series a toolcat suddenly stops

oldphart · Mar 19, 2018

i am looking at an A series 5600. talked to the dealer today and the salesman told me the toolcat has developed an intermittent problem where it will suddenly stop or sometimes just wont move after you stop. then it will work perfectly for a long time and after days or hours do it again. does anyone have any idea how to fix this? i should clarify that when it stops it isn't the engine stopping it is like the safety armrest isn't down but it is.

Jabonee · Mar 20, 2018

When it stops does the lift and tilt stop too? That would indicate the "TICs"(arm rest) is failing. If lift and tilt still work it could be the engine speed sensor. Could even be dirt in the brake valve. Has the unit had the service codes checked?:confused3:

oldphart · Mar 20, 2018

thank you. i don't know the answer to your questions yet but i will find out. the unit isn't at a bobcat dealer so the service people really don't know or have the diagnostic equipment. i have been using the search function on this forum and have some ideas now what to look for. the engine speed sensor wasn't one i had found though. so what i need to do is run it until the problem comes back and first see if the lift and curl work,if they don't work i should suspect the arm rest and if they do work then i should suspect an engine speed sensor or maybe front or rear axle speed sensors. correct??? am i chasing the right direction here? thanks again. does the a series have a function to check the codes or does it take a scanner???

Jabonee · Mar 20, 2018

Do yourself a big favor if you are considering buying that unit. Have that dealer have the local Bobcat dealer plug into that unit and print out a copy of the service codes. This will give you a little history like if the unit has been overheated or run low on oil. It will also tell you if the engine speed sensor is at fault or the brake solenoid. FYI those early unit have a history of drive motor failure. Service codes would show that by low charge pressure codes. The Toolcat does have an onboard diagnostic but codes can only be retrieve at the time of failure.

oldphart · Mar 20, 2018

Thanks that is a great idea. i didn't know the A series had drive motor failures,i thought it was the B and C series. i will ask the service dept if they can get a scan from Bobcat.

mmancuso13 · Mar 21, 2018

Look

to see if it is the famous (or infamous) 50-56 error code. That is what is sounds like to me...
This would indicate an intermittent communication failure between the dash mounted control unit and the drive controller. It then becomes a game of hide and seek finding the intermittent connector pin, or wire open... Let us know what you find out

oldphart · Mar 21, 2018

great info thanks. can i get the error codes without taking it to a dealer?

mmancuso13 · Mar 21, 2018

Yes, press and hold the lights button and the latched codes will be displayed on the control panel screen. Let me know what code your machine shows

oldphart · Mar 22, 2018

Thanks. the toolcat isn't mine yet it still belongs to the off brand dealer and they have put it into their shop to try to fix it. their mechanic was a bobcat employee mechanic for many years so he is supposed to be pretty salty. the dealer doesn't have any of the bobcat diagnostic equipment though so there is a limit. i have asked the dealer if they will let me know what codes the machine has during the intermittent problem. if i can get a grip on the possibility i will purchase and take it to bobcat or fix it myself.