08-27-2025, 07:57 PM
A 2011 Bobcat E35, powered by a Kubota D1803 engine, had been running solidly—always firing on the first half-turn of the crank. Then one workday it unexpectedly faltered. As the starter engaged, a warning indicator lit up abruptly and cut the ignition sequence, despite no diagnostic code appearing to the operator. Turning the key off and on only brought the same result.
Terminology note: “Error indicator” refers to the general warning light; “ECU” denotes the engine control unit responsible for managing ignition and related signals.
Root Cause Diagnosis Process
The key observation was that the error light illuminated, yet no fault code displayed—suggesting the electronic control unit (ECU) detected a problem but couldn’t relay it through the console interface. In response, the technician examined fuses and relays. They later discovered one 25 A fuse in the ‘pull-circuit’ was blown. Substituting it with an incorrect 20 A fuse temporarily restored start-up functionality, though the undersized fuse later blew again.
Terminology note: “Pull-circuit” describes the solenoid’s actuation circuit—critical for drawing in and holding the starter solenoid coil.
Solution Journey and Electrical Insights
Once the fuse was replaced temporarily, the machine started again—suggesting the issue lay in the path powering the solenoid (the pull and hold coils). The technician suspected either intermittent wiring faults or a solenoid coil drawing excess current. They rightly advised a follow-up check of fuse integrity, solenoid coil resistance, and continuity to ground—especially since the ECU may block starter engagement without logging a code.
Terminology note: “Continuity test” means using a multimeter to verify electrical paths are intact and not open-circuit.
Expanded Troubleshooting Thoughts and Advice
Beyond the fuse and pull-circuit, modern guidelines for this no-start style issue (as seen in various user experiences and expert sources) counsel checking:
A Cautionary Tale in the Field
A contractor once rushed a temporary fuse swap with a 20 A fuse just to get the E35 onto a trailer. Little did he know, later that day at a jobsite, that fuse would again blow, leaving him stranded in the mud with a machine that gave no clue to its failure. From that experience, he learned to always carry correct, spare fuses and carry a digital multimeter for on-the-spot checks—a small investment that he said saved him hundreds—or even thousands—in downtime.
Bobcat Company and E35 Excavator Context
Bobcat’s History Snapshot
Founded in the late 1950s, Bobcat began when the Keller brothers crafted a compact loader to help a turkey farmer tame barn cleanup. From that simple machine sprang the first skid-steer loaders under the “Bobcat” name by the early 1960s. Since then, the firm passed through Clark Equipment, Ingersoll-Rand, and, finally, to South Korea’s Doosan. Bobcat machines have become symbolic of compact construction gear—so much so that “Bobcat” is often used generically for any skid-steer loader.
Terminology note: “Skid-steer loader” refers to a compact, maneuverable loader with wheels that skid-turn, highly popular in construction and landscaping.
E35 Model Highlights
Introduced as part of the R2-Series in late 2021, Bobcat expanded its compact excavator lineup with the E32 and two versions of the E35 (25 hp and 33 hp). The E35 earned popularity for its compact zero-tail-swing design, operator comfort (low-effort joysticks, optional heated seat, touchscreen display), and serviceability.
Key specs for the E35 (zero tail swing model):
– Price: starts around US $55,000
– Engine: Kubota diesel, 33 hp (depending on variant)
– Operating weight: ~7,900 lb (for 33 hp version)
– Bucket breakout force: ~7,284 lbf
– Fuel capacity: ~14 gal
– Dig depth: ~10 ft; dump height: ~10 ft 11 in
– Ground pressure: ~4.2 psi
Common Fault Trends Among Owners
Beyond this no-start fuse issue, the E35 is known to occasionally show:
Recommendations List for Owners
Closing Thoughts
In this case, the failure to start was a classic electronics-and-power gating issue: a blown pull-circuit fuse preventing the solenoid from receiving the signal, yet leaving the ECU uncommunicative. The fix—restore the correct fuse, test the solenoid coil, trace the circuit—should remedy the starting problem. Owners of Bobcat E35 machines benefit from knowing these machines pack advanced controls and safety protections, but sometimes lack of error codes makes hands-on troubleshooting essential.
Terminology note: “Error indicator” refers to the general warning light; “ECU” denotes the engine control unit responsible for managing ignition and related signals.
Root Cause Diagnosis Process
The key observation was that the error light illuminated, yet no fault code displayed—suggesting the electronic control unit (ECU) detected a problem but couldn’t relay it through the console interface. In response, the technician examined fuses and relays. They later discovered one 25 A fuse in the ‘pull-circuit’ was blown. Substituting it with an incorrect 20 A fuse temporarily restored start-up functionality, though the undersized fuse later blew again.
