07-31-2025, 04:09 PM
Understanding Continuous‑Flow Mode on the Bobcat 873
Continuous‑flow (or “cont‑flow”) hydraulics allow a loader to supply steady flow to attachments like brush cutters, trenchers, or cold planers. Instead of requiring the operator to hold down the auxiliary trigger constantly, cont‑flow mode locks in hydraulic output for uninterrupted operation—ideal for extended attachment use.
On the Bobcat 873, activating cont‑flow typically involves pressing the auxiliary button on the upper-right dash twice, then pulling the paddle/trigger on the joystick to engage prime flow.
Common Symptoms of Continuous‑Flow Failure
Potential Causes of Cont‑Flow Malfunction
A similar issue occurred on another Bobcat 873 model, where checking solenoid resistance and verifying dash indicator behavior led to the discovery of a dead auxiliary module. Once replaced, cont‑flow function returned—even though directional flow had worked throughout .
Preventive Maintenance Recommendations
If your Bobcat 873 provides directional hydraulic function via the joystick but fails to engage continuous‑flow mode, likely culprits are the auxiliary solenoid coils, control wiring or switch, or the auxiliary module itself. By checking solenoid resistance, verifying indicator lights, and confirming interlock status, you can narrow the fault and take corrective action. Addressing this promptly helps maintain attachment efficiency and prevents frustration on the jobsite.
Continuous‑flow (or “cont‑flow”) hydraulics allow a loader to supply steady flow to attachments like brush cutters, trenchers, or cold planers. Instead of requiring the operator to hold down the auxiliary trigger constantly, cont‑flow mode locks in hydraulic output for uninterrupted operation—ideal for extended attachment use.
On the Bobcat 873, activating cont‑flow typically involves pressing the auxiliary button on the upper-right dash twice, then pulling the paddle/trigger on the joystick to engage prime flow.
Common Symptoms of Continuous‑Flow Failure
- No indicator light or flashing when pressing the aux button twice
- Auxiliary trigger moves hydraulics directionally but does not lock in continuous flow
- Aux function works normally with paddle, but cont‑flow mode is unreachable
- No visual feedback on the dash to confirm mode change
Potential Causes of Cont‑Flow Malfunction
- Auxiliary controller or wiring fault preventing mode recognition
- Defective auxiliary solenoid coils (should measure around 4 Ω)
- Invalid input to system controller limiting mode activation
- Control module or interlock logic failure where safety systems block continuous flow
- Dash or switch assembly glitch, including faulty button contacts or wiring
- Measure solenoid coil resistance—should be approximately 4 Ω. If readings differ significantly, the coil may be bad .
- Verify button function and wiring—press the auxiliary switch twice and check for expected dash illumination. No lights may indicate wiring or controller failure.
- Check safety interlocks—ensure all systems such as operator presence switches are satisfied, as controller may disable cont‑flow if interlocks fail.
- Inspect auxiliary module—a fault or stuck relay could block cont‑flow mode even if directional flow works.
- Test auxiliary solenoid resistance at the connector; expect ~4 Ω. Replace if readings are out of range.
- Push aux button twice while watching the dash; if no light appears, suspect wiring or button failure.
- Pull joystick trigger and test directional aux flow (you likely already verified that works).
- Check operator safety switches and module lights to ensure no active fault codes or disabled inputs .
- If button wiring, solenoids, and safety inputs check out, testing or replacement of the aux control module (often near the ROPS or dash) may be needed.
- Cont‑Flow: Mode that locks auxiliary flow continuously without holding the trigger
- Auxiliary Solenoid: Valve actuated by electrical coil to enable hydraulic functions
- Ω (Ohm): Electrical resistance unit used to check coil health
- Control Module: On‑board electronics that govern auxiliary and safety interlocks
- Interlock: Safety circuit requiring correct operator or switch state to enable hydraulic functions
A similar issue occurred on another Bobcat 873 model, where checking solenoid resistance and verifying dash indicator behavior led to the discovery of a dead auxiliary module. Once replaced, cont‑flow function returned—even though directional flow had worked throughout .
Preventive Maintenance Recommendations
- Periodically test auxiliary solenoid resistance to catch coil degradation early
- Clean and secure auxiliary control wiring and button contacts to prevent corrosion
- Keep safety interlock switches free of debris and functioning reliably
- Consider replacing aging control modules during preventive service intervals to avoid downtime
If your Bobcat 873 provides directional hydraulic function via the joystick but fails to engage continuous‑flow mode, likely culprits are the auxiliary solenoid coils, control wiring or switch, or the auxiliary module itself. By checking solenoid resistance, verifying indicator lights, and confirming interlock status, you can narrow the fault and take corrective action. Addressing this promptly helps maintain attachment efficiency and prevents frustration on the jobsite.
