Bobcat S130 Problems ( + 7 Solutions & Replacement Costs)

The Bobcat S130 is a handy, useful, versatile skid-steer loader for industrious agriculture, farming, and landscaping jobs. It is damn efficient and certainly an asset to own. However, you will experience some common Bobcat s130 problems over time.

Electrical problems, engine issues, and errors in the hydraulic system are the common problems of S130. Sometimes, buckets or arms stop responding when digging trenches or moving dirt. Happily, fixing the problems is simple. First, diagnose the complication, and repair the problem if possible. Also, you can replace the faulty body part if required. 

This post describes the problems the S130 skid-steer loader encounters, effective fixations, and replacement costs.

Bobcat S130 Specs

Find the key specifications of Bobcat S130 in the below chart.

Power	46 HP
Number of Cylinders	4
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gal
Max. Speed	7.3 mph
Operational Speed	7.3 mph
Operation Weight	5235 lbs.
Bucket Capacity	0.37 yd3
Tipping Load	2634 lbs.
Operating Load Rating	1300 lbs.

Bobcat S130 Problems, Solutions & Replacement Cost – At a Glance

Undoubtedly, the S130 is one of the top-performing skid steers. A few problems may appear because of improper maintenance, age, and other reasons. The below chart shows the common problems, solutions and approximate replacement costs at a glance.

Sl#	Problems	Solutions	Approximate Costs
1	Issue in the Power Steering	i) Check the fluid level. Add more fluid. For leakage, seal the leak ii) Inspect the hose. If it is jammed, replace	i) $500-$700 (including labor cost)ii) $60-$165
2	Unusual noise from the Exhaust	i) Repair the leaky exhaust pipe ii) Replace the rusted part	i) $150-$400 (including labor cost)ii) $65-$330
3	Engine not running	i) Check the fuel line for leakage	$160-$1200
4	Engine jerking or kicking off	Inspect the fuel filter for blockage; replace if required	$160-$1200
5	Hydraulic cooling fan not working	i) Replace the bad fuse ii) Change the damaged connectors or wiring iii) Install a new cooling fan motor iv) Add a new controller sensor	$300-$1060 (depending on the damaged part)
6	Hard to start	i) Replace the faulty starter ii) Change the dead battery	i) $150-$400ii) $200-$1300
7	Hydraulic system failure	i) Add or remove more hydraulic fluid pump ii) Replace the fluid filter	i) $190-$400ii) $15-$35
8	Non-movable arms or bucket	Call a professional	$350-$500

How to Troubleshoot Bobcat S130 skid steer Problems?

In this section, I briefly discussed the fixations of the Bobcat s130 errors step-by-step. Go through it carefully.

Problem #01: Power Steering Issue

The most common power steering issue is hard to turn the s130 wheels. There are a few potential causes, including defective power steering pumps, jammed hoses, low levels of power steering fluid, or leak issues.

Most often, this problem occurs due to low power steering fluid levels. You might be thinking, why does fluid level reduce? Generally, it happens because of unusual leaks in the system. So, it would be best to look for the leak first and then check the fluid pump’s fluid level.

Follow the below steps to do so.

• Step 01: Inspect the whole system to find out the leak.

• Step 02: After identifying the leak, use power steering additives to fix them.

• Step 03: Then remove the fluid pump cover

• Step 04: Bobcat s-130 comes with recommended fluid level. Add fluid into the pump until the layer reaches the recommended level.

• Step 05: Then install the cover.

What if you don’t find leakage? Be sure that the jammed hose is the main reason. Inspect the hose visually for the clog. Repairing a clogged hose will not give a better result in the long run. Replace it using a new hose.

When the discussion comes to repairing or replacing a part of a load tracker, price is a vital factor. For repairing the fluid system of power steering, you will cost roughly $500-$700. It includes labor costs of $65-$150, while the remaining is the cost of the parts. Moreover, the price for hose ranges between $60-$165

Problem #02: Noise Coming from the Exhaust

The exhaust system is a crucial part of any vehicle. It is no exception for Bobcat s130 also. Unfortunately, this part tends to rust and corrode over time. As a result, holes and cracks appear in the exhaust pipe or the gasket, causing hissing noise.

Here are the steps on how to inspect exhaust pipes for leaks.

• Step 01: Thoroughly see the whole exhaust system.

• Step 02: If you find any cracks or leaks, try to understand whether it is patchable or sealable by welding. For a positive answer, weld to seal the crack.

• Step 03: If the cracks or hose are unrepairable, I recommend replacing the affected exhaust system parts.

So, what is the repairing cost of a leaky Bobcat S130 exhaust system? It is between $150-$400. The approximate labor cost is $85. On the other hand, parts cost ranges from $65-$330.

Problem #03: Engine Not Responding

An unresponsive engine is a pretty frustrating issue. A few users reported that they experienced engine stops starting or start stalling complications in the Bobcat S130.

Engines run with fuel, and you will face zero response if they don’t get enough fuel. The same thing happens when a Bobcat S130 engine does not respond.

Read the below steps according to the problem.

For a not responding engine,

• Step 01: Start checking the entire fuel line for leakage.

• Step 02: Engine fluid drips through the leak and minimizes the oil level. Seal or replace the leak as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

For kicking off or jerking the engine,

• Step 01: Check the fuel filter for any clogs or blocks. A blocked fuel filter requires replacement instead of repair.

• Step 02: In order to replace, dismantle the fuel filter.

