5 Common Bobcat Problems in Hot Weather (and How to Fix Them)
Published: May 5, 2025
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Keep Your Bobcat Loaders and Excavators Running in High Temperatures
Indiana heat doesn’t mess around. It hits you—and your machine—hard. Bobcat® loaders and excavators are built to keep going, but you could start seeing problems around this time of the year, especially if you’ve been working your machine to its limits. Especially if you’ve been working it hard. Here’s what you can do to keep your Bobcat machine running all summer long.
Top 5 Problems We See in the Summer
“In our experience, a lot of Bobcat loaders and excavators show similar problems in high temperatures. Here’s a quick look at the top five areas where we see problems come in around this time of year:
- Air Conditioning System
- Cooling System
- Hydraulic System
- Engine and Fuel System
- Battery and Electrical System
1. Air Conditioning System
This only applies if your machine has a sealed cab with heat and A/C. Start by cleaning or replacing the cabin air filter—a clogged filter kills airflow and makes the system work harder than it needs to. Check the vents and condenser coil for dust and debris, and clear out anything that’s blocking airflow. If your A/C still isn’t blowing cold, it might be leaking refrigerant. That’s a good time to bring it to Bobcat of Indy so our team can take a look.
Pro Tip: If your A/C works but the cab still feels hot, consider tinting your side and rear windows.
2. Cooling System
Dust, grass, and grime will quickly choke airflow in the cooling system. Blow out the radiator and oil cooler with compressed air. Then check your coolant level. Top it off with genuine Bobcat coolant if it’s low, and take a second to check for any leaks while you’re in there.
3. Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is the hardest-working part of your loader or excavator, making it one of the most important service areas in the summer. Check your fluid levels daily. Heat causes expansion, which can reveal weak spots or leaks that you wouldn’t notice otherwise. Look over your hoses and fittings for wear, especially if they’re close to hot surfaces or rubbing against something else. And top off your oil, checking your manual to make sure you get the right kind of genuine Bobcat hydraulic oil.
4. Engine and Fuel System
If you’re operating in dusty conditions, check your engine air filter daily. You can gently tap it or use low-pressure air to clear the dust—but if it looks dirty, you should probably just replace it. If you leave this filter clogged for too long, it will eventually kill your engine performance.
Pro Tip: Don’t use high-pressure air. It could punch a hole in the filter and send dirt straight into the engine.
A clogged fuel filter is just as bad. If the filter’s plugged up, your engine won’t get the fuel it needs. Replace your fuel filter when recommended by the service schedule in your operator’s manual. And, and, and…don’t forget to check and replace the belts! Your water pump and A/C compressor both run off of a belt. If that belt’s loose or worn, your machine could overheat.
5. Battery and Electrical System
If your Bobcat isn’t starting, start with the basics. Check the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Depending on your machine, the battery might be under the cab, near the engine, or tucked beside the hydraulic pump. If the terminals are dirty, remove them, clean them, and make sure they go back on tight. If you see any corrosion, purchase a new genuine Bobcat terminal or battery from a trusted source like Bobcat of Indy’s Parts department.
Stay Up and Running with Bobcat of Indy
Summer heat slows everything down—but it doesn’t have to slow down your machine. We’re here for just one reason: to keep your Bobcat equipment running when other brands give out. If you’re having issues, set up a service appointment. Or if it’s urgent, call our Service department and ask for a field service technician to come to your job site. Find your nearest Bobcat of Indy location to get started today!
