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The Bobcat B950, a standout model in Bobcat’s diverse line of skid-steer loaders, has earned a reputation as a reliable and durable machine suited for a variety of tasks. With its impressive lifting capacity, strong engine performance, and ability to operate in tight spaces, it’s no surprise that the B950 remains a popular choice among contractors, landscapers, and rental companies.
However, like any piece of heavy equipment, even the most reliable machines can face issues. In this article, we will dive into the history and capabilities of the Bobcat B950, address some common challenges that owners may encounter, and provide tips on how to keep this versatile skid-steer running at its best.
Overview of the Bobcat B950
The Bobcat B950 skid-steer loader is a mid-sized model in the Bobcat family, renowned for its exceptional power and versatility. Launched as part of Bobcat’s larger loader range, the B950 was designed to handle a wide array of tasks—from construction and landscaping to agriculture and snow removal.
Key features of the B950 include:
Common Problems with the Bobcat B950 and How to Fix Them
While the Bobcat B950 is designed to be reliable, it can face certain challenges during its lifespan. Here are some common problems that operators may encounter, along with potential solutions:
Proper maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your Bobcat B950 and keeping it running at peak efficiency. Here are some preventative maintenance tips to help avoid the common issues discussed above:
The Bobcat B950 is a highly versatile machine, and one of its best features is its compatibility with a wide range of attachments. These attachments make the B950 suitable for various tasks, from construction to landscaping and beyond.
The Bobcat B950 is a proven, reliable skid-steer loader that continues to serve industries across the world. With its powerful performance, compact design, and attachment compatibility, it’s a versatile machine that can handle a wide range of tasks. However, like all heavy equipment, it requires regular maintenance and attention to keep it running smoothly.
By addressing common issues early, following maintenance schedules, and utilizing the wide range of available attachments, Bobcat B950 owners can maximize their machine’s lifespan and keep it performing at its best for years to come. Whether you're in construction, landscaping, or agriculture, the B950 remains an excellent choice for operators seeking a dependable, hardworking machine.
However, like any piece of heavy equipment, even the most reliable machines can face issues. In this article, we will dive into the history and capabilities of the Bobcat B950, address some common challenges that owners may encounter, and provide tips on how to keep this versatile skid-steer running at its best.
Overview of the Bobcat B950
The Bobcat B950 skid-steer loader is a mid-sized model in the Bobcat family, renowned for its exceptional power and versatility. Launched as part of Bobcat’s larger loader range, the B950 was designed to handle a wide array of tasks—from construction and landscaping to agriculture and snow removal.
Key features of the B950 include:
- Lifting Capacity: The B950 boasts a lift capacity of around 2,000 lbs, making it a strong performer in handling materials like dirt, gravel, sand, and even heavier items like pallets or construction debris.
- Engine Power: With a robust engine, the B950 provides impressive power for tough tasks while maintaining relatively low operating costs.
- Compact Design: As with many Bobcat machines, the B950 is known for its compact size, which allows it to work in tight spaces where larger machines would struggle.
- Attachments Compatibility: Like many Bobcat loaders, the B950 is compatible with a wide range of attachments, from buckets and forks to augers and snowplows, making it a highly adaptable machine for various industries.
Common Problems with the Bobcat B950 and How to Fix Them
While the Bobcat B950 is designed to be reliable, it can face certain challenges during its lifespan. Here are some common problems that operators may encounter, along with potential solutions:
- Hydraulic Issues
- Problem: One of the most common problems with Bobcat loaders is hydraulic system failure or inefficiency. The B950, like any skid-steer loader, relies heavily on hydraulics for lifting, steering, and operating attachments. If the hydraulic system fails, the loader may struggle to perform even basic tasks.
- Solution: Inspecting the hydraulic fluid levels, checking for leaks in hydraulic hoses, and replacing worn-out hydraulic filters is essential for maintaining smooth hydraulic function. Additionally, be sure to use the correct hydraulic fluid as recommended by the manufacturer to avoid clogs or performance issues.
- Problem: One of the most common problems with Bobcat loaders is hydraulic system failure or inefficiency. The B950, like any skid-steer loader, relies heavily on hydraulics for lifting, steering, and operating attachments. If the hydraulic system fails, the loader may struggle to perform even basic tasks.
- Engine Problems
- Problem: The Bobcat B950’s engine is powerful, but it can develop issues over time, especially if maintenance is neglected. Common engine problems include poor starting, stalling, or reduced power.
- Solution: Regular engine checks, including fuel filter replacement and air filter cleaning, are essential for maintaining engine performance. If the engine is stalling, it’s important to check the fuel system for leaks, blockages, or air intake issues. For reduced power, the fuel injectors may need to be cleaned or replaced.
