Troubleshooting Travel Issues on the Bobcat T190: Diagnosing Power Loss and Operator Challenges

[MikePhua]

Understanding the T190’s Common Travel Failures
The Bobcat T190, a compact track loader celebrated for its maneuverability and versatility, has been a popular machine on construction sites and farms alike. However, like many skid steers and compact loaders, it’s not immune to wear-related mechanical issues—especially when it comes to travel and mobility problems.
A recurring issue reported by operators is one side of the machine losing travel power or slowing significantly under load. This asymmetric performance can feel like a hydraulic issue, but the root causes often lie deeper within the final drives, sprockets, or even in the operator control inputs.
Hydraulic or Mechanical? Finding the Real Culprit
When a loader like the T190 begins to drift or pull to one side, the immediate suspicion often falls on the hydraulic system. After all, hydraulic motors power each side of the machine independently. If one motor underperforms, turning becomes erratic. However, mechanics warn against jumping to conclusions.
One experienced technician recalled a case where a T190 kept losing power on the right track. After checking the hydraulic pressure and inspecting the drive motor with no conclusive fault, the issue turned out to be a partially sheared drive sprocket bolt. It was just loose enough to allow slippage under load but tight enough to work when unloaded. A visual inspection, rather than sensor data, eventually revealed the issue.
In another instance, a clog in the case drain line of a travel motor caused excessive backpressure, limiting performance on one side. These subtle issues can mimic major failures, which is why methodical inspection and testing are essential.
Control Issues: Don’t Overlook the Basics
Operator controls can also be a surprising source of travel inconsistencies. A miscalibrated or damaged joystick control—especially on older machines—can result in uneven output signals to the drive motors. In some cases, dirt or debris lodged near the control linkage restricted full travel of the joystick, making one side sluggish.
A field mechanic in Wisconsin told a story of a crew ready to replace a travel motor, only to discover that the cable for the hand control had frayed internally. A $20 part was nearly replaced with a $2,000 one—all because the initial symptoms pointed to a “bigger” problem.
Hydraulic Fluid and Filter Neglect
It’s often overlooked, but hydraulic fluid condition plays a critical role in travel system performance. Contaminants, water intrusion, or simply low levels can dramatically reduce pressure and responsiveness. One Bobcat T190 had its travel restored to full strength after a thorough system flush and replacement of both filters and fluid. The culprit? A plugged return filter that hadn’t been changed in over 600 hours.
Stories like this echo across machine forums and dealerships: the basics matter. Checking fluid condition, keeping up with service intervals, and listening to minor changes in performance can save thousands in repairs.
A Tale from the Field: Ice, Mud, and Misdiagnosis
A memorable example comes from Alberta, Canada, where a T190 was reported to have “lost power to one side” during a sub-zero week in February. It turned out that the tracks had become packed with ice and frozen mud, putting uneven resistance on one side. The machine wasn’t failing—it was fighting physics. Once thawed and cleaned, it operated perfectly.
That story underlines the importance of environmental context. Travel issues aren’t always internal. Track tension, terrain, and seasonal conditions can all influence performance.
Repair or Replace? Making the Call
When travel issues persist after fluid changes and linkage checks, it may be time to consider the health of the drive motors or planetary gears. Rebuilding a final drive can cost upwards of $1,500, while replacements may run $2,000–$3,000 depending on the brand and model. For fleet owners, these decisions hinge on hours used, machine age, and overall productivity.
Some seasoned operators recommend sourcing rebuilt motors from trusted vendors, while others advise caution. One shared that a remanufactured motor lasted just 200 hours before failing again—due to poor internal sealing.
Conclusion: A Machine that Teaches Diagnostics
The Bobcat T190 may be compact, but it demands a full-scope diagnostic mindset. Travel issues often come layered—mechanical, hydraulic, environmental, and electronic. Fixing them is less about replacing parts blindly and more about investigative thinking.
From field stories to dealership repair tips, one message rings clear: respect the basics, document the symptoms, and don’t underestimate what a visual inspection might reveal. As machines get smarter and more computerized, these foundational diagnostic habits remain irreplaceable—and often the difference between a $20 fix and a $2,000 mistake.