Bobcat S650 Problems: Common Issues and Ways to Fix Them

We know Bobcat products to be very smart for all kinds of work. They are ideal for cities, big farms, utility services, etc. The Bobcat S650 is a quite popular skid-steer loader. The company made it really unique in terms of how high it can lift something and how mobile it is. But what about some of its problems? Does it come with some common issues you have to be ready for?

Today, we are going to talk about the Bobcat S650 model which is one of the bestsellers. But we'll mostly look at its problems and some ways to fix them. Want to know what you are going to encounter after purchasing this wonderful loader for your business? Just keep reading and find out more about all possible issues.

Here are the key points we are going to discuss:

• The Bobcat S650 pros and cons - what is it made for?
• What's the heart of the Bobcat S650? Engine, hydraulic components, etc.
• What are the common problems you are likely to have with your S650?
• How to fix each of the common issues with the loader?

Let's get started!

What is the Bobcat S650 made for?

This is the loader for special purposes where you need a very compact machine that can lift some loads quite high. This is a great solution for loading trucks (including lifting pallets. Don't look at the size of the equipment - it can surprise you with how high it can lift anything.

And you may be sure that Bobcat made this loader to make as many kinds of work as possible (as any Bobcat model, actually). So, you can use different original attachments to do all kinds of jobs like cleaning the territory, cleaning snow, loading trucks, using the loader as a tiny excavator, etc. But primarily, this is the loader with a special construction of the loading equipment that can lift things really high.

Here are some of the main advantages of the S650:

• the lift arms are superior - they are still compact but they are made to surprise you with their efficiency;
• the special cooling system is used here to cool the engine more efficiently and silently which adds to the comfort of work and to reliability;
• the LCD instrumentation panel (which is optional) allows the worker to control all important features of the machine easily;
• the visibility is on the top level - the operator can see tires, bucket in all positions, and everything around the Bobcat S650;
• pressurized cabin - one more important advantage is that the cabin is pressurized and allows the best comfort for the operator;
• you can choose tires - the manufacturer offers a couple of options for different terrains and conditions of work.

The machine is ready for hard work. Its cooling system is extra protected, and all hoses and radiators are safely hidden from all possible damaging situations. This means you will be able to enjoy working in this Bobcat longer because the engine will be cooled as it should and no debris or construction parts on the ground will damage the system.

The manufacturer has introduced a range of protection technologies like self-diagnosis, winter protection, shutdown protection, etc.

Many parts that usually require maintenance in other loaders come without any maintenance requirements in the Bobcat S650. This is important for any business as it reduces expenses and makes purchasing new Bobcats even more advantageous.

Some important specs for the buyer to know

Let's continue talking about the features of the Bobcat S650 but turn our attention to specs.

So, the bottom part of the loader is keel-shaped and this allows the machine to pass rough terrains just like a boat slides over water. Unlike other manufacturers, Bobcat tends to make all its compact loaders very easy to service. You can get access to the engine and the chaincase just by taking off one body panel. By the way, the chaincase doesn't require any service. As far as we know, this is the unique feature of the S650 loader.

Here are some of the important specs of the Bobcat S650:

• the grease points are easily available, and greasing the pins has never been so easy and straightforward as with the S650;
• the special drive-belt system allows the engine to run slower when idling and this improves durability and fuel consumption;
• changing the attachment on your new loader will probably take a minute thanks to the new Bob-Tach system;
• the loader may lift more than 2.5 tons of weight;
• the maximum lift height is over 3 meters;
• maximum travel speed is about 12 mph or 20 km/h;
• the machine uses the diesel 4-cylinder 3.3L engine Kubota / V3307-DI-TE3;
• the S650 can hold up to 90.5 liters of diesel fuel in its tank;
• the vehicle is controlled by two levers which is really easy and efficient.

We could continue, but our task today is to give you a quick overview and turn to problems. So, with all its electronics, modern technologies, power, and capabilities, is the Bobcat S650 actually that good?

What problems can occur with your Bobcat S650?

First of all, we should say that the manufacturer offers 24 months or 2000 hours warranty. If your Bobcat is still under warranty, you should immediately contact the dealer before you try to deal with any problem that occurred with the machine. Otherwise, your warranty may be voided.

So, let's see what problems are really common with this wonderful equipment.

1. They are too clever and sometimes it's bad

The self-diagnosis system seems good only at first sight. When you use your Bobcat for more than a year, this system will not be your best friend. It works just the same as with cars - you get your check engine light on and the vehicle goes to limp mode allowing you to just slowly move. Just the same happens with the Bobcat S650.

From time to time, the machine may idle down and show some error codes on its screen. You will need to have the machine diagnosed by the dealer to understand which unit is to blame. Sometimes, it's the emission control, sometimes it's all about a failing sensor in the engine. But this will annoy you more and more as the Bobcat S650 ages.

2. The machine doesn't track straight

Well, it's not made for traveling a lot. If you need to take your Bobcat for a couple of miles, you should put it on some other transport and deliver the loader to the needed place. But anyway, the loader will have to travel - at least with the loads lifted. And this can be a little problem for Bobcat S650 operators.

Small wheels and a poor steering system as well as the small distance between two axes are all factors that contribute to poor handling. The loader just doesn't track straight, especially if you have some load lifted on it. It may unintentionally go to one of the sides and you will have to steer it.

There is no solution to this problem because it's about the construction of a very compact loader. But to minimize the effect, you should always check the tire pressure.

3. Squeaking noises

It squeaks just always. You can grease it and then grease it once more, but the Bobcat S650 will still squeak. This means just nothing because all S650 models will make some noise. Yes, this is not very pleasant but you should just put up with this or call your dealer and ask him to deal with the problem. Actually, we haven't seen any cases when the dealer would deal with this, anyway.

4. Engine problems if not maintained

The Kubota engine (or the Doosan engine in some models of the S650) is really powerful and allows very high torque. But if you don't change the oil and filter and don't make sure the cooling system is OK, this engine will turn out to be a box with problems.

Make sure you follow these simple rules:

• change oil and filters even more often than required by the manufacturer;
• always react to any unusual noises from the engine and have it diagnosed if needed;
• only use optimal-quality diesel fuel for the engine to keep it running well;
• avoid overloading the machine to prolong its lifespan.

How long will the Bobcat S650 last?

Well, the Bobcat S650 is pretty good, although it shows some minor problems. It can last up to 10,000 hours in harsh conditions. If you maintain and repair it thoroughly, the estimated lifespan should be over 12,000 hours. Also, the age of the loader is important. We believe, the S650 should live about 10 years if not used extremely intensively. But we've seen some 3-year-old Bobcats that were about to die.

The lifespan of your Bobcat S650 depends much on how you maintain and repair it. If the maintenance is really good, the 12-thousand-hour lifespan doesn't seem like an impossible thing. Even though the Bobcat will require some service, it's not that expensive to maintain. Also, the common problems of the machine are all minor, so you will not need to spend thousands of dollars to solve them.

Our verdict is: the Bobcat S650 is a very decent machine but it has some special common problems you should know about.