Regan Brown
Bobcat skid steer machines are known to have issues with the fuel pickup tube inside the fuel tank. The fuel pickup and return fittings are on top of the tank, under the pump. In some models, the fuel tank is located behind the seat, while in others, it is in the belly of the machine under the engine and hydraulic pumps. The fuel hose to the engine runs underneath the engine/pump frame rubber isolator mount on the side of the machine. The fuel tank drain plug can be difficult to locate.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel tank location varies across Bobcat models
The fuel tank location varies across Bobcat models. For instance, the Bobcat 743 model has its fuel tank located behind the seat when the cab is raised. However, in most other Bobcat models, the tank is located in the belly of the machine, under the engine and hydraulic pumps. This variation in fuel tank placement can make maintenance and repairs more challenging for certain models.
In some cases, accessing the fuel tank may require removing the cab bolts and swinging it back before securing it. This provides access to the sheet metal surrounding the fuel tank. Additionally, different Bobcat models may have distinct configurations of fuel pickup tubes, which are used to draw fuel from the tank. These tubes can be made from rigid tubing or flexible hoses, and their locations can differ between models.
The fuel pickup and return fittings are typically located on top of the fuel tank, although they may be challenging to see and access. These fittings are usually metal "L"-shaped and snap into a rubber grommet that fits into the top of the tank. The specific placement of these fittings can vary, with one serving as the return and the other as the feed to the fuel filter.
Some Bobcat models may experience issues with the fuel pickup tube, such as the presence of a “floater” that blocks the tube. This can cause intermittent engine shutdowns as the tube sucks up debris from the tank. To address this, a fuel tank pickup screen kit with a longer hose can be installed to prevent fuel starvation by filtering out contaminants.
It is important to note that the fuel tank location and design can influence maintenance procedures, such as draining the tank or removing it or replacing the fuel pickup tube. Therefore, when working on a specific Bobcat model, it is essential to refer to the appropriate manual or seek guidance from experienced technicians familiar with that particular model's fuel system layout.
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The fuel pickup and return fittings are on the tank's top
The fuel pickup and return fittings are located on the top of the fuel tank on a Bobcat. This is at the back of the machine, under the pump. You can identify the fittings as they are L-shaped and made of metal. They snap into a rubber grommet that fits into the top of the tank.
There will be two fittings: one is the return, and one is the feed to the fuel filter. The fitting that is more towards the centre is the pickup, and the one towards the side of the machine is the return. However, this may vary between models.
The fuel pickup tube is located inside the fuel tank. This can be accessed by raising the cab and removing the two front bolts. You can then remove the sheet metal around the fuel tank.
The fuel pickup tube can be removed by cutting the hose where it connects to the elbow with a razor knife. Turn the elbow fitting and grip it with a long nose pair of vise grips. Gently work the elbow and grommet out of the tank.
There are various models of Bobcat with different configurations and locations of the pickup tubes. For example, the 743 model has the fuel tank located behind the seat when the cab is raised. The late model S205 uses rigid tubing, and the fuel pickup is located to the rear and left of the back of the chain case.
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Some Bobcat models have an external fuel tank
Bobcat is a well-known manufacturer of heavy equipment and machinery, with a range of models and configurations to suit different applications. Some Bobcat models have an external fuel tank, which offers several benefits and considerations for operators.
The location of the fuel tank in Bobcat machines can vary depending on the model. In some cases, the fuel tank is located behind the seat when the cab is raised. However, in other models, the fuel tank is positioned in the belly of the machine, underneath the engine and hydraulic pumps, making access more challenging. This variation in fuel tank placement is an important consideration when performing maintenance or repairs.
One challenge that Bobcat owners face is the lack of a drain plug in the stock gas tank. This can make it difficult to drain and replace the fuel, especially if the tank needs to be disassembled for cleaning or repair. As a result, some owners opt for an external fuel tank to address this issue and improve fuel management.
Utilizing an external fuel tank can help keep the fuel fresh, especially when the machine is used infrequently. By storing fuel separately, owners can avoid issues caused by ethanol-blended fuels, which can be problematic for small engines. Additionally, external tanks allow for easier fuel drainage, reducing the risk of fuel-related problems during storage.
Some operators have shared their creative solutions for external fuel tanks. One approach involves using outboard boat motor fuel tanks with quick-connect couplers, providing ease of use and ensuring fresh fuel for infrequently used diesel engines. Another method includes unhooking the fuel line from the internal tank and running it into a gas jug, allowing for convenient fuel drainage after use. These innovative solutions showcase the resourcefulness of Bobcat owners in maintaining their equipment.
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$19.18 $23.98
Fuel tank pickup screen kits are available for some models
Fuel tank pickup screen kits are available for some Bobcat models. These kits are designed for easy installation and assembly, and they fit specific Bobcat Skid Steer models. Before purchasing, it is recommended to provide the serial number to ensure the correct fitment for your machine.
The fuel tank pickup screen kits are compatible with various Bobcat equipment, including articulated loaders, excavators, mini track loaders, and skid steer loaders. The kits include a 1.5-inch-long brass body, a 1/4" I.D. hose, a 60-mesh screen, and a ball check.
Some kits are specifically designed for the Bobcat C-F-G Series, while others are compatible with multiple models. It is important to note that the fuel pickup and return fittings are usually located on the top of the tank, under the pump.
When installing the kit, it is advised to align the compression point of the ring with the indentation on the fuel filter/pickup to avoid any installation difficulties. Additionally, allowing the hose to straighten before installation by applying a slight weight to it is recommended.
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Fuel tank drain plugs can be hard to find
The fuel tank on a Bobcat skid steer can be found in various locations depending on the model. For instance, the fuel tank on the Bobcat 743 is located behind the seat when the cab is raised. On other models, the tank is placed in the belly of the machine, under the engine and hydraulic pumps.
To access the fuel tank and tubes, you may need to raise the cab and remove the sheet metal surrounding the tank. The fuel pickup and return fittings are located at the top of the tank, and they can be identified by feeling for the metal "L" shaped fitting that snaps into a rubber grommet.
Now, fuel tank drain plugs can be hard to find. For example, the stock gas tank on a Bobcat does not have a drain plug, as mentioned by a user. They had to put in a fuel cut-off to run the carb dry. Another user with a T300 model was unable to locate the fuel tank drain plug.
Due to the lack of a drain plug, some owners have opted for external fuel tanks to keep the fuel fresh and avoid issues with ethanol damaging the small engines. One method involves unhooking the fuel line from the tank and running it into a gas jug, allowing the engine to run until it stops. Another approach is to connect the Bobcat to a truck's fuel line through a cut-off valve, enabling the fuel to be drained after use.
Additionally, some Bobcat models may experience issues with the fuel pickup tube inside the tank. This can lead to fuel starvation issues and the need for repairs or replacements.
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Frequently asked questions
To remove the fuel tank, you need to first remove the two front bolts in the cab, swing it back, and secure it. Then, remove all the sheet metal around the fuel tank.
The fuel tank is located behind the seat when the cab is raised.
The fuel tank is located behind the seat when the cab is raised.
The fuel tank is located in the belly of the machine, under the engine and hyd pumps.
The fuel tank drain plug is located at the bottom of the tank.
