Bobcat 853 Skid Steer: In-Depth Issue Guide

[MikePhua]

Introduction: The Resilient Workhorse with a Few Quirks
The Bobcat 853 skid steer is often praised for its compact frame, reliable performance, and versatility in landscaping, construction, and farm tasks. However, like any aging machine, it can present recurring challenges—from hydraulic quirks to electrical hiccups. Understanding these common issues helps operators and technicians make proactive fixes, ensuring longevity—even in rough conditions.
Key Problem Areas to Watch

• Hydraulic System Hysteresis
  • Symptoms: Slow or lagging boom/dipper response, sluggish attachments, or creeping lift arms.
    
  • Causes: Worn hydraulic pumps, sticking valves, or contamination.
    
  • Solution: Flush the hydraulic fluid, replace filters regularly, and monitor pump pressure; rebuild or replace components if symptom persists.
    
• Electrical and Starting Glitches
  • Symptoms: Intermittent failure to crank, dim lighting under load, or control panel flickering.
    
  • Causes: Corrosion in battery terminals, worn starter motor brushes, or failing alternator diodes.
    
  • Solution: Clean battery connections, test for proper charging output, and overhaul the starter assembly when needed.
    
• Track or Tire Wear and Maintenance
  • Symptoms: Uneven traction, tracking issues, or bouncing during travel.
    
  • Causes: Worn tracks/tires, misaligned rollers, or suspension bushing fatigue.
    
  • Solution: Rotate or replace worn elements, check alignment, and lubricate bushings at recommended intervals.
    
• Operator Cab and Controls Fatigue
  • Symptoms: Sticky control levers, rough ride, or decreasing operator comfort.
    
  • Causes: Hydraulic control leaks, worn joystick pivots, or degraded seat suspension.
    
  • Solution: Rebuild control valves, lubricate control pivots, and service or replace seat suspension systems.
    

Real-World Anecdotes from the Field
A farm operator noticed sporadic stalling during cold mornings. It turned out that a cracked battery cable jacket let moisture in overnight, reducing starting reliability. A simple cable replacement fixed it—and now the machine starts reliably even in frosty dawns.
On a landscape job, the operator found the boom drifting slightly when idle. After cleaning the sight gauge and discovering dark, gritty hydraulic fluid, they replaced both the fluid and filter. The creep disappeared—and responsiveness was instantly restored.
Glossary of Key Terms

• Hydraulic pump: Delivers pressurized fluid essential for movement in the loader arms and attachments.
  
• Alternator diodes: Convert AC to DC; failure can cause battery drain or lighting flicker.
  
• Sight gauge: A transparent window to visually inspect hydraulic fluid level and condition.
  
• Joystick valve: Controls directional flow of fluid; sticky movement leads to sluggish response.
  
• Seat suspension: Mechanical or air-based support for operator comfort and shock absorption.
  

Inspection and Maintenance Tips

• Perform daily wear checks on hydraulic hoses and look for fluid contamination through sight glass.
  
• Weekly greasing of all lubrication points—especially in control linkages and pivot pins.
  
• Monthly battery and electrical system diagnostics to catch voltage drops, alternator wear, or bad connections.
  
• Seasonal track/tire inspection—check for wear, tension, and repair alignment issues early.
  

Industry Trends and Operator Insights
Many rental yards now tag inspect-ready Bobcat 853s with pre-shift checklists. These include quick tests of boom speed, hydraulic fluid clarity, battery voltage, and control smoothness. This preventative approach has significantly reduced in-field failures and drawbacks to productivity.
In one local newsletter, a contractor recalled mixing a worn joystick by mistake with a denied return policy on the part. They ultimately shared that maintaining spares for these high-wear controls saved them unexpected downtime and repair costs.
Conclusion: Proactive Care Ensures Reliability
While the Bobcat 853 is known for rugged performance, typical wear areas—hydraulics, electrical components, tracks, and operator controls—deserve regular attention. Through inspection, lubrication, fluid care, and prompt repair, operators can keep this compact skid steer working smoothly for years to come.