The Bobcat E35 is a mini excavator from the R2 series. It has dual-flange track rollers, bringing the suspension construction closer to the track’s surface, improving over-the-side mining efficiency and slewing capability. With low-effort joysticks that respond precisely to operator input, outstanding ride quality, ideal visibility, and less noise, the R2-Series compact excavators establish new comfort and operator enjoyment benchmarks.
Many users have complained about the poor quality of the tires, faulty charge pumps, primary bearing failure, overheating, frequent failure of the drive motor, unusual noise or vibration, etc., and issues with the Bobcat E35.
Common Problems and Solutions for Bobcat E35
Most of the issues are solvable with proper guidance. Also, if you know what causes the problems, it will be easier to solve them. So, the issues and solutions of Bobcat E35 are discussed below:
1. Poor Quality of Tires
The poor quality of Bobcat excavator tires might not affect you unless you drive on hard surfaces like concrete, tarmac, rocky roads etc. If you regularly drive on hard surfaces, you might find that the tires are getting worn out quickly. This usually happens when the type of tire is flat. This is a huge problem, mainly if the tractor is driven in situations where tire punctures are common, such as building sites.
There is too much air in some tires made in factories. While this is beneficial since it provides for a smoother ride, too much air in the tires might affect the tractor’s balance. In many circumstances, especially when navigating, the tractor operator will have a more challenging time gaining complete control of the machine.
The matter of hope is that Bobcat has designed some tires with reinforced features so that the tires do not wire out easily, even driven on hard surfaces. And you can replace your E35 tires with reinforced tires.
2. Defective Charge Pumps
The charge pumps in this mini excavator are of low quality. So, they get faulty in a short time. It might lead to an oil leak or air leak as well. Sometimes, this issue occurs when you drive the tractor continuously for several hours. A malfunctioning charge pump can lead to the motor drive’s eventual failure, even if it begins by itself. The charge pump’s constant degradation causes the motor to become weak and the tractor to lean to one side.
The charge pump avoids a free fall drive by releasing the appropriate braking pressure. But faulty pumps can not do that. This is because a faulty charge pump might mask an issue with the motor. Many Bobcat tractor owners mistakenly feel their motor is broken when the issue is really with the charge pump. So, it is often hard to identify the actual problem to solve it.
Many users contact mechanics to fix the problem, but there is not much solution rather than changing the charge pump.
3. Overheating
Broken temperature gauges, insufficient engine oil, clogged filters, coolant troubles, and radiator problems can lead to overheating issues in Bobcat tractors. These problems might lead to air pockets sticking up and not opening.
You need to take out the filters and radiators and clean them well with a soft brush to solve the problem. Replace the parts if necessary.
4. Frequent Malfunctions of the Drive Motor
When you use your Bobcat tractor more frequently, it starts to malfunction. The bearing of the drive motor does not last long either. Some users have complained that although they changed the oil every 500 hours and made sure to maintain the tractor regularly, they also faced this problem.
And when the bearings have problems, it might lead to internal damage. Clogged filters for the oil case drains also contribute to the failure of the motor as the hydraulic fluid gets mix with the gear oil. This can cause some serious problems with the tractor’s engine. In some cases, this can cause the tractor to shut down completely.
5. Rare Availability of Spare Parts
There are often many problems in the Bobcat tractors which need to be solved by changing or replacing the parts. But the spare parts for the Bobcat tractor are not always available everywhere. So, it often becomes difficult to solve the problems. However, while searching for the right spare parts, users from rural areas do not have much choice in this matter.
6. Hydraulic problems
Hydraulic problems are very common in most excavators. The leaks can be internal and you might also experience external leaks. If the hydraulic line is corroded then there can be an uneven distribution of hydraulic fluids which might lead to more problems. to solve this issue you need to drain filter to clean it and then reinstall the fluid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine do Bobcat tractors use?
Bobcat utilized Kubota engines until 2015, when it switched to Tier IV Doosan engines. The Doosan diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) engine runs hotter and consumes more fuel than other engines. The diesel particulate filter (DPF) design from Kubota allows you to rev up the engine and get to work 60-90 seconds faster.
Is DEF required for Bobcat tractors?
Yes, DEF, or diesel exhaust fluid, is required by the system of Bobcat tractors. Bobcat all-wheel steer, skid-steer, and compact track loaders now have a redesigned DEF fill tank top on the left side. To minimize confusion with the diesel fuel tank cap, the fill tank cap is blue and prominently labelled.
How many gallons of diesel does a Bobcat hold?
Most of the Bobcat tractors have a 178 cubic inch engine displacement, which is the four cylinders’ combined fuel capacity. However, the Bobcat E35 can hold 13.7 gallons of fuel as it is a compact tractor.
Final Words
Just because the Bobcat E35 has a few problems, does not make it a bad tractor. In fact, it has its own pros and cons like any mini excavator. So, you can still consider buying it if you are looking for a reliable tractor at a reasonable price. However, if you live in a rural area, then it is advised not to buy the Bobcat #35 tractors because of the unavailability of spare parts.