• Step 03: Remove the hoses to access the fuel filter. Usually, the fuel filter stays in place with the help of a few bolts in a breaker. Uninstall the bolts.

• Step 04: Get the new one and install it in place. Re-connect the hoses.

Engine repairs are costlier compared to other problems. So, the cost for S130 engine problems is anywhere between $160-$1200. Mechanics charge per hour when solving an engine-related problem, and labor costs approximately $100/hour.

If the fuel filter needs replacement, you must spend $15-$70. Whereas fuel pump replacement cost is $350-$440.

Problem #04: Complication with the Radiator Cooling Fan

The radiator or hydraulic cooling fan is an important component of Bobcat s130. The responsibility of this part is to keep the engine cool when running at low speeds or high temperatures. But this fan stops working properly and is prone to wear over time.

However, if you notice that the radiator fan is not performing at its best, I suggest checking for bad connectors or wiring. Also, blown fuse and damaged or broken hydraulic fan relays are the culprits for inefficient performance.

In such cases, do the following.

For a blown fuse,

• Step 01: Check the fuse.

• Step 02:  Replace it with a new one if the fuse is blown.

For bad connectors or wiring,

• Step 01: Diagnose the entire wiring of the hydraulic cooling system for broken wiring or connectors.

• Step 02: Replace the broken system with a quality one.

For a defective cooling fan motor,

• Step 01: Check the motor.

• Step 02: If the motor is creating the problem, change it.

For a broken controller sensor,

• Step 01: The radiator fan will not start if the controller sensor is broken or damaged.

• Step 02: Change the sensor after inspecting it.

The hydraulic cooling fan is a part of the electrical system. The repair cost depends on the electrical parts cost, and the range is $300-$850. While a new radiator fan will cost you $160-$650. Labor will cost you $150-$1060 based on the problem and skill.

Related Read >> 5 Common Bobcat Doosan Engine Problems – (From Rumbles To Solutions)

Problem #05: S130 Fails to Start

If the S130 fails to start while the fuel systems and the engine is perfectly OK, the problem might lie with the electrical system.

Electrical malfunctions of a Bobcat S130 include faulty spark plugs, a dead battery, and a defective starter. For this problem, begin inspection from the starter.

Here is the defective starter troubleshooting process.

• Step 01: Check the starter. Do you hear any “click” when the S130 turns on? If not, verify the starter for damage.

• Step 02: Replace the faulty starter.

If you find that the starter is fully fine, then the dead battery is the culprit. Below are the steps of checking the battery.

• Step 01: Check the positive and negative terminals.

• Step 02: Inspect the cable connections. If any cables are disconnected, reconnect them.

• Step 03: Then, try to run the Bobcat s130. If it doesn’t run, check the battery to see whether it has power.

• Step 04: When confirmed that the battery is dead, attempt to jump-start. In case the skid-steer fails to start again, it is high time to replace the battery.  

Now, how much is the Bobcat S130 battery replacement cost? The cost is almost $150-$400. On the other side, for repairing electrical issues, the service cost range is $200-$1200. Besides, the cost for rewiring is a maximum of $1300, which includes a $100/hour labor cost.

Problem #06: Failure of the Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system fails in Bobcat s130 quite often. Many causes are responsible for it, like blocked hydraulic fluid pumps or fluid filters and inappropriate hydraulic system fluid levels. A Bobcat s130 will fail for sure due to any of the causes.

In such cases, the below steps will help you sort out the problem.

• Step 01: Check the fluid level using a dipstick. The correct level of the fluid is crucial. The Bobcat may fail to perform for overfilled and underfilled fluid levels.

• Step 02: For an overfilled level, remove more fluid. On the other hand, for underfilled fluid levels, add more fluid.

• Step 03: In case you notice that the fluid level drops suddenly, then check for leakage in the entire system.

• Step 04: If you don’t find any leakage, look for the fuel filter clog. Replacement is the only solution for a clogged fuel filter.

• Step 05: If the problem is not with the fluid filter, consider checking the fluid pump. Most often, a damaged fluid pump is the culprit. Change or replace the fluid pump if required.

You might be wondering about the cost. The cost entirely depends on the damaged parts. A new hydraulic fluid pump price is $190-$400. In addition, the cost for a fresh hydraulic fluid filter is $15-$35. Moreover, the estimated labor cost is $100-$150.

Problem #07: Bucket or Arms Not Moving

Operating the Bobcat s130 becomes impossible when the bucket or arms stops moving or do not go up. While moving the arms or bucket, you must hear 3 short beeps. In case the Bobcat s130 doesn’t sound these beeps, be sure the problem is with the Basic Interpersonal Communication Skill (BICS) lock valve.

Calling a professional who will suggest the solution is a must in this situation. Fixing this issue will cost you $350-$500.

Bobcat S130 don’t start how to troubleshoot….replaced starter and solinoid switch….Check out the video below:

Wrapping Up

Despite Bobcat s130 problems, this skid-steer is famous for reliable, user-friendly, and tough enough performance. This is a powerful track loader suitable for the most challenging jobs.

Hopefully, now you know how to deal with the S130 problems effectively. But regular maintenance is mandatory to avoid costing money and hassles.

Before using the wiring harness, safety switch, fuse box, and alternator. Also, clean the machine and provide proper lubrication after each use.

resources:

https://www.bobcat.com/na/en/equipment/loaders/skid-steer-loaders/non-current-models/s130