- Problem: The Bobcat B950’s engine is powerful, but it can develop issues over time, especially if maintenance is neglected. Common engine problems include poor starting, stalling, or reduced power.
- Electrical Failures
- Problem: Electrical issues are common in any older piece of heavy equipment. For the Bobcat B950, electrical problems can range from issues with the starter to malfunctioning lights or faulty wiring.
- Solution: Electrical issues can often be traced to faulty connections, a weak battery, or corroded terminals. Regular inspections of the battery, alternator, and wiring can help prevent electrical failure. Additionally, ensuring that the electrical connections are kept clean and dry can prevent short circuits or inconsistent performance.
- Problem: Electrical issues are common in any older piece of heavy equipment. For the Bobcat B950, electrical problems can range from issues with the starter to malfunctioning lights or faulty wiring.
- Transmission Slipping
- Problem: Skid-steer loaders rely on a high-performance transmission system to deliver power to the wheels and perform tasks efficiently. Transmission slipping, where the machine loses power or struggles to shift gears, can be a serious issue.
- Solution: Check the transmission fluid levels and look for signs of leaks. If the fluid levels are low or the fluid appears contaminated, replacing the fluid and filters may help resolve the issue. If the slipping persists, the transmission might require more in-depth repairs, such as replacing worn-out components or addressing mechanical damage.
- Problem: Skid-steer loaders rely on a high-performance transmission system to deliver power to the wheels and perform tasks efficiently. Transmission slipping, where the machine loses power or struggles to shift gears, can be a serious issue.
- Tire Wear and Damage
- Problem: The tires on a Bobcat B950, like any heavy equipment, are subject to significant wear, especially when operating on rough terrain. Uneven tire wear or punctures can significantly affect the performance and stability of the machine.
- Solution: Inspect the tires regularly for signs of wear, and replace them if they are damaged or excessively worn. Proper tire inflation is crucial for optimal machine performance and safety. It’s also a good idea to rotate the tires periodically to ensure even wear and prolong their lifespan.
- Problem: The tires on a Bobcat B950, like any heavy equipment, are subject to significant wear, especially when operating on rough terrain. Uneven tire wear or punctures can significantly affect the performance and stability of the machine.
Proper maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your Bobcat B950 and keeping it running at peak efficiency. Here are some preventative maintenance tips to help avoid the common issues discussed above:
- Regular Fluid Checks: Keep an eye on engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and transmission fluid levels. Regular fluid changes as per the manufacturer’s recommendations are essential for the smooth operation of your loader.
- Grease Moving Parts: Regularly grease the loader’s moving parts, including the lift arms, pins, and other high-friction areas. This will help reduce wear and prevent parts from seizing or malfunctioning.
- Clean Air and Fuel Filters: Clogged filters can reduce engine efficiency and cause overheating. Clean or replace air and fuel filters as part of routine maintenance.
- Inspect the Battery: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them regularly. Also, test the battery’s voltage to ensure it’s operating properly, especially if the loader has been sitting idle for an extended period.
- Monitor Tire Condition: Inspect the tires for punctures, uneven wear, and cracks. Rotate the tires periodically to ensure even wear and replace them when necessary to maintain optimal traction and performance.
The Bobcat B950 is a highly versatile machine, and one of its best features is its compatibility with a wide range of attachments. These attachments make the B950 suitable for various tasks, from construction to landscaping and beyond.
- Buckets: The B950 is compatible with various bucket sizes, making it ideal for digging, lifting, and hauling materials. Whether you’re moving dirt, sand, gravel, or snow, a bucket attachment can be a game-changer on the job site.
- Forks: When moving pallets or heavy loads, pallet forks are an essential attachment. The Bobcat B950 can handle various fork sizes, making it useful for a wide range of material-handling tasks.
- Snowplows and Blades: For winter operations, the B950 can be equipped with snowplows or blades to clear snow from roads, driveways, or job sites. The power and maneuverability of the B950 make it a reliable choice for snow removal.
- Augers: When drilling holes for posts, foundations, or other applications, a Bobcat B950 equipped with an auger attachment can handle the job quickly and efficiently.
The Bobcat B950 is a proven, reliable skid-steer loader that continues to serve industries across the world. With its powerful performance, compact design, and attachment compatibility, it’s a versatile machine that can handle a wide range of tasks. However, like all heavy equipment, it requires regular maintenance and attention to keep it running smoothly.
By addressing common issues early, following maintenance schedules, and utilizing the wide range of available attachments, Bobcat B950 owners can maximize their machine’s lifespan and keep it performing at its best for years to come. Whether you're in construction, landscaping, or agriculture, the B950 remains an excellent choice for operators seeking a dependable, hardworking machine.
