Toolcat 5600c Overheating Issue

[PAFarmboy1]

I purchased a Toolcat 5600c in June 2006. I have one nagging problem. In extreme conditions, e.g. When the temparature outside is 95 degrees, after approximately 30 minutes with the mower and AC running full throttle, the temparture gauge goes up and if I don't shut down the mower the cooling system will boil over and I loose most of the cooling fluid. My dealer, who by the way is very reputable claims this is a systemic problem with the Toolcat 5600c. Has anyone experienced this problem? Is there a solution from Bobcat? I am told that this has been corrected in the 5600d. What about for the 5600c owner?

 

[jmfox]

I have heard that cooling was improved on the D. I assume you are keeping the radiator clear. Have you tried special coolant that is designed to keep systems cooler?

jmf

 

[yellowdogsvc]

I QUOTE]


i have heard that the C had problems. while I am not familiar with the cooling system on the TC, I have solved a problem on the Bobcats. I brush mow and grind all the time. I use a piece of cut to fit A/C filter made of a tough plastic (don't think it's fiberglass but it doesn't burn easily either) between the grill and the radiators. I let it get dirty first then I knock it off. I also carry a compressor and blow out the underside of radiator and then all around it every few hours. I grinded today for nearly 7 hours (really dusty too) and only had to bang out the filter a few times. It works good to keep things out of the radiator fins and they are cheap. I get them at Walmart and cut to fit over the radiator. Maybe it would work for you?

 

[PAFarmboy1]

I appreciate the responses on this issue very much! Thanks Guys! I keep the machine very clean after each mowing, I raise the bed and clean the radiator with a soft brush, then use a leaf blower to ensure their is nothing on the engine. The Bobcat Tech from my dealer who visited my farm after the last incident brought along the special concentrate from Bobcat for the radiator, almost looks like grape juice. He remarked that after a year, the Toolcat is in showroom condition. I have a snow blower and chipper which run with no problem. The Tech told me that he only has this problem with the 5600C when a mower is used in very hot humid conditions. I also appreciate the tip with the A/C Filter. Just wondering how to use this on the Toolcat since the radiator is flat and lies under the dump bed. I would certainly like to try it!

Thanks

 

[PAFarmboy1]

JMFox is there something else I should pour into the coolling system other than the prescribed coolant from Bodcat?

 

[yooperdave]

I used to have this problem also.

I now raise the dump bed up about a foot. It really helps the air circulation.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

 

[jmfox]

There is this: Cleanfix reversible fans

and this: Royal Purple Purple Ice Radiator Super Coolant Additive

Remember that you must use products that meet manufacturers standards so not to void the warranty.

jmf

 

[odleefs]

PAFarmboy,
Before getting my TC version C in November of '05, I demoed a B series which had an overheating problem as you describe. I have never had any problem with my C series overheating, even after hous of cutting brush and saplings. I did add synthetic hydraulic fluid and I have noticed that the temps of the hoses after use are considerably cooler...I suspect from better heat dissipation and slightly thinner viscosity. Quite possibly the engine can maintain high hydraulic pressure with less strain. The A and B series had widespread over-heating issues and some of these were addressed in the C, but obviously not all. Good luck!
Steve

 

[PAFarmboy1]

JM Fox: If I add the Royal Purple Ice Super Coolant Radiator Additive, is this with the manufactors specs! If So, I will order it immediately.

Yooperdave: I will also raise the bed, I never thought of that.

Gentlemen: Thanks for the information!

 

[jmfox]

You should give the manufacturer of Royal Purple and tell them the manufacturer and model of your diesel engine. Also look in your TC manual to see what is recommended.

jmf

 

[yellowdogsvc]

JM Fox: If I add the Royal Purple Ice Super Coolant Radiator Additive, is this with the manufactors specs! If So, I will order it immediately.

Yooperdave: I will also raise the bed, I never thought of that.

Gentlemen: Thanks for the information!

According to the folks at purple ice, it will not void any warranties on Bobcat. I run it in my chipper and two bobcats and a two trucks.

