Bobcat T140 Track Loader Troubleshooting

The Bobcat T140 compact track loader driveline system components: Kubota V2203 diesel engine with a rated power of 46 hp (34.3 kW) or Kubota V2403 diesel engine with a rated power of 49 hp (36 kW), and 1-speed transmission. The hydraulic system has a pump with a rated flow of 16.9 gpm (64 lpm). The system pressure is 2750 psi (189 bar). The Bobcat T140 is equipped with a radial-lift loader boom, solid-mounted undercarriage, and 11.8" (300 mm) rubber tracks. The loader has a boom lift force of 2650 lbs (1202 kg) and bucket breakout force of 3500 lbs (1588 kg). The rated operating capacity is 1400 lbs (635 kg), and tipping load is 4044 lbs (1834 kg).

Engine Troubleshooting

Engine hard to start or doesn't start

There is air in the fuel system - Bleed the system.
Fuel filter plugged - Change filter element.
Clogged or burnt injection nozzle - Install a new kit of correctly balanced nozzles.
Dirt or water in fuel system - Drain water or flush dirt from the system.
Valve out of adjustment - Have it adjusted.
Fuel injection pump malfunction - Replace or repair injection pump.

Diesel starts but stalls suddenly

Clogged air cleaner - Clean or change.
Fuel filter element is clogged - Replace the filter element.
Poor fuel injection pump tightness - Look for any leaks of fuel pump, tighten it fast.
Dirty or defective injectors - Change or clean fuel injectors.
Fuel injection pump is faulty - Change or repair the pump.

Engine shuts off while running

Engine is not fully warmed up - Warm up the engine.
Fuel filter element is dirty - Install new filter element.
Air trapped in fuel system - Bleed air.
Clogged or burnt injection nozzle - Clean or change injection nozzles.
Fuel injection pump timing is not adjusted - Set the fuel pump timing correctly.

Engine stalls at low idle speed

Incorrectly set low idle speed - Adjustment required.
Damaged fuel injection pump - Change or repair the pump.
Dirty or defective injectors - Replace or clean fuel injectors.
Valve clearance is wrong - Adjust valve clearance according to specifications.

Loss of engine power

Plugged air cleaner - Service or replace air cleaner.
Defective or clogged injection nozzle - Change fuel injection nozzles.
Uneven fuel injection pressure - Check the fuel injection pressure and adjust if necessary.
Valve out of adjustment - Check and adjust as required.
Incorrect low idle setting - Adjust low idle speed.
Fuel hoses or lines are clogged - Service fuel hoses and lines.
Cylinder head gasket is damaged - Replace the gasket as required.
Piston rings are leaking or defective - Change piston rings.

Engine is overheated

Low coolant level - Fill radiator to proper level and check components for faults.
Lack of engine oil - Check oil level and add oil as required.
Dirty radiator fins or faulty radiator cap - Replace cap or clean radiator.
Fan belt is worn or faulty - If necessary, replace the belt.
Engine is under excessive load - Load reducing required.

Low oil pressure

Oil level is low - Checking oil level and add if necessary.
Engine oil filter is plugged - Clean or replace engine oil filter element.
Incorrect engine oil Use the specified type of engine oil.
Excessive oil clearance of crankshaft bearing - Bearings need to be reinstalled.
Oil pump failure - Inspect and change as required.

Abnormal engine knocking or noise

Engine oil insufficient - Check and refill engine oil.
Engine is cold - Warm up engine as required.
Wrong setting of fuel injection pump timing - Set it up as required.
Too low idle RPM - Correct the settings.
Fuel injector fault - Change or clean fuel injectors.
Connecting rod failure or misalignment - Align or change connecting rod.
Worn or scored pistons - Install new pistons.

Drive System Troubleshooting

Drive system doesn't operate in one direction or either direction

Hydraulic fluid level low - Add fluid as required.
Damaged or jammed track mechanism - Repair or remove jamming.
Relief valve malfunction - Service or change relief valve.
Dirty hydraulic filter or suction line - Clean suction line or replace hydraulic filter.
Foot or hand controls are faulty - Check and repair as required.
Drive motor or pump failure - Check and repair if required.

