Resolving Fuel Pickup Blockage in the Bobcat A300 Skid Steer

[MikePhua]

The Bobcat A300 and Its Fuel System Design
The Bobcat A300 was introduced in the early 2000s as a high-performance skid steer loader featuring selectable all-wheel steer and skid steer modes. With a rated operating capacity of 3,000 lbs and a turbocharged diesel engine producing around 81 horsepower, the A300 was engineered for demanding applications in construction, agriculture, and snow removal. Bobcat, founded in 1947, has sold hundreds of thousands of skid steers globally, and the A300 remains a respected model in the used equipment market.
One of the more persistent issues reported by long-term A300 owners involves fuel pickup blockage, particularly in older machines with plastic fuel tanks. The problem typically manifests as intermittent power loss, especially when the fuel level drops below half. Operators may find themselves repeatedly stopping to clear the line by blowing air back through the bulb, only to have the issue return within hours.
Fuel Pickup Location and Access Challenges
The fuel pickup and return lines on the A300 are located at the top of the tank, with the pickup tube positioned on the right side of the machine. Accessing these components requires removing the steel cover beneath the pump and working in a confined space. The tank itself is plastic, and the drain plug—often mistaken for a pull-out fitting—is actually threaded into a rubber grommet. Care must be taken not to strip the threads or damage the grommet during removal.
Operators attempting to drain the tank should elevate the front of the machine to allow gravity to assist in fuel evacuation. Using a gooseneck trailer ramp or similar incline can make it easier to position a bucket underneath and remove the plug safely. However, the drain hole is notoriously small, making it difficult to remove larger debris such as leaves or plastic fragments that may have entered the tank through a missing or unsecured fuel cap.
Contaminants and Floaters in the Fuel Tank
The most common cause of pickup blockage is the presence of floating debris in the tank. These contaminants can include:

• Leaves or organic matter introduced through an open cap
  
• Plastic shavings from tank wear or manufacturing residue
  
• Rust flakes from fittings or fuel lines
  
• Water and fine sediment from poor fuel quality
  

While draining the tank may remove water and fine particles, larger floaters often remain. These can intermittently block the pickup tube, especially when fuel levels are low and suction increases. Some operators have reported that the issue disappears when the tank is kept above half full, suggesting that floaters settle or shift away from the pickup zone under higher fuel volume.
Strainer and Pickup Tube Variations
Bobcat fuel pickup designs have evolved over time. Earlier models used flexible pickup tubes with integrated check valves and strainers. Later versions transitioned to rigid plastic tubes without strainers, increasing vulnerability to blockage. The A300 falls into a transitional period, and depending on the production year, may feature either configuration.
If the pickup tube includes a strainer, it may be partially clogged and difficult to clean without full removal. Unfortunately, the tank design makes extraction of the pickup tube challenging. In some cases, operators have resorted to removing the tank entirely to inspect and clean the pickup assembly.
Recommended Solutions and Preventive Measures
To address and prevent fuel pickup blockage:

• Drain 3–4 gallons of fuel from the tank regularly to flush out sediment
  
• Replace the rubber grommet when removing the drain plug to prevent leaks
  
• Install a pre-filter or inline sediment trap before the fuel bulb
  
• Keep the fuel cap secured at all times to prevent debris entry
  
• Use fuel additives to disperse water and clean injectors
  
• Avoid running the tank below half full if blockage is recurrent
  

For persistent issues, consider retrofitting the pickup tube with an external strainer or modifying the tank to allow for larger debris removal. While these solutions require fabrication, they can significantly reduce downtime and improve reliability.
Anecdote from British Columbia
An operator in BC struggled with identical symptoms for over a year. After multiple drainings and fuel flushes, he discovered a leaf lodged near the pickup tube—likely introduced during refueling. Elevating the machine on a trailer ramp allowed him to drain the tank and splash clean fuel through the system using a tidy tank pump. Though the problem resolved temporarily, he eventually installed a custom strainer and now runs the machine without issue.
Conclusion
Fuel pickup blockage in the Bobcat A300 is a frustrating but solvable issue. The combination of a small drain port, vulnerable pickup design, and plastic tank construction creates a perfect storm for intermittent clogging. With careful inspection, strategic draining, and preventive upgrades, operators can restore consistent fuel flow and avoid repeated shutdowns. The A300 remains a powerful and versatile machine—provided its fuel system is kept clean and protected from contamination.