I'm just going to say these machines aren't perfect but at the end of the day I think they are one of the most reliable machines out there. Im a owner operator that puts typically 1300 to 1500 hours a year on it. I've owned a 2016 ran to 3500 hours, and currently have a 2019 with 2700 hours on it working out a trade agreement on a new one for this up coming May. The fuel pumps seem to only last 500 to 700 hours before they just stop working I keep a spare with me at all times. You get good at replacing them and I can do it in 10 minutes. The hydraulic lines going to the drives I take tire inertube and wrap them good helps to protect them. They typically wear through hoses as there going threw the frame I typically check them in my off season and replace any that are damaged. Saves alot of cursing if having a line blow on site. You take the tracks off, undo the bolts on the pivot points on the undercarriage and it will side out quite aways making changing lines almost fun. The Boom hoses i replace once a year 1300 to 1500 h I think I blew one at 1600 or 1700 hours. If you look at the back of the boom where the lines run the last clamp attached to the frame of the skidsteer is where the line flexes the worst once you see the line disform there its only a matter of time before it explodes. On my last machine the undercage was worn out half of the oil bathed bearing bogie wheels blew within 200 hours never did replace a bogie before trading it in. Had Asv/ terex skidsteers before and the life expectancy was half before needing a whole new uncariage. They are tough machines for the most part but getting them up in hours with very few problems comes down to operator if you abuse them they will break at some point. You take care of it should get alot of life out of it.
For real I put a lot of hours on skids have had a few different kinds. Cat by far the best. Deere durable but clunky cat is an operators machine for sure
Most reliable ?! ..you got to be joking , specially that right after this statement you already make list of issues which shouldn't be there at all . Did you ever use kubota , takeuchi or even bobcat skids ? bobcat lately also have idiots designers which never work in the field sitting behind the computer and making "IMPROVEMENTS " but is way behind caterpillar with the level of stupidity .
@@stanjarmolowicz To each there own on comparing reliability. I'm no expert with every other brand. I was explaining what I do to it to save my self money and down time. The three issues I discussed fuel pump, boom hoses and drive hoses have been changed modified on the 259 d3. Fuel filter pump redesigned, boom hose clamp at the back of boom was changed slightly to ease sharp bending of hoses. And there is a new plastic rubber hose holder mount for the hydralic drive lines going into the side of the machine. It's about time they addressed it no more wrapping lines like I used too. It does for some reason make the cab a little noisier but I like the design of it so I'm not making a huge fuss about it. I've had zero issues with the new machine just over 1000 hours on it. It's a comfortable machine for my self too sit in everyday and operate. Simple machines are a thing of the past there all full of electronics and emission systems no getting around it.
Great video overall. I'm nearly 50 years old and have been involved in agriculture my whole life. I've owned various equipment through that time. My point to viewers with less experience is this: equipment ALWAYS breaks down. There will always be pain in the rear stuff to deal with. All makes and all models have their quirks. Lastly $125/hour shop labor ain't bad for them to work on a $60,000-$75,000 machine. If you think this machine has mud or dirt, wait till you look in a big track loader or dozer that has been working pond clean out. As my dad once said, "you wipe your butt everyday, so clean your equipment when it gets dirty!" Cheers friends! Don't get divided over the small; stuff we all live on the same rock in space!
I like that you took the tike to explain and show what you were doing. Very patient and easy to hear and understand. If you have time, I would like a video on a scenario that happened at our company. Mud and dirt caked around bucket disconnect, and temps were under 20 degrees, bucket did not want to release, another operator was helping and took a hammer to help release pin while bucket was in the air, and the bucket fell on his foot, ouch!
@@precisionfilms3777 It's nothing to do with that. He is right you need to be on level ground to begin with. you were about 50mm at the top one side and 25mm at the bottom the other. I think you may well be onto something but the total difference is 25mm.
@@toast47624 the tracks have alot of movement. Better than a ridged design tho after spending alot of time in the machine. I couldn't imagine all day with no suspension
The drive motor housing supports bed causing the toe in as you pointed out, that was changed for 2017, but the torsion axles will also cause the undercarriage to shift around slightly.
Can you go into more detail about the drive motor housing. I did notice that it appears to be slightly inward. Im going to update a few things from the D3. Is this something that could be updated?
Finally some realistic talk on these units,place I used to work bought cat track skidsteers and by year 3 the operating costs were higher than our D8 hightrack dozers,the speed,comfort and traction was far superior to other brands but operating costs were crazy,also with the torsion suspension it is very hard to do precision grading with the body and bucket floating around on all that suspension,using a milling head or 6 way blade are pointless on these units.
It's constantly saying "unable to retrieve event codes". My 3 other skids are from the early 2000s and they never break down and when they do its a obvious leak that can be fixed with a crescent wrench. I havent even been able to take it on a job yet thanks to covid 19. Id sell it but I probably will loose money right now. What do you suggest I do?
