When summer hits, your Bobcat equipment becomes your most critical asset. Whether you're tackling full-scale landscaping jobs, compact construction sites, or municipal maintenance projects, your Bobcat machines are working overtime to get the job done. And when your machines are running hot and money is on the line, the last thing you can afford is unexpected downtime.
With higher operating temperatures, increased dust exposure, and extended run times, summer is the season where small issues turn into expensive failures…fast. That’s why it’s essential to inspect and replace vulnerable parts before they fail.
But what if you were prepared, did your maintenance checks, and an unexpected failure STILL pops up out of nowhere? Some situations are unavoidable. We know that. And that's why we sell replacement Bobcat parts that you can order FAST online with the click of a few buttons. We’re here to help you regardless of the situation in front of you.
We won't be able to discuss all the different Bobcat models you may own because we don’t want to keep you here all day. Instead, we’re going to focus on some of the most popular Bobcat models used during the busy summer season, which are: the T770, S650, S590, and E42.
Stay operational and avoid breakdowns this summer with high quality replacement Bobcat parts from Parts Online.
Why Summer Maintenance is Critical for Bobcat Equipment
From clogged filters to cracked hoses, summer is brutal on Bobcat skid steer loaders, track loaders, and excavators. Dusty job sites, high ambient temperatures, and long workdays accelerate wear across multiple systems:
- Cooling systems work harder, often revealing weak radiators and belts
- Hydraulics run hotter, increasing risk of leaks and seal failures
- Air filters clog faster from airborne debris and pollen
- Undercarriage parts experience accelerated wear due to dry, abrasive soil
Although these issues are common across most Bobcat machinery, we’d prefer to go in-depth on the most used models, and tell you how to keep each one running strong.
1. Bobcat T770 Compact Track Loader
The Bobcat T770 Compact Track Loader is one of the most popular machines on jobsites in summer thanks to its high ROC (Rated Operating Capacity) and performance under load. It’s an absolute workhorse, and is used in many different scenarios including grading all the way to material handling. BUT, it also takes a beating when the temperatures spike.
Hot weather and high usage puts major stress on the T770’s hydraulic system, cooling components, and filter performance. Cracked hoses, stretched belts, and clogged filters are among the top failure points seen in June, July, and August. Unexpected issues like broken cab glass are commonly seen for machines in heavy use as well.
Key Failure Points:
- Hydraulic hoses and seals
- Radiator fan belts
- Clogged filters
- Broken cab glass
Pro Tip: Check hydraulic pressure weekly and check filter condition every 100 hours.
Find replacement Bobcat parts for your T770 compact track loader here.
2. Bobcat S650 Skid Steer Loader
The Bobcat S650 Skid Steer Loader sees heavy use in general construction, roadwork, and demolition during summer due to its excellent power-to-size ratio. While its compact frame gets the job done in tight spaces, its internal systems suffer under extended exposure to heat and dust.
Air filters, fuel filters, engine oil filters, and wheel assemblies are common weak points in high-temperature conditions, especially when operators don’t perform mid-season service checks. Again, the most common unexpected issue that arises is broken glass from heavy use.
Key Failure Points:
- Clogged fuel and oil filters
- Worn wheel bearings
- Heat-degraded engine oil
- Broken glass
Pro Tip: Use high-viscosity oil during peak summer months and check filter condition every 100 hours.
Find replacement Bobcat parts for your S650 skid steer loader here.
3. Bobcat S590 Skid Steer Loader
The Bobcat S590 is a midsize skid steer that’s ideal for landscaping and material handling in urban areas. It’s especially popular among smaller contractors who rely on its flexibility. But with constant starts and stops, the S590 is highly susceptible to belt slippage, cabin overheating, and hydraulic strain during summer.
Operators often overlook the A/C and ventilation systems, but in summer, a failing cabin filter or condenser can lead to discomfort, and even unsafe working conditions. The most common unexpected breakdown? You guessed it. Broken glass!
Key Failure Points:
- Hydraulic fluid and filters
- Cabin air conditioning system
- Engine belts and coolant hoses
- Broken glass
Pro Tip: If you notice engine temp spikes or weak cabin airflow, check for debris around the condenser and replace the cabin air filter immediately.
