Bobcat T66 - Bucket tilt gives/slop

[annash]

Hey everyone,

Looking for some advice on a hydraulic issue with my Bobcat T66, I'm trying to diagnose a problem with the bucket tilt function.

The Symptom: When I raise or lower the arms, the first time the bucket tilt cylinder meets significant resistance, it has about 6 inches of slop/give before becoming rigid and holding firm.

Examples of the Issue:

1. Lowering the front of the skid steer: If I tilt the bucket down slightly and then lower the arms to lift the front of the machine, the bucket will "fold" up about 6 inches when it hits the ground before it becomes rigid and starts lifting the machine.
2. Scooping material: If I tilt the bucket to the correct angle for scooping and then lower the arms into dirt and move forward, the bucket will fold down about 6 inches before it digs in and becomes rigid.

Crucial Observation:

• If the last hydraulic operation I made was the bucket tilt itself (either tilt up or tilt down), the issue does NOT occur. The bucket will be immediately rigid when it meets resistance. It only happens when the bucket tilt hasn't been the immediately preceding hydraulic action before meeting resistance.

What I've Checked (and haven't seen):

• No obvious external hydraulic leaks around the tilt cylinders, hoses, or fittings.
• Hydraulic fluid level is good.

My thoughts (and where I need help): This behavior makes me think there's some kind of internal pressure bleed-off or leakage happening. I'm leaning towards:

• Internal bypass/leakage in one or both tilt cylinders (worn piston seals)?
• A problem with the tilt circuit spool in the control valve (internal leakage)?
• Possibly a load-holding or check valve issue allowing fluid bypass?

Has anyone encountered this specific issue on a Bobcat T66 or similar skid steer? Any diagnostic tips, things to check, or common culprits that align with these symptoms would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any insights!

 

[davo727]

My T550 wouldnt tilt down. It was a bad solenoid on the main hydraulic module under the cab. Theres 3 solenoids on it. I think theyre listed as a tilt solenoid, a lift solenoid and the other is basically a main interlock solenoid that locks everything until the safety bar is down and you push the green button.

 

[davo727]

Mine would tilt down until it met larger resistance like trying to lift the machine off the ground. I actually ignored it until I had a bigger problem of the whole machine was locked, I then replaced all 3 solenoids which fixed both problems.

 

[davo727]

I just replaced the coil portions and didnt mess with the hydraulic slider valves that the coils are attached to.

 

[ozarkag]

Intriguing. Does tilt leak down under load?