I dont know how the case works vs a cat/tak/kub BUT, it didnt like the sounds of him trying to do work in 2spd/hi range or does the case auto gear down? That is a no brainer on older machines NEVER to dig, push, load the machine heavily in Hi Range. Maybe the newer machines auto sense and are protected from hurting things now days.
Maybe he hurt it somehow running it in HI range too much ?
Personally I dont care for the AUTO load sensing and pressure loading these new machines do. I can hear/feel it and manage the stick/implement needs very well on my NON sensing unit. My machine doesnt have joysticks, hi flow or 2 speed so thats a lot of difference.
Ran a cat 299 for 8 days recently and I did not enjoy the loading and hydraulic handling of things, slowed me down a LOT but maybe I was just using the machine at its full limits.