[cutntrim]

Experiences with my new 553 Bobcat so far...

I purchased it in time for the winter plowing season and here's how it's performed so far:

1st night plowing: Wiper arm kept sticking on window frame which required bending the arm straight to correct it and tightening it up. No big deal there. However, near the end of the night my operator called me to tell me the heat wasn't working...hadn't been for half-an-hour. The alternator belt had shredded and then come completely off. Machine was down for the rest of the night until the service guy comes out to replace the belt.

2nd night plowing: Operator called me to tell me that the engine was "dying", after having ran for only 5 minutes. Engine stalled completely just as he got it back to where it's stored onsite. Called for after-hours service again (desperate because I need the machine to plow two sites that it's dedicated for), service manager himself comes out and can start it but not keep it going. Down for the entire night.

Transported the machine to the dealership for repairs. Condensation in the tank (ice) was the cause. Seems that diesel fuel conditioner is critical for these machines in cold weather. Unfortunately, no one told me this when buying it. Never having had a diesel before, I assumed that a brand new machine would run problem free regardless of temperature, just like gasoline engines normally do. They dropped the fuel tank and blew the lines and now it runs fine...and I'm using conditioner each re-fuel.

3rd night plowing: Snow blade cutting edge snaps off like a cracker about 8" from the one end. Very bizarre, haven't ever had a 1/2" thick steel cutting edge "snap off" on a plow blade before. New edge is finally in after a wait of a few weeks. I'm still waiting on the snow bucket I ordered over a month ago.

When the Bobcat actually works, it's been a great machine. Unfortunately it's had more downtime than uptime so far. Not too good.

[jwholden]

I'm afraid to ask this one, but

How cold was it when you were plowing?

We've had weather around zero Farenheit down here as of late, you must be a ton colder. I just took the charger to the three batteries in my international today.

I'd look into getting a block heater while the machine is in the shop. I find it surprising that the Bobcat dealer didn't give you snow 101 if they knew you would be using it to clear snow. I don't think my Bobcat dealer would be too concerned either, as long as they got the sale and the machine was out of the shop.

[Stonehenge]

Our Gehl is parked in my driveway through the winter for it's own 'dedicated' plowing. I've never had the fuel dry up on me, and I've never used fuel conditioner before (on this machine). However, it does have a block heater that I keep plugged in all winter, so it'll start during our sub-zero days. I wonder if somehow you got some bad fuel, or that the fuel/water separator/filter wasn't doing it's job.

Sounds like you've had more adventure than a guy would like - I feel for you. When it rains, it pours. Hang in there.

[cutntrim]

I actually asked that a block heater be put in it when I negotiated the sale. I also wanted the "sound cab" for muffling engine noise. Because of my requests I had to wait for a machine to be built to spec in North Dakota. It came as I ordered, minus the block heater. The dealer service manager said they "never put block heaters in, because you won't need one". After my troubles so far, he allowed that I might want one installed when it's in for the 100hr service visit. Although, I don't think a block heater would have changed anything since it doesn't provide heat to the fuel tank/line and wouldn't have prevented the condensation.

As I told the service mgr, the fuel was from Shell, not like it was "off the rez" or anything. On the night the engine died it was probably down around -20C+ and the tank was half-full when started (not totally full). Having said that, I think it should still work in those conditions. Maybe I'm expecting too much from a brand new $30,000 piece of heavy duty construction equipment?

[jwholden]

The dealer service manager said they "never put block heaters in, because you won't need one".

The older I get the more I realize that these guys are only looking out for themselves. You wanted the block heater put in, they had the machine in the shop and could have done it, but it was probably a pita job. This is where my Bobcat (darn near any equipment or car) dealer annoys me. They become more transparent as I grow 'older'.

I honestly don't know if it would have made a difference, but a nice toasty block couldn't have hurt. You were told you didn't need a block heater by a dealer in Canada?

Put it on the trailer and have them put it in NOW, before you have a reason to need it. Be firm. You are in Canada for heaven sakes.

Hope it works out for you. I have a seven year old 763 and it is a great machine, I don't think you will regret the choice you made. My dealer really isn't that bad either, I somtimes have unrealistic expectations.

[scl]

I agree with JW, block heater can't hurt. I put one in my 753 and it was a 1/2 hour job. I don't really use it though, machine starts in our coldest weather regardless. That said, diesel needs conditioner when that cold as condensation can build in station tanks, regardless who sells it. It also cleans the injectors. Just good insurance.
You'll love your Bobcat, as i do, but it sounds like your dealer ain't got his head on straight. I bought my machine used from a 3rd party, and my local dealer , who is 40 miles away, bends over backwards to give me any info, service, or expedite any parts I need. Good luck!
Scott

[dan deutekom]

I don't care who makes a machine but in Canada if it has a diesel it needs a block heater. Our Case skidsteer and Universal tractor both have them and it make those cold winter starts super easy even when it is - 25 C.

As far as conditioner for the fuel we never use it and never have had problems but that could also depend on factors like your fuel supply. If it is a low volume station for diesel you may still be getting a summer blend of fuel which can jell up in the extreme cold or there could be water in it. Also keep the fuel tank full. That way there is no air space for condensation to occur and you are always ready to plow without looking for fuel. We always fill as soon as we finish plowing or using the machines. Conditioner sure can't hurt.

As for the blade snapping ....well it happens. The steel is hardened so that it wears longer but unfortunately that makes the steel more brittle. That last snow fall we had came down wet and then froze solid and plowing it was like hitting concrete. Tough on the machines and operators. We cracked the bucket on the skidsteer that night.

