How will you complete heavy-duty lifting tasks if your Bobcat won’t move forward and back? It can be frustrating when your Bobcat skid steer or zero-turn mower stops moving forward and reverse, and you don’t know what to do next.
A Bobcat may stop moving forward and back for several reasons. The prime culprit is a bad drive belt, tensioner spring, or pulley. Moreover, a skid steer won’t move for air in the hydraulic system, hot hydraulic fluid, low-level or old hydraulic fluid, or wrongly positioned drive-release levers. Remember, it is time to take care of your Bobcat when it happens.
Continue reading this comprehensive guide to getting your Bobcat moving again.
Bobcat Won’t Mover Forward or Back – Reason, Solutions & Replacement Costs (At a Glance)
Find the reasons, solutions, and replacement cost of Bobcat not moving forward and reverse from the below table.
| Sl# | Causes | Fixations | Replacement Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive Release Lever in Wrong Position | Correctly Position It | N/A |
| 2 | Broken Pump Belt | Replace the Drive Belt | $250 – $300 |
| 3 | Bad Tensioner Pulley | Need Pulley Replacement | $250 – $300 |
| 4 | Low Level of the Hydraulic Fluid | Add more Hydraulic Fluid | $100 – $250 |
| 5 | Old Hydraulic Fluid in the Transmission | Pour New Fluid | $100 – $250 |
| 6 | Air in the Hydraulic System | Remove Air from the System | $50 – $250 |
Why Is My Bobcat Won’t Move Forward and Back? Solutions also Discussed
Countless numbers of reasons are responsible for the problem. I have listed the key causes in this section.
#01 – Drive Release Lever in Wrong Position: Correctly Position It
Bobcat zero-turn mowers come with drive-release buttons, knobs, or levers, letting you release the hydros. As a result, the mower rolls freely, allowing you to push it.
Such a mechanism is beneficial, especially if the mower stops in the middle of the yard and requires pushing onto the trailer. In this case, the zero-turn mower will stop moving back and forth when the drive release lever is positioned wrongly.
Generally, the drive release button can be a knob, pull, push, or lever. It can vary from Bobcat zero-turn mower model to model. Read the user manual to know your mower’s type of drive release lever and where it is located. Then position it correctly.
#02 – Broken Pump Belt: Replace the Drive Belt
The broken, loose, or worn drive belt can affect your Bobcat’s movement. Checking the drive belt is important in this situation. Make sure the drive belt is properly positioned. If you notice any signs of wear and tear, don’t be late to replace it.
Here are the steps to fix the broken drive belt of Bobcat mowers.
- Step 01: Find out the driving lever on the driving shaft.
- Step 02: Use your fingers to tighten it.
- Step 03: Unfasten the pinion nut and the rack using a wrench.
- Step 04: Take off the belt for excellent and tension-free repair before withdrawing the belt from the flywheel completely.
- Step 05: Next, each washer needs to be stripped. You will find them beneath the container if any of these are available.
- Step 06: Gently lift the load-bearing component from the spindle with your fingers and pull it off of the mower.
- Step 07: Finally, replace the drive belt.
The whole process may take 15-30 minutes to complete efficiently.
#03 – Bad Tensioner Pulley: Need Replacement of the Pulley
Hard and rigid plastic is used in the tensioner pulley of Bobcat mowers. The plastic may wear and tear over time and affect the movement of the Bobcat skid steers or zero-turn mowers.
In such a situation, no other options are available except for replacing the bad bearing of the tensioner pulley. Remember to keep the arm of the tensioner greased to prevent it from sticking.
Calling a professional will be the best to replace the pulley, as the process is a bit complex.
#04 – Low Level of the Hydraulic Fluid: Add Hydraulic Fluid
Most Bobcat skid steers or zero-turn mowers’ hydraulic fluid must be replaced periodically. This is a manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule that you can’t miss. If you miss out accidentally, your skid steer transmission system will fail to run at its best.
Running your Bobcat with a low hydraulic fluid level can cause it not to move forward or backward or seem pretty weak when running.
So, adding more fluid to the hydraulic system is better, and here is how you should do so.
- Step 01: First, check the hydraulic fluid level using a dipstick.
- Step 02: Add manufacturer-recommended hydraulic fluid until the level reaches the required point.
- Step 03: Finally, measure the level again. Keep in mind to measure the level when the hydraulic fluid is cool.
At the same time, check for any leaks in the hydraulic system if the level is low.
#05 – Old Hydraulic Fluid in the Transmission: Pour New Fluid
Bobcat machines run smoothly because of the hydraulic fluid in the transmission system. The fluid loses effectiveness over time and fails to lubricate the transmission, causing movement issues.
So, change is needed when the hydraulic fluid gets old. Here is how to do so.
- Step 01: Drain the old fluid through the drain plug hole.
- Step 02: Once the old fluid is drained, pour the manufacturer-suggested fresh fluid.
Important Note:
- Ensure proper disposal of the old fluid is done efficiently. If you need clarification on the process, I recommend seeking professional help.
- Using the correct hydraulic fluid is crucial. Consult Bobcat in case you are still determining the fluid brand or type.
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#06 – Air in the Hydraulic System: Remove Air from the System
Trapped air in the hydraulic system is another contributor to the zero movements of the Bobcat vehicles. It is always better to bleed the air from the hydraulic system after replacing the fluid.
In most cases, air removal can easily be done by raising the rear drive tire off the ground.
You will need to move the drive lever forward with no moving forward or back. Next, move back so that the tires rotate forward and back. Continue this process until excessive noise gets created and the tires turn at normal speeds.
However, checking the user manual will be the best to ensure the correct procedure is followed to remove the trapped air from the hydraulic system. The process may differ from model to model.
Are Any Non-Hydraulic Related Items Responsible for Bobcat Won’t Move Forward or Back?
If you find no fault in the hydraulic system, some non-hydraulic items are responsible for the zero-turn of the Bobcat machines.
The list includes,
- Dirty Carburetor
- Clogged Air Filter
- Clogged Fuel Lines and Fuel Filter
- Battery and the Charging System
Final Words
Several problems can develop in Bobcat if you use the machine for many days. Bobcat won’t move forward or back is a common problem with aged machines.
Working heavy-duty lifting tasks will be challenging if your Bobcat stops rotating. Thankfully, I gathered some helpful tips and briefly shared them in this comprehensive guide. Always ensure regular maintenance of your Bobcat vehicle for the best result.
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Meet Emily, a true garden lover who has a passion for all things nature. With a deep understanding of plants and lawns, Emily’s love for gardening started at a young age, spending her summers tending to her grandparents’ garden.