Case 445CT Track Loader Troubleshooting

The Case 445CT compact track loader is powered by 274 cu.in (4.5L) Case 445/M2 vertical in-line 4-cylinder direct injection liquid-cooled diesel engine with a rated power of 80.5 hp (60 kW) at 2300 rpm. The Case 445CT is equipped with a two-speed hydro transmission, axial-piston drive pumps, and 17.7" (450 mm) rubber tracks with steel inserts. The hydraulic system has a gear pump with fluid flow rate of 21 gpm (80 lpm). The hydraulic pressure is 3050 psi (210 bar). The track loader has a rated operating capacity of 2500 lbs (1135 kg) and tipping load of 7000 lbs (3175 kg). The boom lifting force is 4738 lbs (2155 kg), and bucket breakout force is 5167 lbs (2350 kg).

Engine Troubleshooting

Engine hard to start or doesn't start

Air in the fuel system - Air bleeding.
Fuel filter element is dirty - Clean the filter or install new filter element.
Clogged or burnt injection nozzle - Inspect nozzles and replace if necessary.
Water in the fuel system - Change fuel and repair fuel system.
Valve clearance is not correct - Check and adjust.
Faulty fuel injection pump - Change pump or rebuild it.

Engine starts but stalls immediately

Plugged air cleaner - Install new air cleaner element.
Fuel filter element is dirty - Change filter element.
Fuel injection pump is leaking - Repair any leaks.
Damaged or clogged injectors - Replace fuel injectors.
Fuel injection pump malfunction - Install a new fuel pump or repair.

Engine stalls during operation

Coolant temperature is low - Normalize the temperature by warming up the engine.
Clogged fuel filter - Replace the filter element.
There is air in the fuel system - Bleed the system.
Fuel injection nozzles fault - Check injection nozzles and replace if required.
Timing of fuel injection pump is incorrect - Adjust according to specifications.

Engine stalls at idle

Too low idle RPM - Test and adjust.
Fuel injection pump is broken - Replace or repair injection pump.
Defective fuel injectors - Replace fuel injectors.
Excessive valve clearance - Adjust valve clearance according to specifications.

Diesel engine loses power

Dirty air cleaner - Service or replace air cleaner.
Dirty or faulty injection nozzles - Check injection nozzles and replace if required.
Fuel injection pressure is wrong - Adjust pressure to proper level.
The valve clearance is incorrect - Check and adjust as required.
Incorrect low idle setting - Correct low idle settings.
Clogged fuel hoses or lines - Service fuel hoses and lines.
Cylinder head gasket defective - Gasket should be replaced.
Damaged or leaking piston rings - Piston rings need to be replaced.

Engine overheats

Insufficient coolant fluid - Add coolant and check the components of cooling system.
Low engine oil level - Fill up the oil to required level.
Dirty radiator fins or defective radiator cap - Install new cap or clean radiator.
Fan belt is worn or faulty - The fan belt needs to be replaced.
Diesel engine is overloaded - Reduce load on the engine.

Oil pressure too low

Oil level is low - Fill crankcase to proper oil level.
Dirty oil filter - Service or replace engine oil filter.
Oil grade or viscosity is incorrect - Use the specified type of engine oil.
Excessive crankshaft bearing oil clearance - Change bearings.
Worn oil pump - Install a new pump.

Engine knocking sound or abnormal noise

Engine oil level low - Add oil to the engine crankcase.
Engine not warmed up - Warm up to required temperature.
Improper fuel injection timing - Set the fuel pump timing correctly.
Improperly adjusted low idle speed - Adjust low idling as recommended.
Clogged or defective injectors - Clean fuel injectors or change it.
Connecting rod misalignment or failure - Connecting rod needs to be aligned or changed.
Scored or worn pistons - Pistons replacement required.

Drive System Troubleshooting

Machine will not move forward or backward

Insufficient hydraulic oil - Checking hydraulic oil level and add if necessary.
Track mechanism is blocked or damaged - Repair or remove blockage.
Relief valve is defective - Change or repair defective relief valve.
Dirty hydraulic filter or suction line - Service suction line or change hydraulic filter.
Damaged or worn hand or foot controls - Check and repair as required.
Drive motor or pump is worn - Repair or replace faulty component.

