Bobcat 323-J controls are jerky...

[MarkS1]

Got a 2005 Bobcat 323-J that hasn't been serviced in a long time. The hydraulics leak a little, requiring about a quart or so after 5-10 hours use. My main complaint is the controls seem awfully jerky. They will respond nice and easy at first but just a little too much handle and they jump. However, it's my first time driving any kind of hydraulic equipment and I don't have much seat time, yet. I have the full shop manual and I did grease all lube points/fittings.

Here's my questions:

1. Going to swap out the hydraulic filter, today. Manual shows only one on this model, #6653336. There is no separate case drain filter I can find. Any other filters or debris screens to consider?
2. Is there an adjustment valve or knob(s) for controls response? None are mentioned in the manual.
3. The owner has been running Traveler's VG32 fluid which is not even listed as a compatible grade in the manual. Should I drain and replace with VG46? We'll be running the excavator primarily through the warmer months (+90°)
4. I cannot spot any obvious leak(s). Should I just inspect and turn a wrench on all fittings?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[laidback01]

I looked at 3 Bobcat minis when considering. all of them were 'touchy' or 'jerky'. I didn't like the trend and wrote the brand off. Searching HEF quickly shows this:

https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/threads/bobcat-jerky-controls.70824/

Bobcat controls jerking or jumpy

I've discovered part of the problem why many low hr bobcat controls (traditional hand and foot) seem jumpy at times even when all the linkage is tight above the drive pump area. 1)the damper shocks on the steering levers are secured to the same metal plate the fuse box is secured to. The tabs...

www.heavyequipmentforums.com

there do appear to be good solutions in at least those threads. with some good searching, you are likely to find more information.

 

[jflaherty4488]

Got a 2005 Bobcat 323-J that hasn't been serviced in a long time. The hydraulics leak a little, requiring about a quart or so after 5-10 hours use. My main complaint is the controls seem awfully jerky. They will respond nice and easy at first but just a little too much handle and they jump. However, it's my first time driving any kind of hydraulic equipment and I don't have much seat time, yet. I have the full shop manual and I did grease all lube points/fittings.

Here's my questions:

1. Going to swap out the hydraulic filter, today. Manual shows only one on this model, #6653336. There is no separate case drain filter I can find. Any other filters or debris screens to consider?
2. Is there an adjustment valve or knob(s) for controls response? None are mentioned in the manual.
3. The owner has been running Traveler's VG32 fluid which is not even listed as a compatible grade in the manual. Should I drain and replace with VG46? We'll be running the excavator primarily through the warmer months (+90°)
4. I cannot spot any obvious leak(s). Should I just inspect and turn a wrench on all fittings?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Were you able to work this out?

 

[BC Placer gold]

I looked at 3 Bobcat minis when considering. all of them were 'touchy' or 'jerky'. I didn't like the trend and wrote the brand off. Searching HEF quickly shows this:

https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/threads/bobcat-jerky-controls.70824/

Bobcat controls jerking or jumpy

I've discovered part of the problem why many low hr bobcat controls (traditional hand and foot) seem jumpy at times even when all the linkage is tight above the drive pump area. 1)the damper shocks on the steering levers are secured to the same metal plate the fuse box is secured to. The tabs...

www.heavyequipmentforums.com

there do appear to be good solutions in at least those threads. with some good searching, you are likely to find more information.

Unfortunately I have had the same experience with Bobcat mini’s. I rented a brand new 45/42? Out of Whitehorse several years ago. Really jerky/hard to modulate hydraulics. I have lots of hours on many different brands/sizes and this was by far the worst….also the thumb was fabricated with too much ‘hook’ on the end making it hard to release a load of ‘buckbrush’.

It did have a good amount of breakout force though!

 

[SpringPilot]

I am curious if the pilot control spring mod would help improve the jerkiness in these Bobcat 323-J, E42 and E45 machines.