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The Legacy of the Bobcat T190
The Bobcat T190 compact track loader was introduced in the early 2000s as part of Bobcat’s push into the mid-range CTL market. With a rated operating capacity of 1,900 pounds and a 66-horsepower turbocharged Kubota diesel engine, the T190 quickly became a favorite among contractors, landscapers, and municipal crews. Its compact footprint, vertical lift path, and rubber track undercarriage made it ideal for tight spaces and soft terrain.
Bobcat, originally founded in 1947 as Melroe Manufacturing Company in North Dakota, revolutionized the skid steer market in the 1960s. By the time the T190 was released, Bobcat had already sold hundreds of thousands of machines globally. The T190 alone saw tens of thousands of units shipped before being succeeded by models like the T590 and T595.
Intermittent Drive Failure and Error Codes
One of the more perplexing issues reported by operators is the T190’s tendency to intermittently lose drive function. The machine may start and run normally, and the loader arms may respond to pedal or joystick inputs, but the tracks refuse to move. This behavior is often accompanied by fault codes 16-07 and 17-07, which point to electrical anomalies in the traction control system.
Interestingly, the issue sometimes resolves itself after the machine sits overnight or after the battery is disconnected and reconnected. This suggests a transient electrical fault rather than a mechanical failure.
Understanding the Error Codes
Error code 16-07 typically refers to a short-to-ground condition in the tilt handle or pedal circuit. Code 17-07 may indicate a similar fault in the traction actuator circuit. These codes are generated by the loader’s controller when it detects voltage anomalies that could compromise safe operation.
In one case, the operator measured 12.66 volts flowing through the machine’s ground circuit during the fault condition. This is abnormal—ground circuits should not carry voltage unless there is a wiring fault or backfeed from a damaged component.
Electrical System Vulnerabilities
The T190’s electrical system includes:
Solenoid and Actuator Testing
The operator in question tested the traction solenoid and the tilt solenoid, both of which showed continuity and received around 4.8 volts. While this suggests the solenoids were not open-circuit, it does not confirm proper operation under load. Solenoids can fail internally or become magnetically weak, especially if contaminated with hydraulic fluid or debris.
A better diagnostic approach includes:
The T190 was offered with multiple control configurations:
Bobcat later standardized joystick controls across its CTL lineup, responding to market demand for ergonomic and intuitive operation. In 2015, the company reported that over 80% of new CTL buyers preferred joystick-only configurations.
Solutions and Preventive Measures
To resolve intermittent drive issues on a T190, technicians should:
Electrical faults in compact loaders are not unique to Bobcat. In 2019, a recall was issued for certain John Deere CTLs due to faulty wiring near the operator seat that could disable drive functions. Similarly, a 2021 case in Alberta involved a Kubota SVL75 that intermittently lost traction due to a failed relay buried deep in the fuse panel.
These cases underscore the importance of robust electrical design and thorough diagnostics. As machines become more electronically integrated, even minor faults can cascade into major operational failures.
Conclusion
The Bobcat T190 remains a workhorse in the compact track loader segment, but its electrical system demands careful attention. Intermittent drive loss tied to fault codes 16-07 and 17-07 often stems from wiring shorts, solenoid degradation, or controller miscommunication. With methodical testing and preventive care, operators can keep their T190s running reliably—even in the face of elusive electrical gremlins.
The Bobcat T190 compact track loader was introduced in the early 2000s as part of Bobcat’s push into the mid-range CTL market. With a rated operating capacity of 1,900 pounds and a 66-horsepower turbocharged Kubota diesel engine, the T190 quickly became a favorite among contractors, landscapers, and municipal crews. Its compact footprint, vertical lift path, and rubber track undercarriage made it ideal for tight spaces and soft terrain.
Bobcat, originally founded in 1947 as Melroe Manufacturing Company in North Dakota, revolutionized the skid steer market in the 1960s. By the time the T190 was released, Bobcat had already sold hundreds of thousands of machines globally. The T190 alone saw tens of thousands of units shipped before being succeeded by models like the T590 and T595.
Intermittent Drive Failure and Error Codes
One of the more perplexing issues reported by operators is the T190’s tendency to intermittently lose drive function. The machine may start and run normally, and the loader arms may respond to pedal or joystick inputs, but the tracks refuse to move. This behavior is often accompanied by fault codes 16-07 and 17-07, which point to electrical anomalies in the traction control system.
Interestingly, the issue sometimes resolves itself after the machine sits overnight or after the battery is disconnected and reconnected. This suggests a transient electrical fault rather than a mechanical failure.
Understanding the Error Codes
Error code 16-07 typically refers to a short-to-ground condition in the tilt handle or pedal circuit. Code 17-07 may indicate a similar fault in the traction actuator circuit. These codes are generated by the loader’s controller when it detects voltage anomalies that could compromise safe operation.
In one case, the operator measured 12.66 volts flowing through the machine’s ground circuit during the fault condition. This is abnormal—ground circuits should not carry voltage unless there is a wiring fault or backfeed from a damaged component.
Electrical System Vulnerabilities
The T190’s electrical system includes:
- A main controller (MCU) that monitors inputs from joysticks, pedals, and sensors
- Solenoids that actuate hydraulic valves for drive and lift functions
- A harness that routes power and signals throughout the machine
Solenoid and Actuator Testing
The operator in question tested the traction solenoid and the tilt solenoid, both of which showed continuity and received around 4.8 volts. While this suggests the solenoids were not open-circuit, it does not confirm proper operation under load. Solenoids can fail internally or become magnetically weak, especially if contaminated with hydraulic fluid or debris.
A better diagnostic approach includes:
- Measuring voltage under load with a test lamp
- Checking resistance values against factory specs
- Using a breakout harness to test signal integrity from the controller
The T190 was offered with multiple control configurations:
- Foot pedal for lift and tilt
- Joystick for loader functions
- Lever controls for track movement
Bobcat later standardized joystick controls across its CTL lineup, responding to market demand for ergonomic and intuitive operation. In 2015, the company reported that over 80% of new CTL buyers preferred joystick-only configurations.
Solutions and Preventive Measures
To resolve intermittent drive issues on a T190, technicians should:
- Inspect the wiring harness for shorts, especially near the tilt pedal and under the seat
- Test solenoids with a load device, not just a multimeter
- Check for voltage on ground circuits—any reading above 0.5V warrants investigation
- Clean and reseat all connectors, especially at the controller and valve bank
- Consider replacing damaged harness sections with marine-grade wire and sealed connectors
- Installing rodent deterrents like peppermint oil or ultrasonic devices
- Using dielectric grease on connectors to prevent corrosion
- Performing regular voltage drop tests across critical circuits
Electrical faults in compact loaders are not unique to Bobcat. In 2019, a recall was issued for certain John Deere CTLs due to faulty wiring near the operator seat that could disable drive functions. Similarly, a 2021 case in Alberta involved a Kubota SVL75 that intermittently lost traction due to a failed relay buried deep in the fuse panel.
These cases underscore the importance of robust electrical design and thorough diagnostics. As machines become more electronically integrated, even minor faults can cascade into major operational failures.
Conclusion
The Bobcat T190 remains a workhorse in the compact track loader segment, but its electrical system demands careful attention. Intermittent drive loss tied to fault codes 16-07 and 17-07 often stems from wiring shorts, solenoid degradation, or controller miscommunication. With methodical testing and preventive care, operators can keep their T190s running reliably—even in the face of elusive electrical gremlins.