 

[dsb5610]

My 'A' series uses propylene glycol based antifreeze instead of ethylene glycol. If the 'C' uses the same you need to make sure any additive you use is compatible.

dsb

 

[jmfox]

I believe the only significant difference is that propylene is less toxic making it environmentally safe.

jmf

 

[jmfox]

I should add that non-toxic coolant is a good idea if there is any chance that coolant is seeping through the heater core. I have heard from other TC owners that they notice inside window fogging which often is a symptom of a defective heater core.

jmf

 

[Big_Daddy]

I purchased a Toolcat 5600c in June 2006. I have one nagging problem. In extreme conditions, e.g. When the temparature outside is 95 degrees, after approximately 30 minutes with the mower and AC running full throttle, the temparture gauge goes up and if I don't shut down the mower the cooling system will boil over and I loose most of the cooling fluid. My dealer, who by the way is very reputable claims this is a systemic problem with the Toolcat 5600c. Has anyone experienced this problem? Is there a solution from Bobcat? I am told that this has been corrected in the 5600d. What about for the 5600c owner?

I bought a "C" series in Nov. 05' and do a lot of tall weed cutting (4'-8'). I live in south Texas and mow in the same conditions. My toolcat use to overheat in the same conditions when it was relatively new but doesn't anymore. I also use to loose coolant even when it didn't overheat. And it used a couple quarts of oil every 100 hours for the first 200 hours. I Took it my dealer and they said it was a software issue and "said" they repaired it. It Still Overheated. Now it hasn't overheated, lost coolant in 300 hrs. And appears to have maybe used a quarter of a quart of oil in the last 100 hours. I have changed (2) things since it last overheated. Oh, and before I list those things I must give a warning to those of you with a "C" series. Watch your temp gauge while mowing the engine computer may not shut down the engine when overheating as is suppose to happen, (or at least my Toolcat didn't)

1) I now use Mobile 1 20W50 which I use to purchase from Wal-Mart in Gallon containers. However I can't find it there anymore. So I'll try Castrol Synthetic 20W50 on the next oil change.

2) I twisted the overflow coolant cap on "very" tight. If the cooling system looses pressure, it raises the boiling point.

Another thing I do to help prevent radiator build up is I'll try and do most of my heavy cutting a day or two after a rain. Not when it's so wet that debris builds up under your deck. And not so dry that dry debris is floating all around and easily and quickly clogging your ac and cooling radiators. Hope this helps...With my luck, after saying all that my Toolcat will probably overheat this afternoon! I've got about 20 ac of 3'-4' weeds to cut today and they are calling for temps around 95 degrees.

 

[Mattlt]

This may be blatantly obvious, but no one's mentioned it, so I will. Makes sure to keep all dust and debris out of the area BETWEEN the two radiators. Mine will heat up sure as can be when there's crud between them. Clean it out, and I'm good to go again.

 

[dsb5610]

Matt,

I kept wondering the same as I was reading the posts. If I don't keep that clean mine will run hot irregardless of how clean the screen or the top of the radiator is. FWIW, as long as I keep all of the areas clean I can mow with my 'A', AC on, when it's mid 90s and humid and the temp gauge stays in the middle area. I have a piece of wood that I carry in the dump bed to prop the radiator up so I don't have to hold it while I clean the top of the oil cooler.

dsb

 

[yellowdogsvc]

don't know if this will help the toolcat but it's part of what I do when I mow with a bobcat. Carry an air compressor and blow out the fins regularly. Be gentle but blow them out as best you can either from the back (preferred) or front depending on how the TC is set up. Heck, you have a dump bed, put a contractor's compressor back there when you mow or have it handy on the truck.

 

[PAFarmboy1]

Steve: What brand a snythetic fuid do you use! This issue has me puzzled! I have three attachments the utilize the high flow hydraulic system, a blower, mover and chipper. I operated the chipper for three non-stop hours this weekend with no overheating issues. But when the temp is above 90 degrees and the A/C is running, there is a tendency for my machine to overheat!

Thanks

Dan

 

[odleefs]

Steve: What brand a snythetic fuid do you use! This issue has me puzzled! I have three attachments the utilize the high flow hydraulic system, a blower, mover and chipper. I operated the chipper for three non-stop hours this weekend with no overheating issues. But when the temp is above 90 degrees and the A/C is running, there is a tendency for my machine to overheat!

Thanks

Dan

Dan, here is what I used (note that i didn't fully replace my Bobcat fluid but added several quarts to top off)... AMSOIL - Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil, SAE 5W-30
Many in this forum, seemingly, hate Amsoil. So take it for what its worth. Also note that this is not approved by Bobcat, like almost all other fluids, but is approved by almost all other manufacturers. My rep told me to use only Bobcat approved products, but conceded that when he rents out hydraulic actuated equipment that it has 'God knows what fluid in them" and therefore he had a hard time believing that if I added a few quarts of this that it would void my warranty. BUT, please CHECK WITH YOUR DEALER.
Steve