Precision Films It’s been 4 years since I worked on a cat track skid steer but I’ve been a construction machinery technician for 27 years,I run into this situation with other brands and what it means is whatever controller is coding is loosing power probly when you turn the key off,it similar to the radio in your car,it has a full time power supply and a switched supply,you may have lost your full time supply,in a car this will make you loose all your presets,on a machine controller it will throw codes like this,if it is their 4 with a dpf or def system and you turn a master switch off too soon after turning the ignition off it will also throw these codes as teir 4 machines require several minutes to shut down after you shut the key off,hope that helps
Fuel pumps, and leaking fuel lines. My friend who runs CAT skids says he gets a free pump every time he changes filters, but he also trades his in every 2 years so its always under warranty. He has also had issues with the track pivots wearing and being towed in and wearing tracks oddly. A few other people i have talked to mentioned bent booms also. Seems to be worse on the bigger skids. Drive motors used to be problematic also but think they have those issues fixed now. The guy i bought my VTS tracks off of took them off his 262C. He had recently bought a 289D so no longer needed the tracks cause now he had a wheeled for demo and tracked for grade work. He thought he had already bent the arms on the 289 loading out some riprap. He loaded us out with an old NH Skid that had 11,000 hours on it that he used for farm work. He made the comment that neither one of those CAT skids would ever make that many hours.
I had the same issue with mine , cat finally acknowledged there was a problem as it was destroying tracks , they pulled the undercarriage apart and did a lot of mods witch fixed the problem for 12 months but now the machine is doing it again
For the hose plate we had a a fab shop make a custom one that extended another 4-5 inches back towards the finals. Just had to replace the axles on our 259d. Around 500 per axle but it was an easy job. Never had fuel issues out of ours. 2000 hours and counting.
I know it may appear that this is the reason but I have checked them on level ground and had the same outcome. I will make a follow up video showing this.
-Those new fuel pumps are way more reliable than the old ones, note the different part numbers. The 554 number almost never fails. And dont overthink the fuse, the pump seized and blew the fuse. Its not dangerous and diesel isnt going to explode. -The clicking is the GPS keeping time. If you arent using it you can unplug it. Its the box on the underside of the cab with a light on it. -The opening is definently how dirt and mud get under the cab, but your not going to cut a reinforced hose with a shovel. Or maybe dont let Edward Scissorhands clean your tracks. -The filter sucks. I use a strap wrench on an extension to break it loose, then wiggle it out the top. -I'm sorry your dealer is that way, ours does our best to help out when we can over the phone. We might lose the labor on one failure, but if the customer trusts you they will call in the future. -Splurge and upgrade the monitor to the advanced display, with the digital gauges, the ability to read codes and do minor troubleshooting will really change the game in future problems.
Wow. Thanks for taking the time to explain things. I know I sound pessimistic about the machine but it has been a excellent tool and has made my life much easier. Whats the GPS used for. Laser grading? Theft? I hear alot of people getting those drive hoses replaced after failure. I have the advanced monitor. It's always saying "unable to retrieve event codes"
@@precisionfilms3777 gps is for tracking mainly. It also notifies you there is a fault code if you have the account, mainly for large companies. The drive hoses are more likely to rub against the hose guard causing them to fail, so periodically check for abrasions, then you could adjust the hoses if needed to stop further wear. Unable to retrieve codes means there aren't any. If a code becomes active it will pop up on the main screen. There is also a screen called parameters, which can show basic readings like joystick position and drive motor speed, which can be useful with troubleshooting.
I recently sold my T870 bobcat with 300 hours on it. I also sold my T770 Both had 75$ fuel filters high pressure common rail systems to many sensors to count and DEF Went back to T 300 bobcats with low hours. The tech has gotten terrible but there is no improvement in capability. A 2008 T 300 will do anything a new T 770 will do with less bullshit and a 10$ fuel filter and a fuel system that will eat junk fuel.
I've had a few bobcats. Once I bought Caterpillar I could never go back. Old or new. I like new. Things I failed to mention in my video is how quiet it is, odorless, smooth and comfortable the 259D is. I should do a 2 year review. Fact I think I will tomorrow
we have 8 cat skid loaders old being a 226b with 8300hrs on it runs great next oldest is a 232b with 6700hrs on it the rest are all the bigger new electronic and turbo machines 2 wheeled and 4 tracked ones. vary little ever gos wrong with them they start a 715am and run till 6pm 6 days a week we lift cabs and pressure wash 1 time a month, change oil every 3 months, fuel filters once a yr, and hydro filters are every 2yrs or when a hose or cylinder seal go's and last is 1 pump of grease in every spot on start of day Wednesday and Saturday or 3days of use. with that routine we only ever had one machine die and it only had 400hr on it was a 267c and was a computer problem back when the c was new and had problems and they couldnt get it work right clev. brothers bought the machine back. other then that the 226 got a hydro pump at 7k hrs, some bucket pins the rest over 17yrs now have been just normal wear items. we tried some other test brand machines and we just didnt like most and the facted we could get new guy running safely in just a few days. hope that helps
I own a 2016 259D , first , the oil filter is in a terrible spot. Horrible . Also , i had to change the battery recently , and i could not reach the negitive cable post. No issues other than that. Use it for picking up trees and limbs . Does great work .
🤷🏼♂️ You should have put the level on the large flat face of the loader frame to establish how level the machine was to start with. The fact that the other side showed the exact opposite, indicates that you were on a slope. Not saying your track frames aren’t tipping as you state, but the way you measured it was meaningless (sorry) it is what it is.
