Troubleshooting weak left drive on Bobcat 943

Question:

Do you own a Bobcat 943 that functions properly for about 10 minutes until the hydraulic oil is warmed up, but then experiences weak left side drive? If you're pushing into a dirt pile, the left side may stop moving completely. However, reverse still works, although the drive motor squeals under load. Do you have any suggestions on what to investigate in this situation?

Top Replies

It appears that you may have a faulty drive motor. To troubleshoot this issue, you can monitor the charge pressure and observe any changes when the problem occurs. Another step is to disconnect and seal off the drive hoses at the pump, and repeat the pressure test with the oil at operating temperature. If the charge pressure remains consistent, the issue likely lies with the motor. However, if the pressure continues to drop, the problem may be with the pump. This troubleshooting process can help identify the root cause of the issue and guide you towards the necessary repairs.

After testing the well drive motor successfully, I proceeded to block off all hydraulic lines on that side. The engine demonstrates minimal loading or bogging down during forward motion on the stick, but the issue becomes much more pronounced when applying reverse. I have created a short video on YouTube showcasing this issue, despite the video quality not being optimal.

A user named topfli8979 reported that their drive motor tested well, so they decided to block off all hydraulic lines on one side. They observed that forward motion on the stick resulted in minimal engine loading, but reverse motion caused a much more noticeable bogging down. The user shared a video on YouTube, apologizing for its low quality. One theory suggests that a possible issue with the control system could be internal leakage in the servo, preventing the pump from achieving full stroke.

I also pondered over this query. The actuator arm on the right side rotates much more effortlessly than on the left side, almost as if there is a lack of fluid in the right pump chamber. This imbalance could be causing the discrepancy in rotation ease between the two sides.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. What could be causing the weak left drive on a Bobcat 943 after the hydraulic oil warms up? - The weak left drive could be caused by a variety of issues such as hydraulic fluid contamination, a faulty drive motor, or a problem with the hydraulic system. 2. Why does the left side of the Bobcat 943 stop moving completely when pushing into a dirt pile? - The left side of the Bobcat 943 may stop moving completely due to a possible issue with the drive motor, hydraulic system blockage, or lack of proper hydraulic pressure reaching the left side drive.

FAQ: 3. Why does the drive motor squeal under load during reverse even when experiencing weak left side drive?

Answer: - The drive motor may squeal under load during reverse due to increased stress on the motor caused by the weak left side drive issue, indicating a potential problem with the motor or hydraulic system.

FAQ: 4. What are some suggested steps to investigate and troubleshoot the weak left drive on a Bobcat 943?

Answer: - Some suggested steps to investigate the issue include checking the hydraulic fluid levels and quality, inspecting the drive motor for any damage or wear, examining the hydraulic system for blockages or leaks, and consulting a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair recommendations.

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