7 Most Common Bobcat 753 Problems and How To Fix Them

The Bobcat 753 is a powerful loader that accomplishes various tasks. But like most mechanical skid steers, it’s susceptible to several issues. The most common Bobcat 753 problems are hard starts, hydraulic problems, steering complications, heater issues, electrical problems, faulty drive systems, and problematic traction locks.

Read on for a comprehensive look at the frequent Bobcat 753 issues, their causes, and effective fixes.

Problematic Starts

Your loader may be challenging to start due to fuel complications. Faulty fuel pumps, clogged fuel filters, and broken fuel lines are 753’s most prevalent fuel issues. Other reasons for difficult starts are faulty spark plugs and low battery charge.

Faulty fuel pumps and filters reduce the fuel system’s pressure, resulting in starting issues. These fuel components quickly clog and malfunction due to fuel residue build-up. Cleaning them is enough to solve the problem. However, if there’s no improvement, you should consider replacing them.

Accessing the fuel pump and filters can be challenging if you don’t know where to start. Remove the foot pan by unscrewing its bolts and loosening the spring clamps attaching the fuel lines.

Afterward, unscrew the assembly from the mounting bracket and retrieve the wiring gear plug to examine the pump closely. The filter sits between the pump and the carburetor. Retrieving the pump makes it easy to access it too.

For this loader’s engine to start, it must receive a signal from the spark plug. Spark plugs wear out and get corroded after prolonged use, resulting in malfunction. To fix this problem, regularly monitor these components and replace them if defective.

Batteries provide the energy required to start the Bobcat 753 engine. A low charge will give you a challenging time starting this vehicle. Always check the battery’s voltage and charge it if it’s below 12V.

Hydraulic Problems

Overheating, reduced speed, noise, a faulty front loader arm, and rough bucket movements are signs of hydraulic complications in your Bobcat 753. Hydraulic issues result from poor quality hydraulic fluid, blockage, excess air, and low hydraulic fluid levels.

Always top up the hydraulic fluid to the appropriate level and use the right quality for optimal performance. Substandard hydraulic fluids contain strange particles that may damage the pump.

The hydraulic system might misbehave due to filter clogging or blockage. A clogged filter restricts the amount of fluid transmitting energy to the engine, leading to complications. Replace blocked filters every 500 hours to curb this issue.

A pounding noise indicates there’s air in the hydraulic system. Air bubbles contract and expand during circulation, producing a knocking sound. To fix this, open the cap of one reservoir tank and let the system bleed for a while. Let all the bubbles come up, and close the tank tightly.

Bobcat 753 Steering Problems 

Steering issues are among the most common Bobcat 753 problems. Steering problems result from underinflated tires and faulty steering gear. Underinflated tires cause lateral and forward drag effects on the steering, making it difficult to use. Inflate your loader’s tires to the correct pressure for smooth steering.

Your Bobcat 753’s steering may be problematic, and you may accidentally hit the firewall due to an improperly positioned shaft. Adjust the steering shaft by loosening the bolts attaching it to the box, and center it appropriately. Tighten the bolts and check if the steering is smooth. Repeat the process until you get the desired results.

The Bobcat 753 loader’s steering valves are prone to breaking down. After prolonged use, the valve and the steering fluid inside collect dirt, leading to difficulties.

For proper steering maintenance, you should regularly change the fluid. Detach the head from the block by unscrewing the bolts joining them. Change the steering liquid and screw the parts back together.

Steering valves could also break as a result of wearing out. In this case, you will have to replace them to fix these Bobcat 753 steering problems.

Heater Issues 

Heater problems are frequent in the Bobcat 753 loader. Heaters may stop functioning abruptly or malfunction on a specific side of the loader due to various factors.

First, the fuse may be faulty. Due to excessive heat, the fuse is prone to blowing from time to time. Always check on it and replace it if defective. Ensure the replacement has similar amperage to the original one. This is crucial to avoid fire breakouts.

A faulty blower motor may cause the heating system to malfunction. Unplug the blower motor to confirm if it’s working. If power flows to the heater after the removal, the motor is faulty, and a replacement will get the heater to its tip-top condition.

If the heater stops working entirely, the heating element may be fried. Replacing it is the best solution. Other internal components, like the thermostat, may also cause heater problems. You should get a professional to examine the loader if finding the cause of the issue proves difficult. 

Electrical Problems

Electrical complications may result from a faulty ignition switch, a broken fuse box, and an overcharged battery.

A faulty ignition switch indicates poor transmission of electricity through the loader. To replace the ignition, remove the nuts around its housing by turning them counterclockwise using a socket wrench. Pull out the screw and remove the ignition switch from its housing.

A broken fuse box breaks the electric flow and leaves the loader unprotected. To replace a faulty fuse box, turn off the 753 Bobcat first. Push the tab below the left-side seat down and pull the box out.

Inspect all fuses on the box, including the glass and plastic casings, for any damage and burning discoloration. Remove all burnt fuses and replace them with new ones.

A faulty charging system causes the battery to overcharge, leading to electrical complications. The charging system operates when the loader runs but stays dormant when not working. This reduces its efficiency, making it malfunction the next time you use it. Replace a defective charging system to resolve these Bobcat 753 problems.

Faulty Drive Systems

The Bobcat 753 bolt-style drives have crucial design shortcomings. Their sprockets have zero support and hence break easily. The sprocket hub is held with a keyway and tapper roller bearings instead of being welded to the case.

During operations, the sprockets bounce around as they turn, causing significant wear and tear to the seals and bearings. With time, water sips through the worn-out seals and causes the final drive case to rust and malfunction.

The best and most effective way to solve the Bobcat 753 drive problems is to replace the drive unit, which is, unfortunately, quite costly.

Problematic Traction Locks

Bobcat 753 traction lock problem is prevalent among its owners. This issue is primarily due to poor connection or a weak solenoid. You’ll need to check all connections and replace faulty solenoids for smooth operations.

Electrical complications also cause traction lock issues. The traction lock brake has to get an RPM signal to unlock. Unfortunately, electrical problems make this process impossible. This sends an incorrect code to the traction lock, causing it to malfunction. Inspect the loader for any electrical issues and fix them immediately to solve this problem.

Wrap Up

Although Bobcat 753 problems are common, they are easy to fix. Follow the DIY fixes in this post to prevent spending cash on professional help.