Like siskiyou woodsman said, he wasn’t doubting your claim. Only stating that using a level on a machine on gravel is useless unless you establish that the gravel is on an even flat level surface. It’s an obvious defect in the assessment. Same test on level ground would be helpful. Good video we appreciate you taking the time to share it.
You need to invest in a pressure washer. I would have pressure washed it and taken it to CAT for the initial checkup and maintenance, regardless of the cost. That way you’d know the needed repairs and perhaps maybe tackle many of them in your own.
Oh I did. I flipped the cab. Shop vac all the dirt out of the belly. I don't like spraying water all over electronics. I have ran thru just about everything. The machine isn't a p.o S.. its descent.
Did you try the old pump after changing the fuse?.....could have been the fuse the entire time. I change my filters every 2 months. Havnt had a problem with the pump. I have the same exact machine and I've tried all the brands. Cat has the best quality machines and by far the best service.
I threw the old pump out. It very well could have been the fuse all along. I didnt know to check the fuse and installed the pump already. The service manager should have told me to check the fuse first. But he didnt. Probably rather sell a pump. I like Cat equipment alot. I like the capacity of Cat service. I just dont like the price or the greed.
@@smrruby The service manager at my Cat dealership told me I needed it and when the filter didn't prime I assumed he was right instead of testing the fuse. Why did the old pump blow a fuse?
@@precisionfilms3777 priming on filter change is a problem on all diesels. I just bought my used 289c this week so I'm not sure what the cat procedure is but does it call for filling the filter with fuel when you replace it, or is their an air vent you need to open to bleed it? It is possible if the pump was run dry too long trying to prime that it burned out and blew the fuse. I agree with others though that even though the pump says Cat it looks exactly like the cheapest electric pump that you can buy at most discount auto parts stores.
You should check the hoses that run from the track motors to beneath the cab. They make contact with the body and will rub through If you don’t take preventative measures. Also, if that fuel primer pump ever goes out again I would suggest buying a Similar $40 pump from an auto-parts store
Changing the hydraulic fluid isn't so bad. I did the same thing you did. I bought a used one and changed all the fluids and washed inside and out. On the hose to your final drive someone had added a bigger hose and wrapped it and then the used like a piece of tire tube and covered the hole where the lines run through
before o owned older bobcat 763 which was great machine ...simple ,reliable regardles of over 3000 hours on it . but i lost it in wild fire created by PG&E power line ....lost house as well and everything i owned . then i both the caterpillar to rebuild and clean the after fire mess ... instead i'm spending now most of my precious time and money fixing the machine , running back and forth to dealership to get parts and informations . ..sensors , chip plastic parts which brake all the time etc etc . one day i'll upgrade it again in to old model bobcat , replace worn out parts and have again working reliable machine ...tired of electronic " progress " on heavy equipment .
Dude, you can’t check the tracks for plumb while it’s setting on a uneven gravel lot. Having the machine setting on a perfect level floor is the only way that would be possible.
, If you get into house construction you’ll learn how to use level but yes you have to have it parked on perfectly level ground Side to side, to get a true reading on your vertical test, but you’ve got the right idea that’s a good thing to be aware of
I have a 2018 259D with only 170 hrs on it., I change oil every 25 hrs and filter. The secret I found is to take off the positive cable and move it back out of the way, sure makes it easier to get to the oil filter.
25 hrs is excessive. But hey I grease mine every 4 hrs so I guess to each his own. I've been running mine alot lately. It's a real treat to use. Makes my job not so bad
My manual on the 299D2 XHP says change the oil every 500 hours. I change every 400 hours but it also sets in a climate controlled building 90% of its life.
the term is plumb ..... you dont level vertically ! 2017 cat 259 d , bought it new . currently 1063 hours and just had a head gasket go and 1 drive motor as well . i still like the machine . when the service guy called and said i had a bad head gasket , i asked him if they are putting 6.0 powerstroke diesels in these things or what? 1000 hours seemed rather low considering i have an old case 1845 c with 3400 ever living piss pounded hours on with no real problems.... oh well , i dont know enough about these machines or others to make an educated comment on which machine is the best .... i basically came on here to tell you to quit saying the fucking word level when you have the stick vertical.... lol . its plumb
I wish I could re do this video not because of the level plumb thing but everybody says machine isn't level and that I'm full of it. I would have done things differently but its the most viewed video I have currently. Not sure why it's so viewed.
GOOD INFO THAT'S ABOUT THE 5TH TIME I WATCHED A VIDEO ON CAT AND THE OIL FILTER IS A REAL PAIN. HOSE IN TRACK REALLY IS STUPIDFUEL PUMP WITH FUEL FILTER CHANGE...I'VE SEEN ENOUGH. NO NEW CAT FOR ME. I WAS LOOKING AT PURCHASING A 2020 249 D3. I EVEN ASKED ABOUT THE OIL FILTER. OH NO PROBLEM....YA RIGHT. THANKS FOR THE INFO
I actually love it. Lol after spending some serious time in the driver's seat I'm very pleased. But.... .... if you have to go to the cat dealer.. oh no. I'm screwed. $10,000 oil changes. Lol
The oil filter in the 239d and 249d is in a different spot becasuse it has a different engine from the 259. So it is easier. If you remove the positive battery cable and bend it up and back the filter comes right out on the 259 - 299 . Or remove the battery if its really stuck on to get batter access
All great information. Thank you. There is usually a workaround for issues on all equipment. If not, it can be expensive. I use products from NAPA on all my equipment and haven't had any product related issues. If you go Takeuchi, do some homework. An operator friend said he had lots of downtime with Taks because the tracks kept coming off. Can anyone confirm?
