5 Common Bobcat T590 Problems [Explained]

bobcat t590 problems

If you’re the proud owner of a bobcat t590, then you know that it’s a powerful machine. However, even the most powerful machines can experience problems from time to time.

The most common Bobcat T590 problems are fault injection pumps, problems with tilt lift, and the Bobcat T590 either not starting or regularly stalling.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most common bobcat t590 problems and how to fix them.

I’ll also provide some useful tips on how to prevent problems with your Bobcat from happening in the first place. So if you’re having trouble with your bobcat t590, read on for help!

Injection Pump Problems

One of the most common bobcat t590 problems is an issue with the injection pump. The injection pump is responsible for supplying fuel to the engine. If there is a problem with the injection pump, it can cause the engine to run poorly and likely stall.

If you have problems with your injection pump, you might be surprised to know it can be down to poor quality or old fuel.

I’d always recommend running your T590 on the best quality fuel you’ve got available; ideally, you won’t run the machine on more than a month old fuel. The trash and debris that can build up will get into your fuel lines and, eventually, the injection pump, leaving you with a relatively large expense if you’re not under warranty.

Engine Wiring

Another common problem with the bobcat t590 is an issue with the engine wiring harness. The engine wiring harness is responsible for supplying power to the engine. If there is a problem with the engine wiring harness, it can cause the engine to run rough or stall.

On several occasions, I’ve seen the engine wiring harness develop a hole; the protective covering has had an element in the engine rubbing it on repeatedly, which has gradually worn down over time to create a hole. This results in the machine stalling regularly.

There’s not a lot you can do about this; it’s one to be aware of, and if you do spot any corrosion on the protective covering, get it looked at by a Bobcat engineer before it completely breaks.

Tilt Lift Problems

The bobcat t590 also has a tilt lift, it’s job is to raise and lower the bucket. If there is a problem with the tilt lift, it can cause the bucket to fall unexpectedly.

A common issue with the tilt lift is that the cylinder can become damaged. This can be caused by several things, such as rocks or debris getting caught in the cylinder or even just wear and tear over time.

If you do spot any damage to the cylinder, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible, as it can cause serious injury if the bucket falls while you’re using it.

You might be seeing the warning code W3239, this is means you have a problem with the tilt lift. The first check you should make is the general wiring, make sure there’s no loose connections and it isn’t just a faulty sensor, secondly I’d advise you check the solenoid valve coil; this could be defective or deteriorated over time.

Lastly, and the most likely problem, you’ve got a faulty actuator. The actuator is an electrical device that controls the tilt lift; if it’s not working properly, then it won’t be able to raise and lower the bucket correctly; unfortunately, you’re looking at between $800-$1,000 for a replacement.

The reason the actuator failed is down to getting oil ingress from the failed control valve spool seals; this, unfortunately, means the oil can get inside the actuator; if oil get’s inside your actuator, it’s game over.

Bobcat T590 Not Starting

If your bobcat t590 doesn’t start, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure there is fuel in the tank. If there is no fuel, the engine will not start.

Second, make sure the battery is fully charged. If your battery is old, or it’s defective in any way, it won’t be able to power the machine.

Third, make sure the air filter is clean. If the air filter is dirty, it’ll stop the engine from getting enough airflow, and it will not start.

Finally, make sure all of the switches are in the “on” position. If any switches are set to the “off” position, it can prevent the engine from starting.

Don’t forget to check the glow plugs, if for some reason, your glow plugs are faulty; they can cause a short circuit, which in turn will stop the engine from running. Check the throttle cable, and ensure it’s secured to the throttle body and all the connections, wirings, and pins are clean and secure.

Intermittent Stalling

Stalling is the worst; you build up some momentum, get stuck into a job, and boom, the Bobcat, cuts out.

You might be getting the error code e0005703; this relates to a rail pressure sensor fault. If you also see excessive smoke from the exhaust, this is your likely problem. It could be faulty because you’ve got an internal fuel leak inside the pump. To test this, fill up the fuel to the top of the fill tube, the whole tube should submerge.

If you’re only seeing the error code and no excessive smoke, this is most likely an issue with the wiring. Check all of the connections to the sensor, as well as the sensor itself, for any damage or corrosion.

If you’re still having problems, it could be an issue with the ECU; unfortunately, if this is the case, you’ll need to replace the ECU, which is a job for the professionals; get the machine to your local repair shop ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What motor is in Bobcat T590?

The Bobcat T590 comes equipped with a 2.4L V6 engine.

Is Bobcat T590 High Flow?

Yes, the Bobcat T590 has a pump capacity, including a high flow option.

What is the difference between a T590 and T595?

The T590 has a lifting capacity of 2,187 lbs compared to the T595 lifting capacity of 2,280 lbs. 

The T590 has 66 horsepower, compared to the T595 having 70 horsepower. The T595 is a minor improvement on the T590.

Conclusion

The Bobcat T590 is a great skid loader, there are a few machines in the T series, and all of them are of excellent quality. However, like all machines, they’re not perfect, and you may run into a couple of problems.

The most common problem is with the actuator, which, unfortunately, is quite expensive to replace. Another common problem is stalling, which can be caused by a few different things.

The best way to avoid any problems is to get your Bobcat regularly serviced and to keep an eye on any potential issues. I’d have no problem recommending this machine; with regular maintenance, you can easily get upwards of 2000 hours before you get close to any problems.

Thanks for reading!