New Holland LT185B Compact Track Loader Problems and Repair Insights

[MikePhua]

Machine Background
The New Holland LT185B, also listed as LT185.b, is a compact track loader widely used for ranchwork, landscaping, and light construction tasks. Powered typically by a Tier 3 or Tier 4 compliant diesel engine, this machine offers a balance of power and mobility suitable for diverse jobs.
Common Problems and Diagnoses

1. Grinding or Clanking Noise in Reverse
   • Operators often report grinding noises primarily when reversing after tight turns.
     
   • The front right idler wheel is frequently noisy and loose, suggesting wear or failure.
     
   • Track tension loosening on the same side requires frequent hydraulic grease refill every 40 hours or so.
     
   • While idler wear is a common cause, intermittent noises may also involve drive motor or gear damage, which can be costly if not addressed timely.
     
2. Stalling or Hesitation When Using Grading Blade Tilt Function
   • Using a CAT grading blade causes engine hesitation or a near stall during tilt operations.
     
   • No clear option exists to disable a high flow auxiliary on this machine, and some suspect an internal safety control may govern oil flow to protect the blade or system.
     
   • This symptom may relate to hydraulic system pressure balancing or flow conflicts; however, manufacturer documentation remains sparse.
     
3. Engine Missing and Black Smoke on Warm-up
   • The engine runs well cold but exhibits misfire and black smoke (unburnt fuel) when warm.
     
   • No signs of oil burning or fluid leaks are present.
     
   • Diesel fuel additives like Archoil reduce symptoms but high cost raises concern for long-term use.
     
   • Potential causes include injector malfunction, fuel system contamination, or turbocharger issues.
     
4. Hour Meter Resetting Erratically
   • Hour meter unexpectedly resets mid-operation near 1450 hours.
     
   • Lack of electrical anomalies suggests potential meter failure or tampering concerns.
     
   • This casts doubt on the actual machine hour reading, potentially doubling it.
     
   • Buyer caution is advised, especially in resale dealer transactions.
     
5. Fuse Blowing in High Gear Over Distance
   • When running in high gear over 1000 feet, a particular fuse consistently blows.
     
   • Operating exclusively in low gear prevents this issue.
     
   • This may indicate electrical overload linked to speed control circuits or cooling fans.
     
6. Hydraulic Oil Loss and Leak Detection Problem
   • Approximately 3 quarts of hydraulic oil are lost every 6-8 hours, pooling and leaking below the machine.
     
   • Suspected cracked reservoir or loose hydraulic line connection.
     
   • Dirt accumulation complicates leak source detection.
     
   • Fluorescent dye for oil leak tracing recommended, using products compatible with diesel hydraulic oils and visible under UV light.
     

Maintenance Suggestions

• Regularly inspect and replace worn idlers and ensure proper track tension to avoid aggravating noise and performance issues.
  
• Consult hydraulic system diagrams and professional diagnostics to resolve stall-like behavior when using high-flow hydraulics.
  
• Have fuel injection system professionally tested to address misfire and smoke problems, especially as engine ages.
  
• Confirm hour meter integrity before purchase through documentation and machine history verification.
  
• Investigate electrical fuse and high gear operation with an automotive-grade multimeter and possibly replace faulty wiring or components.
  
• Employ leak detection dye combined with thorough cleaning of the hydraulic reservoir area to trace and repair oil leaks effectively.
  

Conclusion
The New Holland LT185B compact track loader offers solid performance, but aging and resale models can develop issues impacting reliability and efficiency. Early detection and proactive repair of track components, hydraulic and fuel system issues, electrical anomalies, and hydraulic oil leaks extend machine service life. Buyers should exercise caution with used models and verify operational and maintenance history to avoid costly surprises on the ranch or job site.
Glossary

• Idler Wheel: Roller guiding and supporting the track.
  
• Hydraulic Grease Tensioner: Mechanism maintaining track tension via hydraulic pressure.
  
• High Flow Auxiliary: Hydraulic circuit providing increased flow for high-demand attachments.
  
• Hour Meter: Device recording operational hours for maintenance scheduling.
  
• Leak Detection Dye: Fluorescent additive used to locate fluid leaks with UV light.
  
• Fuse: Electrical safety device protecting circuits from overcurrent.
  

This summary helps owners and operators understand common LT185B challenges and guide maintenance decisions for optimal machine longevity.