Quick Answers: Bobcat Parts, Hydraulic Hoses, Dewalt Compressors & Well Pump Checks

What you'll find here

I manage purchasing for a mid-sized construction outfit. That means I'm the one hunting down Bobcat parts, fielding calls about a dead Dewalt compressor, and trying to figure out if the well pump at our yard is actually shot or just being dramatic. These are the questions I hear most often.

Where's the best place to find genuine Bobcat parts?

Start with your local dealer's online parts portal. I've been using the Bobcat parts catalog (parts.bobcat.com) for about three years now. It's not perfect—the search can be finicky—but it's the most reliable source for genuine parts. In Q3 2024, I cross-checked prices for a hydraulic filter across three dealers and found a 15% spread. So it's worth comparing quotes, even for small stuff.

For bobcat equipment parts like undercarriage components or engine filters, I always go genuine. Aftermarket parts for less critical items? Sure, but not for anything that touches the hydraulic system. Learned that lesson the hard way.

How often should I replace Bobcat hydraulic hoses?

There's no single mileage number, but here's what I've learned from managing our fleet: check them every 250 hours of operation (or at every oil change). Look for cracks, chafing, or any sign of fluid weeping. If a hose feels stiff or has a bubble, replace it.

I don't have hard data on industry-wide failure rates, but based on our records, roughly 70% of bobcat hydraulic hoses blow because of abrasion someone spotted but didn't fix. We now do a quick visual on every machine during weekly greasing. It adds maybe five minutes. That five minutes has saved us an estimated $4,000 in potential cleanup and downtime this year alone.

My Dewalt air compressor won't start. What's the first thing to check?

The thermal overload switch. I'm not a mechanic (note to self: I really should learn more about these), so I can't speak to internal valve issues. But from a purchasing/procurement perspective, I can tell you this: in about 60% of the 'dead compressor' calls I get, it's because the reset button popped. Or the cord is unplugged. Or someone ran it without enough oil.

For our fleet of Dewalt compressors (we have four across two sites), I keep a laminated checklist taped to each unit. First steps: check power, check oil level, press reset. That alone has cut my service calls by half. If it still won't run, then it's time to call a repair shop—or compare the cost of a new unit (prices as of January 2025 for a 6-gallon pancake are around $180-250; verify current rates at dewalt.com).

How to tell if a water pump is bad before it fails completely?

This one's trickier because a pump can fail slowly. I've been burned by this twice. First, check for signs of leaking coolant. A puddle under the pump housing is a dead giveaway. Second, listen for a growling or whining noise from the front of the engine. If the pulley is wobbly, that's another sign.

But here's the thing I wish I'd known earlier: a failing water pump sometimes doesn't leak. It just seizes up. So if your temperature gauge is climbing but there's no visible leak, don't rule out the pump. In May 2024, we had a pump on a skid steer fail this way—no leak, just sudden overheating. The repair cost $600 in parts (for the pump and labor) versus the $200 it would have cost to replace it proactively. That's the prevention over cure lesson right there.

When should I replace hydraulic hoses proactively?

This is where a lot of people trip up. You don't need to replace every hose on a schedule. But you should have a system. I started tracking hose replacements by machine hours. For Bobcat equipment with constant high-pressure use, we plan to replace all high-pressure return hoses at 1500 hours. It's not cheap—a set of bobcat hydraulic hoses for a skid steer can run $400-800 (prices from dealer quotes, January 2025; verify current pricing at parts.bobcat.com)—but it beats the cost of a blown hose on a jobsite.

One thing I learned from my mistake in 2022: assume nothing. I assumed the '25-foot hose' on the parts diagram was the same length as the one on the machine. It wasn't. Reordering cost us two days of downtime and $75 in expedited shipping. Now I always measure the old hose before ordering.

Is it worth buying generic parts for Dewalt air compressors?

For simple parts like air filters and tires, yes. For anything internal—valves, pumps, regulators—stick with OEM. I don't have hard data on failure rates for generic internals, but anecdotally, I've seen two compressors bricked by aftermarket pressure switches that weren't calibrated correctly. That's not worth the $20 savings.

For our fleet, I buy OEM replacement parts from a local Dewalt service center. Their pricing is competitive with online retailers when you factor in shipping costs. (Or rather, it was competitive as of Q4 2024—I should verify that.)

What are the most common Bobcat parts to keep in stock?

Based on our last three years of ordering, keep these on hand: engine oil filters, hydraulic oil filters, fuel filters, belt tensioners, and a couple of common bobcat hydraulic hoses (the ones most prone to wear on your specific model). I keep a 'critical parts' list for each machine, updated quarterly. It's saved us from unexpected downtime more times than I can count.

One more thing: check your local Bobcat dealer's stock online before you order. Some parts are available for same-day pickup, which can save you a week of waiting. (As of January 2025, my local dealer had a 90% fill rate on common filters—your experience may vary.)

Should I winterize my well pump?

If your well pump is above ground in an unheated area, absolutely. Frozen pumps are a nightmare. We lost a pump in 2023 because the insulation around the pipe had shifted. The repair cost $1800. Now I check the insulation every November. It takes 10 minutes.

If you're wondering how to tell if water pump is bad in winter, watch for sputtering water flow or high-pitched noises from the motor. But honestly, prevention is the cheaper path here. A $20 heat lamp in the pump house is a lot less expensive than a $600 service call.

(Pricing is for general reference only. Actual prices vary by vendor, specifications, and time of order. Verify current regulations at osha.gov for any safety-related procedures.)