Bobcat 341D

[Bob the Builder]

My family has a Bobcat 341D that moves fine in forward and reverse but won't really turn properly. It kind of hesitates, then stops if we try to steer using one track or turn while moving. Do you have some ideas what could be causing this? Hydraulics? Drive motors?

 

[steveO]

My guess is its a hydraulic issue, could be low fluid, a clogged filter or a weak pump thats not giving enough pressure to the drive motors. But part of me also says it could be a failing drive motor or control valve causing one side to lose power when turning. I'd start by checking fluid levels and filters before any of the major stuff

 

[wr3nch7urner]

I experienced something similar with a skid steer once. It turned out that a clogged filter was restricting the hydraulics when I tried turning. After I cleaned it and topped off the fluid, everything ran smoothly again. Make sure to check those basics before you dig deeper

 

[Mammoth-Plankton99]

My guess is its a hydraulic issue, could be low fluid, a clogged filter or a weak pump thats not giving enough pressure to the drive motors. But part of me also says it could be a failing drive motor or control valve causing one side to lose power when turning. I'd start by checking fluid levels and filters before any of the major stuff

I agree with @steveO here, sounds like it could be a hydraulic flow issue. Try checking the drive motor on the side that's hesitating, and inspect the control valves for sticking. Any odd noises when you try to turn?