I pretty much have accepted them being tilted inward at this point. I have put about 35 hrs on the machine like this. I haven't had any real visable issues at this time. I think that just how they are or at least thats what I'm telling myself. I wouldn't worry bout it unless your having a issue. Let me know if you have a issue.
@@precisionfilms3777 Honestly I've looked up and down the interweb for issues like this and haven't seen one post regarding this problem. I called my local cat dealer and they claim it is normal......? I highly doubt that theory. I've seen 15 year old track loaders and everyone I see the tracks stand up straight. Why when I drop 50k on a machine my tracks are tilted?
@@Cspaz all Cat track loader after about 2013 have a torsion suspension that gives the macine a nicer ride. This is why the tracks are tilted. I dont like it either but it is what it is. It does ride alot better that a fixed track. Bobcat just released a torsion setup as well. Overall I love the machine. Just don't pay any attention to the tilted tracks. I worried myself sick then I just said screw it im running it till something breaks but it never did. It will be ok.
@@Cspaz I've seen other videos where people noticed the camber of the tracks pointing inward. There are also several other videos where people had the same exact problems he had in this video.
Best advice I have to keep more of your hard earned $ from the cat house is spend the $ on the actual cat manual on your machine, they are pricey, but usually more informative than talking to a service rep. It won't take many in house repairs to pay for itself, good luck!
I agree. They charge 2hrs just to plug the laptop in. Its out of control. Im not looking foward to it. I want to sell it but im attracted to the air ride seat and a/c. Its a problem... a real problem
@@precisionfilms3777 also in previous models the air filter would need to be cleaned on a DAILY basis in dusty conditions, we actually trashed a motor once not knowing this, we had bobcats previously which could go a week or more in the same conditions, so keep an eye on it
@@digdug2626 Did it soil the pre filter too? I would think it would just restrict airflo and probably throw a light on the computer screen. You saying it trashed the engine by allowing dirt in the intake?
@@precisionfilms3777 outer filter only, this was a early 277, somehow the filter housing ended up coming apart and let the debris directly into the intake, pretty sure that issue has been long resolved, but the last cat skid steer I rented a few years back still had an issue of clogging the outer element in less than 8hrs in dusty conditions(like brush mowing) to the point it would start consuming engine oil if you didn't keep up with it, the Bobcats , jd and case machines just have a superior preclean method.
I’m Truly Thinking 🤔 About That Fuel Pump Next Time Disconnects The Battery First And Removed The 15 amp Fuse I Think It’s Carries A Courant DC Charge Some Where Some How In The Fuse Panel That’s How The Started And Fuse Got Damages ⚡️Even If The Key 🔑 Isn’t In The Ignition Switch 🤷♂️
It could of been the fuse all along but I didnt know that until I installed the new pump but nevertheless its something I found peculiar to change a fuel filter. I feel like Cat comes out with a new series of machine to fix all their mess up quite often. Next is a Cat 259D4 to fix more issues. Lol
I have a new 279d3 track skid steer. it has 15 hours and I have noticed my tracks are leaning out at the top, causing it to ride on the outer side of the track more than the inside. Is that the way you all's is leaning?
@@precisionfilms3777 From what I was seeing in your video one side leaned in at the top and the other leaned out at the top, correct? Both of mine lean out at the top causing it to ride more on the outside of the tracks. I was told before I ever bought it that people are bad about not keeping the axles greased and it causes them to wear and lean inward at the top. Mine are completely opposite. Supposedly and "undercarriage specialist" is coming to look at mine.
@@nathanmccorkle4278 He said he had never seen anything like it before. He was about to get the service dept to starting shimming stuff. I said, "hold on" so we called their guy that has access to engineering. They said it should have a few degrees of tilt and that makes it better for slopes. I call BS on the "slope" crap. Me and the undercarriage guy both believe that cat knows the rubber torsion axles are gonna wear in fairly quick so they go ahead and compensate for for the initial wear. We have looked at other units since and they are all the same as mine for the most part.
Those tracks are going to move in and out on a single rear idler. They could be off tomorrow to the other side. That's not a good way to determine that.
Should have gotten a 257 those front idler sleeves just break in half when they wear thin as well as the idlers and sprockets it's all just a hybrid of an asv undercarriage. If you want a rigid undercarriage get a Kubota but good luck with that because if it ain't a cat it's a dawg! Hahaha
Not exactly sure what your saying but 257Ds are being phased out. ASV is amazingly still in buisness but not for long. The ASV undercarriage is extreamly high maintenance. So many rollers its silly. The 259D rollers and idlers seem fine. Just the torsion suspension that concerns me but Bobcat just copied the design for there new machines so it might just be the future of track skid steers.
