Top Bobcat Parts to Keep Your Equipment Running Strong This Summer in Florida
Essential Bobcat Parts to Beat the Summer Heat in Florida
Summers in Florida aren’t just hot—they’re extreme. High humidity, scorching temps, and long workdays take a toll on your Bobcat equipment. Whether you’re managing a fleet or a single machine, staying ahead of parts maintenance is key to avoiding costly downtime. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top Bobcat parts to prioritize during Florida’s summer months:
1. A/C Filters, Compressors, and Condensers
Why it matters: A working air conditioning system isn’t just a comfort—it’s a necessity in Florida’s heat.
Cabin Air Filters trap dust and debris, ensuring clean airflow. Dirty filters make the system work harder, reducing cooling efficiency.
A/C Compressors circulate refrigerant; if it fails, you lose all cooling power.
Condensers help dissipate heat—essential in a hot, humid climate.
Tip: Replace cabin filters every 250 hours or sooner if working in dusty conditions.
2. Hydraulic Filters & Fluids
Why it matters: Hydraulic systems are sensitive to heat. Contaminated or overheated fluid can cause sluggish performance or component damage.
Hydraulic Filters protect against debris and buildup, especially when dirt and dust increase in the summer.
Hydraulic Fluid breaks down faster in heat. Using Bobcat’s high-performance fluid helps maintain viscosity and prevents foaming or cavitation.
Tip: Always change filters when you change fluid—doing one without the other compromises system health.
3. Engine Cooling System: Radiators, Hoses & Coolant
Why it matters: Overheating is one of the most common causes of summer breakdowns.
Radiators can clog with dust or grass. Cleaning and flushing them ensures efficient heat dissipation.
Hoses become brittle or cracked over time, especially under high-heat pressure.
Coolant prevents the engine from overheating and freezing. In Florida, it needs to withstand long hours under the sun.
Tip: Check for coolant leaks and clean the radiator daily during heavy use.
4. Drive Belts & Hoses
Why it matters: Belts and hoses degrade quickly under extreme conditions, causing performance issues or even engine damage.
Drive Belts power essential systems like fans and alternators. A snapped belt = sudden shutdown.
Hydraulic or coolant hoses that burst can cause dangerous leaks and downtime.
Tip: Look for visible wear, cracks, or glazing. Replace at the first sign of fatigue.
5. Batteries
Why it matters: Florida’s heat speeds up internal corrosion and drains battery life faster.
Bobcat OEM Batteries are built for rugged conditions but still require regular inspection. Hot weather increases fluid evaporation, leading to weak starts or total failure.
Tip: Check charge levels weekly and clean terminals to prevent corrosion buildup.
6. Fuel System: Filters & Conditioner
Why it matters: Dirty fuel or water contamination is more common in summer.
Fuel Filters should be changed more often in humid or dusty conditions.
Fuel Conditioner helps stabilize diesel fuel, especially if you’re storing it on-site, and protects against algae and sludge buildup.
Tip: Use conditioners year-round but especially during long, hot storage periods.
7. Grease & Lubrication Points
Why it matters: Lubrication protects metal-on-metal contact and keeps joints moving smoothly.
Multi-purpose Grease keeps pivot points, bushings, and linkages operating under heavy load and high temps.
Drive Motor Oil and planetary gear oil also need checking—heat can thin oil and reduce protection.
Tip: Grease more often in summer, particularly after pressure washing or rain.
8. Rubber Tracks & Tires
Why it matters: Summer conditions accelerate wear on tires and tracks, especially on hot asphalt or abrasive terrain.
Rubber Tracks should be checked for cracks, de-tensioning, or worn tread.
Tires lose pressure faster in summer and overinflation becomes a risk as temperatures rise.
Tip: Inspect undercarriage daily and adjust track tension regularly for optimal performance.
9. Service Kits (Good, Better, Best Options)
Why it matters: A full service kit saves time, ensures you have the right parts, and helps extend machine life.
Good: Includes filters and basic fluids.
Better: Adds belts, spark plugs, and air filter replacements.
Best: Comprehensive kits with all of the above, plus specialty lubricants and additives.
Tip: Match your kit to your maintenance schedule—don’t wait for failure to act.
Final Thoughts:
Summer is not the time to take risks with equipment upkeep. Proactive parts replacement ensures uptime, improves safety, and saves money over emergency repairs. Stock up on key parts and talk to your local Bobcat dealer about summer service specials and maintenance bundles.
Need help selecting the right parts for your machine? Contact our Parts Department today—we’re here to help you stay productive all summer long.