Bobcat CT1025 owners swear by this powerful and versatile sub-compact tractor. It’s a reliable tractor that tackles any job suited for small or heavy-duty machinery. Moreover, its versatility allows operators to use it in farming, landscaping, and construction sites.
But is Bobcat CT1025 a perfect tractor? The truth is that this tractor is prone to several issues that can occur over time. The most common Bobcat CT1025 problems are clogged fuel lines, a low hydraulic fluid level, a bad fuel shut-off solenoid, and a smoky engine.
If you understand the cause of these problems, you can fix them to keep your tractor up and running. Below we’ve detailed Bobcat CT1025 issues and how to troubleshoot them.
Contents
Clogged Fuel Lines
Your tractor’s fuel lines might get clogged if you’re not keen on regular maintenance. This issue occurs after using the CT1025 for an extended period without checking the fuel tank, filter, and lines.
When the fuel lines get clogged, your tractor might experience starting problems. With time, the engine might misfire, become weak, and shut down.
Clogged fuel lines result from using contaminated or dirty fuel. The fuel can also deteriorate if left unused in the lines for a long time.
When the fuel filter and lines get clogged, they block the fuel flowing into the combustion chamber. This issue causes an air-fuel ratio imbalance, resulting in engine performance issues.
If your CT1025 has clogged fuel lines, check the fuel’s condition in the tank. Draining old or contaminated fuel is the first approach to troubleshooting this issue. Then locate the fuel filter and pump and examine them.
Remove a clogged fuel filter and install a new one. Then pour a fuel system cleaner into the tank and refill the tank with fresh fuel. When you run the engine, the fuel and the cleaner will flow to break down any deposits clogging the lines.
Low Hydraulic Fluid Level
Bobcat CT1025’s hydraulic system requires sufficient fluid to work smoothly. But with time, the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir decreases as it gets used in the system. Issues such as leaking parts can cause the fluid level to go down.
If your tractor’s hydraulic fluid level is low, it causes power transmission problems. As a result, your CT1025 will experience performance issues when operating its attachments.
A low hydraulic fluid level might cause the attachments to gradually slow down or experience jerky movements. If there’s no fluid in the system, your tractor won’t raise or lower the attachments.
Insufficient hydraulic fluid in the system will also increase friction between moving parts. Excessive friction will damage the parts and cause the system to overheat. All these issues can wreak havoc on the hydraulic system.
To avoid Bobcat CT1025 problems related to the hydraulic system, check the fluid level regularly. Doing this will help you know when to refill the reservoir. Note that hydraulic fluid needs changing if contaminated or old. If the fluid leaks from the system, call an expert to inspect the parts and repair or replace them.
Defective Final Drive Motor
The final drive motor in your Bobcat CT1025 uses a set of gears to reduce speed and multiply torque. And since the CT1025 is a sub-compact tractor, it performs best in light-duty tasks. However, many operators use this tractor in heavy-duty applications due to its power.
If this tractor handles heavy-duty tasks for a long time, the final drive motor might succumb to damage. In this case, the main bearing might crash and cause a reduction in torque. Moreover, the bearing oil might leak and damage engine components.
Clogs on the case drain filter can cause the hydraulic fluid to back up to the drive motor. This issue results in excessive pressure, causing the oil seals to fail and damage the cover plate.
Replacing a clogged case drain filter is an effective preventive measure for this problem. However, if you find broken final drive motor bearings, replace them. You might need to replace the damaged seals and gaskets to prevent oil from leaking.
Engine Smoking
One of the worst nightmares for tractor owners is when the engine starts to blow colored smoke. If you have a smoky Bobcat CT1025 engine, stop the tractor and address the root cause.
The engine can blow black, white, or blue smoke while running. The color of engine smoke can reveal the cause of the problem. A smoky engine can result from failure to tune the engine properly or servicing it on time.
If the engine blows black smoke, it indicates that it’s running too rich (burning too much fuel). Issues such as a faulty spark plug, air filter, fuel injector, and fuel filter can cause the engine to run too rich. In this case, you’ll need to inspect and replace any faulty components.
If you see white smoke, your CT1025 engine might be burning coolant. A blown head gasket causes coolant to leak and burn in the cylinders. When coolant burns in the combustion chamber, you’ll see white smoke from the engine.
To fix this issue, examine and replace a blown head gasket. If coolant leaks on the engine, call an expert to troubleshoot the problem.
Lastly, your engine can blow blue smoke if it’s burning oil. Worn-out parts such as piston rings or valve seals can cause oil to leak and burn in the combustion chamber. Check these parts and replace them if they look worn or broken.
Defective Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
A malfunctioning fuel shut-off solenoid can cause your tractor engine not to start, idle erratically, accelerate poorly, or stall. And like most Bobcat CT1025 problems, the fuel shut-off solenoid can malfunction due to poor maintenance.
For example, issues such as a clogged fuel system, electrical failure, overheating, or abnormal wear can cause the solenoid to act up.
If the solenoid succumbs to damage, it fails to control the fuel supply. As a result, you’ll notice your tractor uses more fuel than expected. Replacing a damaged shut-off solenoid is the best way to resolve this problem.
Unfortunately, replacing this component is a bit tricky because it operates electromagnetically. So seek professional help to install a new, functional shut-off solenoid. Also, clean the fuel system to remove clogs that might cause solenoid failure.
Tire Problems
Bobcat CT1025 uses heavy-duty tires that resist tearing, cracking, and buckling. They feature less aggressive tread to help minimize disturbance on lawns and landscaping. The tires will last longer if used in light-duty applications.
However, its tires can wear out quickly if used on rough surfaces, especially on construction sites or gardens. If they run over concrete or asphalt for an extended period, they will lose grip, crack, or get torn.
Inspect your CT1025 tires regularly and change those that appear worn or damaged. You should also keep the tires inflated according to the manufacturer-recommended PSI.
Malfunctioning Battery
The battery supplies power to your Bobcat CT1025’s electrical components. However, like other tractors, the battery in your CT1025 can malfunction over time and cause various electrical problems. For example, your tractor might fail to start, and lights might flicker or fail to turn on.
Issues that cause the battery to act up include loose connections, corroded terminals, or a dead battery. So check the cable connections to ensure they’re secure, and clean the terminals if necessary.
A multimeter can help you check your battery’s health. The readings from your multimeter will help you know whether the battery needs recharging or replacing.
Bobcat CT1025 Specs
Below are the key specs for the Bobcat CT1025.
| Engine | Shibaura 1.1L 3-cyl diesel |
| Engine power | 24.5 HP |
| Max PTO capacity | 18.5 HP |
| Transmission | HST, 2 range |
| Max speed (forward) | 10.25 m/h (16.50 km/h) |
| Operating weight | 1521 lbs. |
| Loader lift height | 6’ 0” |
| Lift capacity | 701 lbs. |
| Fuel | Diesel |
Final Thoughts
Despite having several flaws, Bobcat CT1025 is a worthy sub-compact tractor you can use around farms or fields. If you encounter the discussed Bobcat CT1025 problems, act on them immediately to prevent further damage. You can also call an expert to examine and fix your tractor.
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