Cat has two deal breakers for me. One is the side opening door. For the work I do, that wouldn’t work. The other thing is for these new Cat skid steers with DPF filters, there’s a mandatory 2500 hr change out. No way around it. What makes Cat so bad is that their DPF filter is located behind the engine if you are facing it from the rear. The job requires the engine to be pulled so it’s a $10,000 job!!!!!!!! So at 25000, pull out your wallet or sell your machine….and take a big hit on your sale price because the buyer is gonna need a new DPF filter. Add to that, CAT parts are generally quite a bit more than the competition. I don’t think you gain anything for all the extra cost. Case makes good machines. Kubota makes good machines. Bob Cat does too but their machines are priced quite a bit higher. I hear to stay away from JCB. I hear they have all kinds of problems. New Holland as well.
I think it's at 3000 hrs. I don't know about pulling the motor. I guess they can bake it to burn out the carbon. My 259D is pretty nice. It's made my job alot better from my old bobcat 763 days. The air ride + the track suspension helps. Cat service is crazy expensive just tack it on your quotes for jobs you bit to compensate. The machine gets me more work because people recognize the name. It's my star employee
Like any machine they break down, the guys that answer the phones are salesmen so they cant help. If you cant fix things or are to broke to take in for service than its cheaper to rent or hire machine and operator. Most machines are sold because they cant afford to keep fixing them or down time is to costly.
I bought a new 259d in 2016, i could realy add to the list of problems, Im at 800 hours and in already at $4200, in parts and dealer only service due to electronic problems , 3 track motor censers, bad wire harness, left Joy stick comptroller, and Nope you cant Buy it and Put it in your self, Has to be installed only by cat due to it has to be calibrated to the machine using the cat service computer/laptop. Using it, for 74 hp, it is a weak machine and forget it if you work side hills or in snow or mud, wont turn, How can the 1st name in dirt work get it so Bad with the worst designed compact track loader in the market. all the littel details scream Cheep, Cheep, Cheep.
Oh no. I knew it. Its a gd timebomb. So whats the best brand? I want a ihi like camarta but there hard to find. Think im going to try and sell my 259d this summer
My tracks now have about 300 hrs on them and have more wear on the inside than the outside by quite a bit. I will make a video about this to further illustrate the fact. Nobody believes me that they are tilted inward. Everyone says the same thing. Ground isn't level. Maybee so. It was the only place I could film at the time. Well my redemption is coming. What will people say once they see the track worn on the inside. Lol. Lmfao.
@@precisionfilms3777 wow.. that's interesting.. Because I'm looking at 259 and 279 at the moment trying to decide which one is better. But if this is the case, I need to think about it again. I don't think they are any differently built between those two models. Maybe I should go with completely different brand. Like bobcat or something..?
@@paveldimov8971 Don't get me wrong I love my 259D. I just bought a 262D for plowing because I couldn't stand Bobcats or any other brand. Air ride seat is amazing. Visibility out the front and sides is great and layout of cab is on point. Noise is low and controls are silky smooth. I will be upset if my inside track guides wear out before the tracks wear out tho. I'll throw some video of these tracks in my next video about my 262d. Might cut a film by tomorrow night so be on the lookout.
@@paveldimov8971 in a nutshell the 259d is great for working in technical tight areas like housing developments doing moderate lifting grading rockhounding basing up gravel patios ect. The 289 would be good for heavier lifting, backfilling foundations, earthmoving situations, but not super tight areas
Compre un 249 D en el 2015 , alrededor de las 2000hrs siempre se salían los Tracks, la reparación costaba 12000 realmente ridiculo Holt cat de sulphur spring Texas, opte por intercambiar por un 249D3 y fue lo peor que hice, a los 4 meses con 350 hrs se fundieron los inyectores, remplazaron el motor y lo peor de todo que la garantía, la garantía extendida ni la aseguranza se hicieron responsables de una máquina con tan pocas horas. Tuve que pagar $15000 y sumado a esto los cuatro meses que pague las mensualidades prácticamente perdí $19000, ahora tiene 35o hrs el nuevo motor y ya tuve que cambiar el filtro de combustible y me cobraron $560 realmente ridiculo la manera como uno pierde dinero. No se las recomiendo, conozco a otras personas que tienen problemas similares.
Oh S%$#, what a horrible design, didn't CAT realize there's people who do their own maintenance? It's very likely CAT planed that the owner would see the difficulties and have the dealership do it for them (at an exorbitant cost). Most car dealerships get a majority of profit not from selling the vehicle but from repairs (planed obsolescence).
At 3000 hrs the machine will totally shut down for a mandatory EGR cleaning only by a dealership. How about that bs. It goes on and on. What do they think we do with these? Mine gold??
@@precisionfilms3777 when it does that, just go to a diesel shop and have the egr system removed and the ECU reflashed so it doesnt throw a code.... solves your problem easily... might cost 2,500-3k at most.
@@troyadams4890 Its a money pit. So I choose to use it sparingly. Come lawn install season it will be ran and ran hard. She dont get hall pass come lawn install season
Cat charged you $180 for a $20 posi flow pick up pump lmao that's bad literally it's the posiflow brand you can get them right at napa same thing and that one is also there older shittyy style they have all sealed up ones in plastic now that's like the style from the 80s
Im not suprised. They brand everything and quadruple the price. They say things like well Cat doesnt recommend that you use that. They want you to only buy parts from them.