Oh the joys of machinery in cold weather

[cutntrim]

Possible 30cm snow coming in for tomorrow. Won't be able to get the new cutting edge (which is now in) installed in time. Hope the Bobcat fires up without a problem...-40C tomorrow night with the windchill factored in.

I plan on having them install the block heater (at no charge) when I take it in for the next service. We make a point of it to keep the tank full of fuel (the night it was only half full was because it went down unexpectedly the previous storm) and we store two jerry cans of diesel with the machine so we can refuel onsite. Water may have built up inside the cans. Now we add conditioner directly to the cans before filling them each time.

[PSUscaper]

Just got done changing out and conditioning the fuel filter and tank in a one year old chevy duramax yesterday, so am not surprised to hear your problems.


Learned that lesson about 5 years ago with a old truck. When it gets cold, put the conditioning in. Cheap insurance. Also, as mentioned, try to keep the tank full all the time, especially on machines that sit idle for long periods of time.

I also did my annual trip to bobcat to pay $8.15 for a piece of plastic equivalent to a pen cap that keeps the wiper blade from falling apart and not working. Its funny how a 15 cent ( i mean 8 (&^*%ing dollar) piece of plastic can wreak havoc on you in the middle of a snow storm.

As for the block heater, I like them, and have one, but have to say that it is somewhat of a novelty for one reason......do you have a place to plug the machine in? For this winter, and for past ones, my machine is parked at a condo complex parking lot with no power. A block heater is pretty worthless without power, so keep that in mind.

I've had some days where the machine doesn't want to turn over too well, but never have had a day where I couldn't get it started.
I just always am sure to have jumper cables around in case I kill the battery in the first few attempts..........also.....a little starting fluid goes a long way on those cold days.

and by the way, welcome to the world of bobcat! They 'skip' all the little information when they sell them too you. Your going through all the same problems as anyone else. When the machine I have was new, it caught on fire once (a design flaw with the fuel lines), the tracks fell off (another design flaw in the tensioning piston), wouldn't run in the rain (electrical problem) and a bunch of other fun things happen too like the foot control pedal linkage breaks under the cab (that is a fun one to fix) the AC only operates in the winter (as in its cold then), and the blower motor for the heater 'occasionally' decides to take a break and not work.

They also don't mention that if things freeze up, the power bob tach arms that attach the bucket/snow pusher to the machine don't seem to work all that well, and to make things really fun.....
ever try to get out of the machine yet witht he cab on and realize you can't because you have to have the arms all the way down or the door won't open??? That one is really fun with a snow pusher that 'just' allows the arms to go down enough to still get out of the machine.

Pretty much, it seems about par for the course for a bobcat!

[cutntrim]

LOL! I guess misery loves company when it comes to skidsteer ownership. I can't imagine the fun that the military has trying to keep tanks and other diesel equipment with complicated moving parts, working in adverse conditions like the arctic or the deserts of the middle east.

The site that I park the Bobcat at has power for plugging in right where I park it. The utility company has their diesel trucks plugged in right beside my Bobcat...which has no block heater yet...

12"-14" predicted now for my later today. Got up to look out the window as I get restless when I know a big storm is on the way. Looks like it's going right through Wisconsin and Minnesota on it's track towards us. How much snow did you guys get hit with?

[cutntrim]

Bobcat died again last night! It worked fine for 5 hours in the afternoon, then was shut down for 2 hours for a break before we went out again. Started sputtering and stalling out right away after starting it. Service guy couldn't get out last night, he's coming today.

[VoodooChile]

cutntrim,
We had 9", as much as 12" along Lake Michigan. And man, you've got a good attitude for a guy who's getting hammered by equipment woes!

[dan deutekom]

I feel for you. I know what it is like to have equipment trouble in the worst possible times. I would be looking for some compensation from bobcat like having a standby skidsteer available for the rest of the season free of charge until the trouble with yours is sorted out with certainty.

I can't believe I didn't have to go out this time to plow. We just got a dusting of snow. This storm missed us for the most part. Even the difference of where I live and where I plow was about 3 inches of snow.

[cutntrim]

Service guy came out and got the machine going again. First he changed the fuel filter and then started it up but it stalled out on him. So he blew the fuel line out and tried again and got it to go. Said he plowed a bit with it and it did not die on him.

When changing the filter he found some ice/water. Last night I'd squeezed the primer ball and a little water (ice balls) came out from the bottom of the filter with the drain cap opened up. He said he "has to tell his boss there was some water, but he'll tell him that he re-routed the fuel lines to avoid pinching" which he "hopes" will allow it to fall under warranty. After hours (sunday) service calls are $350 minimum. I do not plan on paying out of pocket for the service call. Last time it was in I asked (and again this time) is there anything I should be doing differently to avoid getting water in the system. Since they said "no, not really", then to me it's a fault of the machine and not me. I've got a few properties (smaller and low priority) that can only be done by skidsteer so when I try to get them done I'll find out if the machine is going to run or not.

The only alternative suggesions the service guy could come up with were: to gas up at a different station (I will, but that doesn't explain how the machine ran fine a couple other times on the same fuel supply), to back out the fuel siphon in the gas tank a little if it's sitting right on the very bottom of the tank, and to investigate some type of "sock" that snowmobiler's use in their jerry cans to keep water seperated from their fuel?

I like Dan's suggestion of having a backup available for me if mine goes down again. Maybe I should have bought a Thomas instead.

[Paul]

You know at this point I would be draining the fuel tank to check if it has a water problem! One bad load of fuel can cause many problems farther along.