Bobcat S530 Skid Steer Troubleshooting

The Bobcat S530 skid steer loader is powered by Kubota V2203 diesel engine with a rated power of 49 hp (36.5 kW) or Kubota V2403 diesel engine with a rated power of 49 hp (36.5 kW). The Bobcat S530 is equipped with a single-speed or two-speed hydrostatic transmission, vertical-lift loader boom, 80 HSOC roller chains, and 10x16.5 tires. The hydraulic system has a pump with fluid flow rate of 17.1 gpm (64.7 lpm). The hydraulic pressure is 3550 psi (245 bar). The skid steer loader has a rated operating capacity of 1850 lbs (840 kg) and tipping load of 3700 lbs (1678 kg). The boom lifting force is 3953 lbs (1793 kg), and bucket breakout force is 3856 lbs (1749 kg).

Engine Troubleshooting

Diesel hard to start or doesn't start

Air trapped in fuel system - Bleed air.
Fuel filter plugging - Change filter element.
Clogged or defective injection nozzles - Replace injection nozzles.
Water or dirt in fuel system - Drain, flush, and service the system.
Incorrect valve clearance - Have it adjusted.
Fuel injection pump malfunctioning - Replace or rebuild injection pump.

Diesel starts and suddenly stops

Air filter is dirty - Clean or replace element.
Clogged fuel filter - Replace the filter element.
Fuel injection pump leakage - Check the fuel injection pump for leaks and fix it.
Fuel injectors are faulty or clogged - Test and replace fuel injectors if necessary.
Fuel injection pump malfunction - Rebuild or replace pump.

Engine stops suddenly during operation

Low coolant temperature - Warm up the engine.
Fuel filter plugging - Change filter element.
Air trapped in fuel system - Bleed air.
Fuel injection nozzles are faulty or clogged - If necessary, replace with a new nozzle.
Fuel injection pump timing is wrong - Set up as recommended.

Engine stalls while idle

Too low idle RPM - Adjustment required.
Fuel injection pump is not operating properly - Replacement or repair required.
Fuel injectors are faulty or clogged - Clean or replace fuel injectors.
The valve clearance is incorrect - Check and adjust.

Lack of engine power

Clogged air filter - Clean or change.
Defective injection nozzle - Change fuel injection nozzles.
Insufficient fuel injection pressure - Adjust pressure to proper level.
The valve clearance is not adjusted - Adjust to proper valve clearance.
Wrong adjustment of low idle speed - Adjustment required.
Restricted fuel hoses or lines - Clean fuel system hoses and lines.
Blown cylinder head gasket - Replace cylinder head gasket.
Piston rings are broken or leaking - Piston rings replacement required.

Engine overheated

Engine has a lack of coolant - Refill to the correct level and inspect system for leaks.
Engine oil level is low - Fill the crankcase with engine oil.
Dirty radiator core or defective radiator cap - Install new cap or clean radiator.
Damaged or worn fan belt - Replace as required.
Engine is overloaded - Load reducing is recommended.

Insufficient oil pressure

Insufficient engine oil - Need to add oil.
Oil filter clogged - Replace or service engine oil filter.
Improper type of engine oil - Use oil of correct viscosity.
Incorrect oil clearance in crankshaft bearing - Bearing replacement required.
Oil pump malfunction - Install a new pump.

Engine knocks or noises

Not enough engine oil - Check and refill engine oil.
Engine is not warmed up to required temperature - Warm up the engine.
Improper setting of fuel injection pump timing - Use the correct fuel injection pump timing adjustment.
Incorrect low idle speed adjustment - Normalize low idle speed.
Fuel injectors are faulty or clogged - Inspect fuel injectors and change as required.
Connecting rod misalignment or failure - Connecting rod must be aligned or replaced.
Pistons are broken or worn - Replace the pistons.

Drive System Troubleshooting

Drive system won't work in one direction or either direction

Hydraulic fluid level low - Add fluid as required.
Drive chain is worn - Inspect drive chain and replace defective components.
Faulty input drive shaft - Repair or replace drive shaft.
Worn or defective relief valve - Repair or change.
Dirty hydraulic filter or suction line - Service suction line or replace hydraulic filter.
Foot or hand controls are faulty - Inspect and repair if necessary.
Defective drive pump or motor - Replace or repair faulty component.