@@precisionfilms3777 yeah most of any parts you need I'd outsource them first like hydraulic motors will be half the price from direct supply than from the dealer cause dealers gotta make money off of parts but to what point is just simple rape lol
I think you are a dope one good one was when you went to change the oil filter a smart man would have had the fuel filter off more room take the black plastic protection cover that's over the back even more room taken the plastic off the filter oil the seal place a clean light weight rag over it while lining it up to screw on then take the rag off prestoe clean ready to screw on
@@MilesMakeMoney It seems to be a good skid its just over engendered. I still have it. No immediate plans to sell it. Although I do consider selling for something simple and cheaper like a t190.
@@MilesMakeMoney they are a good machine with no burn off emissions and anti-stall. had a 16' and traded it for a 18' with more goodies. I am happy with the 259d
I didn't check the fuse until after the new pump was installed. Something the service manager should of suggested before selling me a pump. Its all fixed now. Its whatever. Lesson learned. Always check fuses first. I sorta skipped that step because he was so adamant it was a pump it took me out of my normal thought process. I need to stop listening to ppl and go with my own thoughts.
ONCE THEY GET OVER THE 3,000 HOURS YOU MOST LIKELY WILL HAVE A MAJOR ISSUE WITH MACHINE GOING LIMP AND HAVE TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER... COMMON ISSUE!
Sir, As to the fuel filter,all you needed to do was to fill the filter with fuel.You need to find another dealer. Did you buy it from them or a private person? How old is this machine? I would also go to stores like NAPA for filters, oil and the like.I would not be afraid of it. These are machines built to take abuse.You have a good machine there.Use it.Ken
With new diesels and and there high pressure injector pumps and how everything is much smaller on the injectors spray so I would never prefill a fuel filter on a newer diesel older diesel like mechanical or early 2000s at most I'd prefill other than that let the filter fill itself through pumping
@@mikethorntonr1 Why not? The electric fuel pump delivers fuel to the engine driven fuel pump that increases the pressure for the injectors.It's a way for Caterpillar to sell more over priced parts.The filter does not fill itself. A electric pump fills it. You can get a 12 volt electric pump from NAPA for a lot less.
That would have been helpful to me a year and a half ago. Otherwise it has proven to be a worthy investment thus far and I digress on my negative first impressions.
I own 2012 cat 247b I made a ton of money with it. It was fun to operate and did a great job minor repairs that cat took care of for me I want the 239 next your machine is a great machine
I own a KENWORTH truck with a cat c15. I had to go to the stealership here in Vegas and they wanted to rape me but the field rep who is the coolest guy I know that has a UA-cam channel too talked to them and took off two hours off the bill. His channel is adept ape
Fully packed full of mud. And it falls out with a finger poke hahah. Bro this is the worst Is it a joke. This guy is joking right hahaha. See that kk hissy got I hit my hand hahahahahhaa. No fucking way. This guy need a different job for sure
Clearly you weren’t on level ground while checking tracks. Why would both tracks be out in same direction. Should have just taken some simple measurements. Also sounds like your pickup pump was perfectly fine and you just blew a fuse.
You can clearly see the tracks are kicked in from behind. I have measured them on level ground. It's just were I happend to be parking during filming. As for the pump if it blew 1 fuse it will blow another. I don't want to keep changing fuses. That's not fixed.
Maybe you should disconnect the battery before working on the machine, you probably have some wire issues. I’ve noticed owner’s mentioning electrical issues. I love my old school Gehl 4840
Good guess but no. I could go in my barn after machine has been sitting for a week now. Guarantee its still clicking once every second. Ill go back there and make a video just to prove it if you want.
@@ronknoedler it had a Cat Rental Store sticker on the loader arm. I peeled it off. Engine runs fine. I've looked inside the intake hose after removing both filters and it's super clean inside. I've ran this unit for about 35hrs now and everything seems good.
A basic 7-8 psi generic lift pump won't work properly....these units need around 60psi to supply the pump...lower pressure lift pumps will rob the engine of power
If you are not a good mechanic you can't afford to own or run used equipment... Learn troubleshooting . These are much better machines than other brands. CAT service parts the best no one comes close. A new machine is 90k Pre filters pick up screens before pumps are always ignored and cause havoc. I saw people put new injection pumps on machine s for no reason . Best to start at tank and clean your way to filter. Common problem on many brands.
I'm about to film my 1 year review of the machine. I think you will like my outlook on the machine now that I spent some time in the seat. Subscribe to the channel and stay tuned.
talking about poor designs in caterpillar manufacture !! i have list probably more than 100 points which is not just poor design but ridiculous stupidity and trap costumer for money spending combination . i have caterpillar 242 D which almost gave me nerves brake down each time i have to do basic service on it and fix and replace chip plastic parts which brake and there you are THEY COST LITTLE FORTUNE !! considering chip cost of production and absurdly low quality on them . not long after i purchase that machine i regret with all my heart that i ever turn my eye on caterpillar loader ... the brand name which was great in the past became a scam and additional material for movie IDIOCRACY . one of this days i'll make list of the issues and put it on you tube ... i'm sure that there is many more victims out there swearing latest caterpillar rip off in day light policy .
Over the last 2 year of owning my 259d I've been lucky. No issues. I'm only at 1100 hrs tho. I will say I rock back and forth ALOT with that torsion suspension. It's definitely counter intuitive at this point.
