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The Bobcat T770 and Its Forestry Applications
The Bobcat T770 is a high-performance compact track loader designed for demanding tasks like land clearing, site prep, and forestry mulching. Introduced in the early 2010s, the T770 features a 92 hp turbocharged diesel engine, vertical lift path, and high-flow hydraulics capable of delivering up to 36.6 gpm at 3,500 psi. Bobcat, founded in 1947, has sold hundreds of thousands of loaders globally, and the T770 remains a top choice for contractors needing power and stability in rough terrain.
When paired with a dedicated mulching head—often a drum-style rotor with carbide teeth—the T770 becomes a formidable brush-clearing machine. However, hydraulic performance is critical, and any drop in flow or pressure can render the mulcher ineffective.
Terminology Notes
In one case, a 2017 Bobcat T770 began losing mulcher power after 20 hours of operation. The engine ran smoothly, but the mulcher became sluggish, especially in warm conditions. A new hydraulic pump temporarily restored performance, but the issue returned after 6–8 hours.
This pattern suggests:
One technician in New Jersey recommended checking the case drain flow before replacing any components. He noted that mulcher motors often fail internally without triggering fault codes. Another operator in Louisiana found that his mulcher ran fine in the morning but lost power by afternoon—correlated with rising hydraulic fluid temperatures.
A retired land clearing contractor shared that he always ran a dedicated cooler for the hydraulic circuit when mulching in summer. He claimed it extended motor life by 40% and reduced downtime.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
Power loss in a Bobcat T770 mulcher setup is often caused by internal motor wear, excessive case drain flow, or heat-related hydraulic degradation. By performing targeted diagnostics—especially case drain testing—and monitoring fluid conditions, operators can pinpoint the issue and avoid unnecessary pump replacements. The T770’s hydraulic system is robust, but mulching demands precision and proactive maintenance to keep performance sharp.
The Bobcat T770 is a high-performance compact track loader designed for demanding tasks like land clearing, site prep, and forestry mulching. Introduced in the early 2010s, the T770 features a 92 hp turbocharged diesel engine, vertical lift path, and high-flow hydraulics capable of delivering up to 36.6 gpm at 3,500 psi. Bobcat, founded in 1947, has sold hundreds of thousands of loaders globally, and the T770 remains a top choice for contractors needing power and stability in rough terrain.
When paired with a dedicated mulching head—often a drum-style rotor with carbide teeth—the T770 becomes a formidable brush-clearing machine. However, hydraulic performance is critical, and any drop in flow or pressure can render the mulcher ineffective.
Terminology Notes
- Mulching Head Motor: A hydraulic motor that drives the rotor of the mulcher. It requires high flow and pressure to maintain torque under load.
- Case Drain Line: A low-pressure return line that allows internal leakage oil from the motor to exit safely. Excess flow here indicates motor wear.
- Hydraulic Pump: The component that generates flow and pressure for attachments. The T770 uses a variable-displacement pump.
- Wide Open Throttle (WOT): Running the engine at maximum RPM to test hydraulic output under full demand.
In one case, a 2017 Bobcat T770 began losing mulcher power after 20 hours of operation. The engine ran smoothly, but the mulcher became sluggish, especially in warm conditions. A new hydraulic pump temporarily restored performance, but the issue returned after 6–8 hours.
This pattern suggests:
- Internal leakage in the mulcher motor
- Excessive case drain flow
- Heat-related viscosity drop in hydraulic fluid
- Possible contamination or wear in the motor bearings or seals
- Case Drain Test: Disconnect the case drain hose and place it in a 5-gallon bucket. Run the machine at WOT for 1 minute. If more than ½ gallon of oil is collected, the motor is likely worn.
- Check for Internal Leaks: Even without visible external leaks, internal bypassing can reduce torque.
- Monitor Hydraulic Temperatures: Use infrared sensors to check fluid temperature. High temps reduce viscosity and pump efficiency.
- Inspect Quick Connectors: Worn or dirty connectors can restrict flow and cause pressure drops.
- Verify Motor Model and Serial: Some mulcher heads have known issues with specific motor types. Cross-reference with manufacturer bulletins.
One technician in New Jersey recommended checking the case drain flow before replacing any components. He noted that mulcher motors often fail internally without triggering fault codes. Another operator in Louisiana found that his mulcher ran fine in the morning but lost power by afternoon—correlated with rising hydraulic fluid temperatures.
A retired land clearing contractor shared that he always ran a dedicated cooler for the hydraulic circuit when mulching in summer. He claimed it extended motor life by 40% and reduced downtime.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
- Install Hydraulic Coolers: Especially in hot climates or continuous mulching operations.
- Replace Case Drain Filters Regularly: Prevent backpressure and contamination.
- Use High-Quality Hydraulic Fluid: Maintain viscosity across temperature ranges.
- Log Operating Hours and Conditions: Track performance trends to anticipate failures.
- Consult Mulcher Manufacturer: Some offer upgraded motors or retrofit kits for high-demand applications.
Power loss in a Bobcat T770 mulcher setup is often caused by internal motor wear, excessive case drain flow, or heat-related hydraulic degradation. By performing targeted diagnostics—especially case drain testing—and monitoring fluid conditions, operators can pinpoint the issue and avoid unnecessary pump replacements. The T770’s hydraulic system is robust, but mulching demands precision and proactive maintenance to keep performance sharp.