Find replacement Bobcat parts for your S590 skid steer loader here.
4. Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator
The Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator offers excellent power and reach, seeing heavy usage during the summer for utility trenching, irrigation projects, and drainage installs just to name a few. Contractors favor the E42 for its deeper dig depth and ability to handle larger buckets, making it ideal for midsize excavation jobs.
But with greater capability comes more wear. Over the summer, the E42 faces serious stress on its hydraulic systems, swing components, and digging attachments (especially in dry or rocky conditions). And don't forget the classic unexpected broken cab glass issue.
Key Failure Points:
- Swing motor seals under constant directional use
- Bucket teeth worn from gravel and clay-heavy soils
- Clogged air filters due to dusty environments
- Unexpected Broken cab glass from heavy usage
Pro Tip: Replace filters in a timely manner and inspect bucket couplers weekly. Running the E42 without checking teeth and pins can lead to rapid coupler damage, which is a costly fix that’s easily avoided.
Find replacement Bobcat parts for your E42 Compact Excavator here.
Summer Maintenance Checklist:
Perform these checks at least once a month during peak operation:
- Air Filters: Replace monthly in dusty conditions to avoid airflow restriction and engine strain.
- Hydraulic Filters: Inspect every 100 hours; replace to protect pumps from debris and overheating.
- Fuel Filters: Change regularly to prevent contaminants from reaching the injection system.
- Engine Oil Filters: Replace during oil changes with high-temp-rated filters for summer performance.
- Cab Glass: Inspect for cracks and chips that can spread in the heat.
- Side and Rear Mirrors: Replace broken or clouded mirrors to maintain jobsite safety.
- Hydraulic Hoses: Check for swelling, cracking, or leaks (especially at connection points).
- Coolant Hoses: Inspect for soft spots and replace if brittle or bulging.
- Lighting: Test work lights and signals; replace faulty bulbs or cracked housings.
- Fuses & Wiring: Check for corroded terminals or exposed wiring.
- Battery Terminals: Clean and tighten to prevent voltage drops in the heat.
- Pins: Inspect loader and bucket pins for excessive play; replace if worn.
- Seals: Look for hydraulic oil seepage around cylinders and swing motors.
- Bearings: Check wheel and hub bearings for noise, heat, or looseness.
- Bushings: Inspect undercarriage and loader arm bushings for deformation or slop.
- Gaskets: Replace any leaking or degraded gaskets, especially near oil and fuel connections.
- Fittings: Check all fuel, coolant, and hydraulic fittings for signs of leaks or overtightening damage.
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Hardware: Inspect and re-torque bolts, brackets, and other fasteners that may loosen from vibration.
FAQ
What’s the #1 cause of Bobcat equipment failure in summer?
Heat-induced component wear. Cooling and hydraulic system failures top the list, followed by filter clogs, undercarriage degradation, and broken glass and mirrors.
Can aftermarket parts really match Bobcat OEM quality?
Yes, but only if they meet OEM specs. Parts Online only stocks parts engineered to meet or exceed original standards.
How do I replace broken glass on my Bobcat equipment?
Start by identifying which panel is broken (door, side, or rear) and your machine’s model. Remove any leftover glass, clean the frame, and install the replacement panel using either bolts or heavy-duty adhesive depending on the design.
We stock direct-fit replacement glass for most Bobcat models. Shop Bobcat replacement glass here.
How do I know when to replace filters on my Bobcat equipment?
Replace air filters every 100 hours in dusty conditions, fuel filters every 250 hours, hydraulic filters around 500 hours, and engine oil filters at each oil change.
If you notice reduced performance or warning lights, you're likely overdue. Shop Bobcat filters here.
Conclusion: Stay Ready, Stay Running
The middle of summer is the worst time for your Bobcat machine to go down. With high job volume, shipping delays, and rising parts costs, waiting until something breaks is more than just inconvenient…it’s expensive.
Order the high-risk replacement parts now, perform your inspections weekly, and make this summer your most productive season yet!
Shop replacement Bobcat parts for all equipment types and models here