Well buddythe normally not talked about stuff is really just normal 🙄 dont bitch about a used machine i think you could have captured to audience better a different approach for what you were trying to achieve just be thankful there isnt a Pepsi can being used as a nice little rod bearing or crank bearing!👍
My personality has a tendency to look over positive attributes and focus on flaws. Flaws once corrected are how greatness is achieved. The D3 has updates on almost every issues I found with the machine. Probably from user feedback like my video for example. I really wish I could just be contempt with things, equipment etc. I'm always seeking a way to improve. I come across like a very negative person and I don't think this makes me a very likable person to the majority of people however I might have a similar personality as someone in engineering.
Cat makes the most reliable skidsteer at the moment. Tracks could use a bit more design tweaks but regardless the repairs on tracks are very easy. Bobcat, JD, Kubota, etc all have way too many steps to repair hydraulic lines or sensors.
Your paying for overrated name, cat build great heavy equipment. Not much experience with skid steers. Buy a bobcat they build compact equipment and do it well. Engine is a kubota block with cat parts
Watch my video about Cat skid steer A series vs D series. The A series skid steer was built like a D11 dozer. The D series has all these creature comforts that are points of failure all over the place. Bobcat copied the track torsion setup on the new skids. Bobcat attempted to do a AHC on the G series that was a failure. Cat has always only offered hand controls. The A series was a excellent machine and it was Cats first generation skid. Are all skid steer brand machines now sacrificing reliability for these creature comforts? EGR and SCR emissions? Thats whats killing these things these days.
I'm just going to say these machines aren't perfect but at the end of the day I think they are one of the most reliable machines out there. Im a owner operator that puts typically 1300 to 1500 hours a year on it. I've owned a 2016 ran to 3500 hours, and currently have a 2019 with 2700 hours on it working out a trade agreement on a new one for this up coming May. The fuel pumps seem to only last 500 to 700 hours before they just stop working I keep a spare with me at all times. You get good at replacing them and I can do it in 10 minutes. The hydraulic lines going to the drives I take tire inertube and wrap them good helps to protect them. They typically wear through hoses as there going threw the frame I typically check them in my off season and replace any that are damaged. Saves alot of cursing if having a line blow on site. You take the tracks off, undo the bolts on the pivot points on the undercarriage and it will side out quite aways making changing lines almost fun. The Boom hoses i replace once a year 1300 to 1500 h I think I blew one at 1600 or 1700 hours. If you look at the back of the boom where the lines run the last clamp attached to the frame of the skidsteer is where the line flexes the worst once you see the line disform there its only a matter of time before it explodes. On my last machine the undercage was worn out half of the oil bathed bearing bogie wheels blew within 200 hours never did replace a bogie before trading it in. Had Asv/ terex skidsteers before and the life expectancy was half before needing a whole new uncariage. They are tough machines for the most part but getting them up in hours with very few problems comes down to operator if you abuse them they will break at some point. You take care of it should get alot of life out of it.
fuel pumps 18$ EBAY
For real I put a lot of hours on skids have had a few different kinds. Cat by far the best. Deere durable but clunky cat is an operators machine for sure
Most reliable ?! ..you got to be joking , specially that right after this statement you already make list of issues which shouldn't be there at all .
Did you ever use kubota , takeuchi or even bobcat skids ? bobcat lately also have idiots designers which never work in the field sitting behind the computer and making "IMPROVEMENTS " but is way behind caterpillar with the level of stupidity .
@@stanjarmolowicz To each there own on comparing reliability. I'm no expert with every other brand. I was explaining what I do to it to save my self money and down time. The three issues I discussed fuel pump, boom hoses and drive hoses have been changed modified on the 259 d3. Fuel filter pump redesigned, boom hose clamp at the back of boom was changed slightly to ease sharp bending of hoses. And there is a new plastic rubber hose holder mount for the hydralic drive lines going into the side of the machine. It's about time they addressed it no more wrapping lines like I used too. It does for some reason make the cab a little noisier but I like the design of it so I'm not making a huge fuss about it. I've had zero issues with the new machine just over 1000 hours on it. It's a comfortable machine for my self too sit in everyday and operate. Simple machines are a thing of the past there all full of electronics and emission systems no getting around it.
@@derekricker7930 I agree with you, I'd be really worn out running it all day.
Great video overall. I'm nearly 50 years old and have been involved in agriculture my whole life. I've owned various equipment through that time. My point to viewers with less experience is this: equipment ALWAYS breaks down. There will always be pain in the rear stuff to deal with. All makes and all models have their quirks. Lastly $125/hour shop labor ain't bad for them to work on a $60,000-$75,000 machine. If you think this machine has mud or dirt, wait till you look in a big track loader or dozer that has been working pond clean out. As my dad once said, "you wipe your butt everyday, so clean your equipment when it gets dirty!"
Cheers friends! Don't get divided over the small; stuff we all live on the same rock in space!
I like that you took the tike to explain and show what you were doing. Very patient and easy to hear and understand.
If you have time, I would like a video on a scenario that happened at our company. Mud and dirt caked around bucket disconnect, and temps were under 20 degrees, bucket did not want to release, another operator was helping and took a hammer to help release pin while bucket was in the air, and the bucket fell on his foot, ouch!
Maybe the track lean angle is affected by unlevel ground.
your way only works if your on perfectly level ground
I had to film the video in this spot. You can see it with the bare eyeball no matter where you park it. Its blatantly obvious.
