it should. It does have a whine in the hydro when I turn. Has 1600 hours and I assume some of this may be normal wear. How much, if any, is normal? Tracks fairly straight although one motor may be pulling a but more. Hard to tell.

Anything else I should look out for?



You all are always a big help. Thanks.



By the way... . All of the filters and fluids were cheaper at the Bobcat dealer than they were at NAPA. I was very surprised. Now, I know I am running the right stuff!







Thanks.

 

[wyosteve]

HD, this is my opinion and I'm sure no expert, but I also recently bought a 753 rental unit. I've had a John Deere before. I run the engine so it can do the work I want without bogging down. That is to say, if I'm loading light horse manure, I usually run about 1/2 to 2/3 throttle. Lifting heavy big bales I go closer to full throttle. I think the key is to keep enough rpm's to run all the pumps and not stress any components.

 

[illflem]

I've always run them at full throttle unless the hydraulics needed to be slowed down for more precision work.

 

[fbaurley]

I have also heard the wide open is best rumor, I heard it had something to do with the open center hydraulic system that operates the drive motors. Whether this is true or not I dont Know? probably would be good to check the owners manual or with the company to get the truth. It takes a very good operator to do finish work running full throttle.

 

[BV]

Bobcat operation

I was always told to operate at full throttle so that it would not overheat. Something to do with air and coolant flow.



They take getting use to but you can do finish work at full power with light movements with your feet and hands or you can do wheelies down the street if you whip from reverse to forward just right



Oh - And they can tip over with a full load raised up tooooooooo high

 

[Hummin Cummins]

We always run them wide open (after they warm up of course).

When I warm it up I always run about half throttle and work the bucket controls up and down a few times, then its full throttle from there out.



The whining you hear, I would bet it gets louder when you try to move at a lower throttle. You want max hydraulic flow when operating. If you try to turn and do a bucket movement at a lower throttle, there isnt enough hydraulics to do the job without bucking.

 

[daveshoe]

One motor pulling more

You can adjust the motion levers to a balance condition to correct this. You can purchase a service manual for around 80 bucks that has really good info. you are correct in using OEM filters. At a Bobcat seminar, they proved to my satisfaction that their air filter is the best-- the reason is the element is glued to the metal outer basket. They showed a competitor's filter that failed due to rubbing a hole in the basket due to vibration. Never take the filter out and clean it-- just wait for the restrictor gage to indicate dirt.

Not heeding this advice is number 1 cause of engine failure.

Best BOMB is suspension seat from TSC store-- saves your back.

Any questions -- just PM me

 

[Sled Puller]

Hammer it- wide open. Most anything hydrostatic is designed for that.