Machine will not move straight or moves jerkily

Jammed or damaged track mechanism - Repair or remedy jamming.
Tracks are worn or improperly tensioned - Adjust track tension or repair tracks.
Debris, dirt, or foreign objects jammed in undercarriage track frame - Clean track frame, remove debris and foreign objects.

Reduced power

Dirty hydraulic oil filter - Change hydraulic filter.
Open or faulty relief valve - Close or change relief valve.
Faulty or damaged transmission components - Inspect and change faulty parts.
Defective input drive shaft - Repair or install a new drive shaft.
Air leaks in hydraulic system - Bleed air from hydraulic system.

Drive system keeps overheating

Hydraulic oil is insufficient - Check and refill the hydraulic oil.
Dirty hydraulic fluid filter - Check, clean, or replace as required.
Relief valve worn or defective - Service or change relief valve.
Hydraulic motor or drive pump is worn - Replace or repair faulty component.
Hydraulic oil cooler is dirty - Clean the cooling fins.
Drive system overloaded continuously - Reduce the load.

Drive system makes excessive noise

Improper oil viscosity - Use proper oil viscosity.
Hydraulic system is leaking air - Bleed air from system.
Worn hydraulic motor or drive pump - Inspect and change as required.
Defective or worn mechanical components of drive system - Inspect the components for worn or defect and repair as required.

Hydraulics Troubleshooting

Hydraulic system overheats

Hydraulic pressure is incorrect - Adjust pressure as required.
Unadjusted or defective main relief valve - Adjust the valve or replace if necessary.
Hydraulic fluid is contaminated - The fluid must be changed.
Hydraulic oil level is low - Fill up the hydraulic oil.
Worn hydraulic oil pump - Repair or change pump if required.

Lift arm does not lower or raise

Defective lift controls - Check and repair as required.
Defective hydraulic pump - Replace or repair pump if necessary.
Defective hydraulic control valve - Install a new hydraulic valve or repair it.
Defective hydraulic cylinder - Install a new boom cylinder or repair it.
Hydraulic fluid is insufficient - Fill up the hydraulic fluid.

Bucket fails to tilt

Bucket tilt controls are defective - Repair or replace.
Hydraulic pump malfunction - Repair or install new hydraulic pump.
Defective hydraulic control valve - Repair or change hydraulic valve.
Faulty hydraulic bucket cylinder - Repair or install a new cylinder.
Hydraulic oil level low - Need to add oil.

Bucket or lift arm is working slowly

Defective hydraulic pump - Check the pump capacity and replace pump if required.
Hydraulic cylinder oil leakage - Change cylinder piston seals.
Insufficient hydraulic fluid - Add fluid as required.
Defective or not adjusted hydraulic control valve - Repair or set properly.
Low hydraulic pressure - Correct setting is required.

Bucket or boom jerks when working

Hydraulic system is leaking air - Bleed hydraulic system.
Hydraulic oil filter element is dirty - Replace or clean the filter.
Hydraulic oil is dirty - The oil must be changed.
Scored cylinder tube or rod - Replace worn component.

Hydraulic pump is excessively noisy

Hydraulic leaks or low oil level - Correct hydraulic leaks or top up oil as needed.
Dirty hydraulic filter - Clean or change the filter.
Suction line is dirty - Service the suction line.
Pump sucks air - Air bleeding is required.
Faulty pump components - Rebuild or install new pump.

Electrical Troubleshooting

Battery does not charge

Corroded or loose wire connections - Tighten or service cable connections.
Defective battery terminal clamps - Terminal clamps need to be replaced.
Battery is worn - Change the battery.
Loose or worn belt - Need to adjust belt tension or replace belt.

Starter turns slowly

Battery capacity is low - Recharge the battery.
Battery will not hold charge - Battery needs service or replacement.
Disconnected wires or corroded battery terminals - Connect wires properly or change terminals.

Starter will not work

Battery is drained or defective - Recharge or replace battery.
Wiring harness is disconnected or improperly connected - Check wiring harness and connect as required.
Low battery capacity - Charge the battery.
Faulty starter motor - Starter should be replaced.