Reduced power

Plugged hydraulic oil filter - Change hydraulic filter.
Opened or worn relief valve - Close or change relief valve.
Worn or faulty transmission components - Inspect and replace defective parts.
Stuck input drive shaft - Faulty drive shaft need to be replaced or repair.
Air trapped in hydraulic system - Bleed hydraulic system.

Overheated drive system

Low hydraulic fluid level - Fill up the hydraulic fluid.
Hydraulic fluid filter is plugged - Check, clean, or change as necessary.
Relief valve malfunction - Service or change relief valve.
Damaged drive pump or hydraulic motor - Inspect and change as required.
Oil cooler is clogged - Cooling fins need to be cleaned.
Drive system overloaded continuously - Reduce loading.

Excessive noise

Improper oil viscosity - Use the specified type of oil.
Air in the hydraulic system - Bleed air from system.
Drive pump or hydraulic motor malfunction - Inspect and replace as necessary.
Mechanical components of drive system are damaged or worn - Inspect the parts for worn or defect and repair as needed.

Hydraulics Troubleshooting

Hydraulic system overheats

Hydraulic pressure is not correct - Adjust pressure correctly.
Main relief valve is damaged or adjusted improperly - Adjust or change relief valve.
Hydraulic fluid is contaminated - Fill up with fresh hydraulic fluid.
Hydraulic fluid level is low - Fill the hydraulic system with oil.
Hydraulic pump is worn - Repair or install new hydraulic pump.

Boom can't lift or drop

Damaged lift controls - Inspect and repair if necessary.
Hydraulic pump not working - Repair or replace pump if necessary.
Faulty hydraulic control valve - Repair or replace hydraulic valve.
Hydraulic cylinder not working - Repair or change hydraulic cylinder.
Insufficient hydraulic fluid - Fill the system to proper hydraulic fluid level.

Bucket does not tilt

Faulty bucket tilt controls - Replace or repair.
Hydraulic pump is broken - Repair or replace pump if necessary.
Damaged hydraulic control valve - Replace or repair the valve.
Broken bucket cylinder - Repair or replace cylinder.
Insufficient hydraulic oil - Check and refill the hydraulic oil.

Boom or bucket runs slowly

Hydraulic pump is worn - Test the pump flow rate and change pump if required.
Hydraulic cylinder leaking - Correct leakage by changing the seals.
Insufficient hydraulic oil - Check and refill the hydraulic oil.
Hydraulic control valve is faulty or out of adjustment - Adjust correctly or repair.
Hydraulic pressure loss - Adjust pressure correctly.

Jerky operation of the bucket or boom

Air trapped in hydraulic system - Need to bleed air.
Plugged hydraulic oil filter - Replace or clean the filter.
Dirty hydraulic fluid - Hydraulic fluid change required.
Cylinder tube or rod scoring - Replace worn component.

Hydraulic pump makes excessive noise

Lack of oil or hydraulic leakage - Repair hydraulic leaks or add oil as required.
Plugged hydraulic filter - Change or clean oil filter.
Dirty suction line - Clean suction line as required.
Pump is sucking air - Air bleeding is required.
Pump components are worn out - Change or rebuild pump.

Electrical Troubleshooting

Battery won’t charge

Wiring connections are corroded or loose - Tighten or clean connections.
Battery terminal connectors are faulty - Terminal connectors should be replaced.
Battery faulty cell - Replace the battery.
Loose or defective belt - Adjust belt tension or change the belt.

Starter cranks slow

Low battery power - Charge the battery.
Battery is not holding charge - Service battery or change it.
Disconnected wires or corroded battery terminals - Check cables and service or change terminals.

Starter will not work

Battery is low or faulty - Need to charge or replace the battery.
Disconnected or incorrectly connected wires - Inspect battery wires and connect correctly.
Low battery power - Battery needs to be recharged.
Defective starter motor - Starter needs to be changed.