2001 Cat 246 controls not smooth

Hello all, hoping everyone is in good health and spirits.

I have been searching the forum for any helpful info but most of what i find is related to parking brakes.

Anyway my issue is with my 2001 cat 246 (not B or C or D). Its extremely sensitive/ jerky. example if moving forward or backward and you release the control to stop, the machine stops abruptly and rocks back and forth. The sudden stop causes you move the joystick causing more rocking. Today a new guy( experienced though) was loading some stuff onto a big truck(10 wheeler) and when he tried to reverse away from the truck to lower the bucket he rocked back and force really violently with the bucket full height. The machine also tends to hop as it turns rather than smoothly turn like others i have operated before.

I have tried adding psi to the tyres but thats about as much as i know. Is there something i can adjust to make it a bit smoother? This on/off movement is dangerous when working close to something you dont want to hit.

not an expert, but if it were me, I’d start by checking the hydraulic fluid level.

seville009 said:

not an expert, but if it were me, I’d start by checking the hydraulic fluid level.

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Fluid level is full, however there are a few small leaks at the left lift cylinder, and metal line joints for the tilt cylinders. Fluid level doesnt seem to affect the response. Any other ideas?

I’ve had hose and seal leaks that never caused an operating issue. It’s possible that air could get in, but most likely not.

The only other “simple” thing to check is the hydraulic filter (s) to see if there is junk in them.

The joystick control hydraulic pilot circuit operates at a lower pressure than the rest of the hydraulics. I think there is a back pressure valve somewhere that regulates this pilot pressure. I have a 246 but don't know where the back pressure valve is, probably on or near the pump. Anyway, if that pilot pressure is too high, seems it could make the controls jerky.

seville009 said:

I’ve had hose and seal leaks that never caused an operating issue. It’s possible that air could get in, but most likely not.

The only other “simple” thing to check is the hydraulic filter (s) to see if there is junk in them.

Click to expand...

The leaks dont affect it at all, i will check the filter and see if its clogged.

check said:

The joystick control hydraulic pilot circuit operates at a lower pressure than the rest of the hydraulics. I think there is a back pressure valve somewhere that regulates this pilot pressure. I have a 246 but don't know where the back pressure valve is, probably on or near the pump. Anyway, if that pilot pressure is too high, seems it could make the controls jerky.

Click to expand...

Thats an interesting point, hopefully someone can shed some light on that. It maybe something than can be adjusted to reduce pressure.

Hello Im back to trying to figure this issue out again. Can anyone shed some light on adjusting the pilot pressure?