Machine does not move straight or moves jerky

Jammed or damaged undercarriage tracks - Remove jamming or repair tracks.
Sagging or faulty tracks - Replace tracks or adjust track sag with tension.
Track frame is blocked with debris, dirt, or foreign objects - Clean track frame, remove debris and foreign objects.

Low power

Hydraulic oil filter is clogged - Replace or clean hydraulic filter.
Relief valve is worn or opened - Change or close relief valve.
Transmission components are worn or defective - Check and replace defective components.
Worn input drive shaft - Repair or replace faulty drive shaft.
Air leaks in hydraulic system - Bleed air from hydraulic system.

Drive system keeps overheating

Hydraulic fluid is insufficient - Checking hydraulic fluid level and add if necessary.
Plugged hydraulic fluid filter - Replace or service hydraulic filter.
Worn or damaged relief valve - Rebuild or install a new relief valve.
Hydraulic motor or drive pump is defective - Repair or replace faulty component.
Oil cooler is clogged - Clean the cooling fins.
Drive system is overloaded - Load should be reduced.

Drive system makes excessive noise

Improper oil viscosity - Use oil of correct viscosity.
Hydraulic system is leaking air - Bleed hydraulic system.
Worn hydraulic motor or drive pump - Repair or replace faulty component.
Worn or defective mechanical parts of drive system - Check the parts for defect or damage and change if required.

Hydraulics Troubleshooting

Hydraulic system overheated

Hydraulic pressure is not adjusted correctly - Adjust pressure correctly.
Misadjusted or defective main relief valve - Replace or set up the relief valve.
Hydraulic fluid is contaminated - Change hydraulic fluid.
Hydraulic fluid level is low - Fill the hydraulic system with oil.
Hydraulic pump is worn - Replace or repair pump if necessary.

Lift arm fails to drop or lift

Lift controls failure - Repair or replace.
Hydraulic pump not working - Replace or repair pump if necessary.
Damaged hydraulic control valve - Repair or change the valve.
Hydraulic cylinder not working - Install a new boom cylinder or repair it.
Low hydraulic oil level - Fill the system to proper hydraulic oil level.

Bucket is not working

Faulty bucket tilt controls - Repair or replace.
Damaged hydraulic oil pump - Replace or repair pump if necessary.
Hydraulic control valve is faulty - Replace or repair the valve.
Hydraulic bucket cylinder is defective - Repair or replace cylinder.
Low hydraulic oil level - Checking hydraulic oil level and add if necessary.

Boom or bucket moves slowly

Defective hydraulic pump - Flow-rate hydraulic pump and replace pump if necessary.
Hydraulic cylinder leaking - Change cylinder piston seals.
Hydraulic oil is insufficient - Check and refill the hydraulic oil.
Defective or not adjusted hydraulic control valve - Repair or set properly.
Hydraulic system loosing pressure - Set pressure correctly.

Jerky operation of the bucket or boom

Hydraulic system is leaking air - Bleed hydraulic system.
Plugged hydraulic oil filter - Clean or install new filter.
Hydraulic fluid is dirty - Change hydraulic fluid.
Scored cylinder tube or rod - Replace damaged component.

Hydraulic pump makes excessive noise

Leaking hydraulic system or insufficient oil level - Refill hydraulic oil or repair leaks in system.
Plugged hydraulic filter - Replace or clean the filter.
Plugged suction line - Suction line needs to be cleaned.
Pump sucks air - Remove air from hydraulics.
Faulty pump parts - Install new hydraulic pump or rebuild it.

Electrical Troubleshooting

Battery won’t charge

Loose or corroded cable connections - Clean or tighten wiring connections.
Faulty battery terminal connectors - Terminal connectors should be replaced.
Defective battery - Replace the battery.
Belt is worn or loose - Replace belt or adjust belt tension.

Starter motor turns slow

Low battery power - Battery needs to be recharged.
Battery is draining quickly - Service battery or replace it.
Bad terminals or disconnected battery cables - Connect wires correctly or change terminals.

Starter is not cranking

Battery is low or faulty - Replace or charge as required.
Disconnected or improperly connected wiring harness - Inspect battery wiring harness and connect as required.
Low battery output voltage - Battery is drained, recharge it.
Damaged starter motor - Change or repair starter.