Bobcat T190: Problems, Durability, Repairs

Among compact track loaders, it's not that easy to find any model better than a Bobcat loader. We've spoken to operators, business owners, and equipment mechanics and nearly all of them say that Bobcat offers smart and reliable technologies that never let you down. But what about a not-so-popular Bobcat T190?

Today, we'll tell you why the Bobcat T190 track loader got so many neutral reviews and what exactly can go wrong with it when you use the equipment in your business. We'll focus on problems that are common for this exact model and will obviously talk about longevity and other important features that will influence your decision of whether to buy this loader or not.

Here's what we are going to talk about:

• Some key things you should know about the T190 track loader.
• The longevity of the Bobcat T190.
• Common problems with the compact track loader.
• Some important things to remember for the long use of the T190 model.

Let's get started!

What should you know about the Bobcat T190 loader?

This wonderful compact track loader is designed to last, as pretty much any other Bobcat product. It's multi-functional equipment that can go a distance without disturbing you much. That's why thousands of companies bought this model and a lot of these track loaders are still available on the market as used equipment.

The machine is mainly made to do the job on small sites. As with any Bobcat, it's really compact and very maneuverable, it can easily turn on one spot and navigate in a very cramped space. This is an all-terrain machine that can successfully climb pretty steep hills and easily go through different obstacles on the construction site.

Here are some key things to remember:

• the Bobcat T190 moves on rubber tracks that are very soft and don't damage the surface;
• the convenience of the operator is in the first place, the controls are very comfortable and easy to use;
• it can lift over 1900 pounds of weight which is impressive for a machine of this size;
• the machine can be fitted with many additional attachments, both OEM and aftermarket;
• the equipment is powered by the Kubota diesel engine with 62 hp of power and 2 liters of displacement;
• hydraulics are very reliable and powerful, no need to worry about possible problems or premature wear;
• the cabin is very small and somewhat cramped, but it's actually really convenient to operate the machine.

Comparing this equipment to any other compact loader on tracks will be hard because there is barely some competition on the market. The Bobcat T190 is made for sites with limited space and it's really perfect for all conditions. Also, operators say that the equipment is really easy to operate even though the joysticks are really unusual for those who have never sat in a Bobcat before.

We also see that the company used a lot of reliable units and parts to make the T190 model durable. For example, there have been almost no complaints about the engine. This Kubota engine is powerful, economical, and very reliable. We know cases when the engines from the T190 were used in different loaders after all other parts were dead because of age or wear and tear.

How long will the Bobcat T190 live?

It's always hard to estimate the lifespan of a compact track loader because this equipment is used in harsh conditions. It means that sometimes, these loaders will die much sooner than average just because no one cares about them and the conditions are killingly bad. This doesn't mean that Bobcat did a bad job, it just means that work conditions are important.

So, on average, a Bobcat T190 will work for at least 10,000 hours or 12-15 years without any problems. This is the lifespan that has been counted in accordance with what owners say on specialized forums. Also, we know some companies that have been using their track loaders from Bobcat for much more time and those are still in good condition.

But the lifespan of 10K hours is only achievable if you take care of the loader, provide it with all the needed maintenance, and buy only OEM parts and good fluids. Otherwise, the track loader will eventually break down and require some expensive repairs.

What are the common problems of the Bobcat T190 track loader?

The compact loader can work without any problems for a lot of years, But after it hits 5,000 hours, you won't be able to avoid some minor issues. They happen now and then and take money out of your pocket. This is an inevitable disadvantage of owning old equipment.

Below, we'll tell you about the most common problems you can encounter with the T190 model:

1) Final drive problems

Replacing or repairing the final drive is not that cheap, so you should take care of it. In a Bobcat T190, this part may really show some problems, especially if you don't care much about maintenance and that kind of thing.

To avoid final drive problems in the T190 model, just replace the case drain filter regularly, pay attention to any leaks, and check the gear oil even if it's not time to change it yet. Just make sure that the oil level is OK.

Unfortunately, if the final drive dies, you will have to invest a lot in your equipment. Be informed that the same type of final drive was also used in T140 and T180 models. Maybe, finding a used part is the best option if this happened.

2) Overheating issues

Bobcat T190 models all have quite a low-power engine and this sometimes can be a problem. Yes, it's a turbocharged machine with good torque, but sometimes operators need to rotate the engine quite heavily to do the work. Especially when the machine is overloaded.

When the engine works at high RPM for a long time, it can really have problems. First of all, its head may go bad if the coolant temperature goes over the optimal limit.

Unfortunately, only good maintenance and wise operation will save the machine from overheating, so some used T190s have already been heated and now this may cause some issues.

3) Turbocharger refuses to work

The engine has one more common problem in the Bobcat T190 - the turbo. Well, it's not that problematic in general, but it still can have problems when it comes to a decent age and hours. Replacing or repairing the turbocharger is not that simple, so you'll have to keep this in mind when choosing a used part.

The turbo can be saved (or at least its life can be prolonged) just by optimal maintenance. Most of all, you should keep an eye on oil changes. Bad or dirty oil will quickly kill the turbo and lead to expensive repairs.

4) Controls problems

Sometimes, controls just glitch in the Bobcat T190. For example, they may switch to slow modes by themselves or just work randomly not allowing the operator to control the machine at all.

This may be a pain in your neck because repairing those controls is not a pleasant task for any mechanic. In most cases, the repair shop will tell you that the controls need to be replaced with new ones including the electronic control modules.

Actually, they are repairable. All you need to do is to find a person who can diagnose them properly using good equipment. But it's really important to understand where those glitches come from.

What should you do to use your Bobcat T190 for longer?

The question is really hard because sometimes the track loader will just break down without any obvious reasons, so we can't promise anything. But the thing is that following these recommendations will surely allow you to prolong the life of your T190 loader.

Here are the most important ones:

• change oil frequently;
• avoid storing the loader in bad conditions between seasons;
• keep up with the manufacturer's recommended maintenance;
• pay attention to any leaks you locate in the machine;
• have the loader diagnosed every year;
• only use OEM parts when you need to repair the machine;
• avoid using cheap oil and filters for maintenance.

These are quite simple and understandable tips that will allow you to use the Bobcat T190 compact track loader for much more years and hours.

Final words

We see how things are changing in the sphere of professional equipment. But Bobcat compact track loaders are still very up-to-date. The T190 model was discontinued long ago, but still, a lot of companies and private buyers want to get this model for their businesses. Well, it's obviously not the worst loader and you are making a good choice if you are buying it.

But still, you should remember some obvious issues that can happen with the loader, especially if you buy the used one. Make sure you check the machine properly, have it diagnosed, and also maintain it like it's your favorite piece of equipment.