Terminology note: “Pull-circuit” describes the solenoid’s actuation circuit—critical for drawing in and holding the starter solenoid coil.
Solution Journey and Electrical Insights
Once the fuse was replaced temporarily, the machine started again—suggesting the issue lay in the path powering the solenoid (the pull and hold coils). The technician suspected either intermittent wiring faults or a solenoid coil drawing excess current. They rightly advised a follow-up check of fuse integrity, solenoid coil resistance, and continuity to ground—especially since the ECU may block starter engagement without logging a code.
Terminology note: “Continuity test” means using a multimeter to verify electrical paths are intact and not open-circuit.
Expanded Troubleshooting Thoughts and Advice
Beyond the fuse and pull-circuit, modern guidelines for this no-start style issue (as seen in various user experiences and expert sources) counsel checking:
- Battery voltage and cable integrity (loose or corroded terminals can mimic ECU faults)
- Starter solenoid condition (heat-related internal failure, poor grounding)
- Key switch and armrest safety interlocks
- Wiring harness integrity—particularly voltage drop at the “S” (start signal) terminal and grounds
A Cautionary Tale in the Field
A contractor once rushed a temporary fuse swap with a 20 A fuse just to get the E35 onto a trailer. Little did he know, later that day at a jobsite, that fuse would again blow, leaving him stranded in the mud with a machine that gave no clue to its failure. From that experience, he learned to always carry correct, spare fuses and carry a digital multimeter for on-the-spot checks—a small investment that he said saved him hundreds—or even thousands—in downtime.
Bobcat Company and E35 Excavator Context
Bobcat’s History Snapshot
Founded in the late 1950s, Bobcat began when the Keller brothers crafted a compact loader to help a turkey farmer tame barn cleanup. From that simple machine sprang the first skid-steer loaders under the “Bobcat” name by the early 1960s. Since then, the firm passed through Clark Equipment, Ingersoll-Rand, and, finally, to South Korea’s Doosan. Bobcat machines have become symbolic of compact construction gear—so much so that “Bobcat” is often used generically for any skid-steer loader.
Terminology note: “Skid-steer loader” refers to a compact, maneuverable loader with wheels that skid-turn, highly popular in construction and landscaping.
E35 Model Highlights
Introduced as part of the R2-Series in late 2021, Bobcat expanded its compact excavator lineup with the E32 and two versions of the E35 (25 hp and 33 hp). The E35 earned popularity for its compact zero-tail-swing design, operator comfort (low-effort joysticks, optional heated seat, touchscreen display), and serviceability.
Key specs for the E35 (zero tail swing model):
– Price: starts around US $55,000
– Engine: Kubota diesel, 33 hp (depending on variant)
– Operating weight: ~7,900 lb (for 33 hp version)
– Bucket breakout force: ~7,284 lbf
– Fuel capacity: ~14 gal
– Dig depth: ~10 ft; dump height: ~10 ft 11 in
– Ground pressure: ~4.2 psi
Common Fault Trends Among Owners
Beyond this no-start fuse issue, the E35 is known to occasionally show:
- Hydraulic leaks
- RPM dropping or stalling (often fuel filters or injectors)
- Final-drive malfunctions (track and undercarriage issues)
Recommendations List for Owners
- Always carry proper-size spare fuses (e.g., 25 A for start circuits), not approximations.
- Use a digital multimeter to test voltage at the pull (S) terminal and solenoid coil resistance.
- Inspect fuse box entries, relays, and grounds for heat damage or corrosion.
- If the fuse blows again quickly, disconnect solenoid and test its coil to see if drawing excessive current.
- Trace wiring harness for intermittent short or open circuits, especially between ignition switch and ECU.
- If the ECU blocks start but shows no code, consider dealer diagnostic tools or temporary ECU bypass wiring, if supported by technical schematics.
- Keep up with routine maintenance: fuel filters, hydraulic seals, undercarriage, etc., to ward off unrelated failures.
Closing Thoughts
In this case, the failure to start was a classic electronics-and-power gating issue: a blown pull-circuit fuse preventing the solenoid from receiving the signal, yet leaving the ECU uncommunicative. The fix—restore the correct fuse, test the solenoid coil, trace the circuit—should remedy the starting problem. Owners of Bobcat E35 machines benefit from knowing these machines pack advanced controls and safety protections, but sometimes lack of error codes makes hands-on troubleshooting essential.