@@precisionfilms3777 It's nothing to do with that. He is right you need to be on level ground to begin with. you were about 50mm at the top one side and 25mm at the bottom the other. I think you may well be onto something but the total difference is 25mm.
@@toast47624 the tracks have alot of movement. Better than a ridged design tho after spending alot of time in the machine. I couldn't imagine all day with no suspension
The drive motor housing supports bed causing the toe in as you pointed out, that was changed for 2017, but the torsion axles will also cause the undercarriage to shift around slightly.
Can you go into more detail about the drive motor housing. I did notice that it appears to be slightly inward. Im going to update a few things from the D3. Is this something that could be updated?
To get a correct measurement using a level then your machine must be on level concrete slab. Your tractor could be leaning.
Finally some realistic talk on these units,place I used to work bought cat track skidsteers and by year 3 the operating costs were higher than our D8 hightrack dozers,the speed,comfort and traction was far superior to other brands but operating costs were crazy,also with the torsion suspension it is very hard to do precision grading with the body and bucket floating around on all that suspension,using a milling head or 6 way blade are pointless on these units.
It's constantly saying "unable to retrieve event codes". My 3 other skids are from the early 2000s and they never break down and when they do its a obvious leak that can be fixed with a crescent wrench. I havent even been able to take it on a job yet thanks to covid 19. Id sell it but I probably will loose money right now. What do you suggest I do?
Precision Films It’s been 4 years since I worked on a cat track skid steer but I’ve been a construction machinery technician for 27 years,I run into this situation with other brands and what it means is whatever controller is coding is loosing power probly when you turn the key off,it similar to the radio in your car,it has a full time power supply and a switched supply,you may have lost your full time supply,in a car this will make you loose all your presets,on a machine controller it will throw codes like this,if it is their 4 with a dpf or def system and you turn a master switch off too soon after turning the ignition off it will also throw these codes as teir 4 machines require several minutes to shut down after you shut the key off,hope that helps
@ David Williams I have never had issues with grading with my CTL being equipped with the torsion suspension on my 259
Fuel pumps, and leaking fuel lines. My friend who runs CAT skids says he gets a free pump every time he changes filters, but he also trades his in every 2 years so its always under warranty. He has also had issues with the track pivots wearing and being towed in and wearing tracks oddly. A few other people i have talked to mentioned bent booms also. Seems to be worse on the bigger skids. Drive motors used to be problematic also but think they have those issues fixed now.
The guy i bought my VTS tracks off of took them off his 262C. He had recently bought a 289D so no longer needed the tracks cause now he had a wheeled for demo and tracked for grade work. He thought he had already bent the arms on the 289 loading out some riprap. He loaded us out with an old NH Skid that had 11,000 hours on it that he used for farm work. He made the comment that neither one of those CAT skids would ever make that many hours.
Oh how I felt that smash in your hand. Hitting those hard iron surfaces with your soft hands it's a three stages pain.
It can ruin good day
I've seen tracks with a broken belt wire inside from hitting heavy rocks. Usually they end up throwing a track
There is a prices to prime after replacing the fuel filter. Turn the key on and off a few times, you'll hear it pulling fuel up.
I had the same issue with mine , cat finally acknowledged there was a problem as it was destroying tracks , they pulled the undercarriage apart and did a lot of mods witch fixed the problem for 12 months but now the machine is doing it again
You should find out exactly what they did for me. Also how did it destroy tracks? Excessive wear on the guides on the inside of the tracks?
For the hose plate we had a a fab shop make a custom one that extended another 4-5 inches back towards the finals. Just had to replace the axles on our 259d. Around 500 per axle but it was an easy job. Never had fuel issues out of ours. 2000 hours and counting.
Are the rear axles hard to replace?
It's clearly not on level ground.
I know it may appear that this is the reason but I have checked them on level ground and had the same outcome. I will make a follow up video showing this.
God damn it man, listening to you ramble is so grading.
@MoralConflict for some reason I say stupid stuff when I hit record. I'm actually not that negative
-Those new fuel pumps are way more reliable than the old ones, note the different part numbers. The 554 number almost never fails. And dont overthink the fuse, the pump seized and blew the fuse. Its not dangerous and diesel isnt going to explode.
-The clicking is the GPS keeping time. If you arent using it you can unplug it. Its the box on the underside of the cab with a light on it.
-The opening is definently how dirt and mud get under the cab, but your not going to cut a reinforced hose with a shovel. Or maybe dont let Edward Scissorhands clean your tracks.
-The filter sucks. I use a strap wrench on an extension to break it loose, then wiggle it out the top.
-I'm sorry your dealer is that way, ours does our best to help out when we can over the phone. We might lose the labor on one failure, but if the customer trusts you they will call in the future.
-Splurge and upgrade the monitor to the advanced display, with the digital gauges, the ability to read codes and do minor troubleshooting will really change the game in future problems.
Wow. Thanks for taking the time to explain things. I know I sound pessimistic about the machine but it has been a excellent tool and has made my life much easier. Whats the GPS used for. Laser grading? Theft?
I hear alot of people getting those drive hoses replaced after failure.
I have the advanced monitor. It's always saying "unable to retrieve event codes"
@@precisionfilms3777 gps is for tracking mainly. It also notifies you there is a fault code if you have the account, mainly for large companies.
The drive hoses are more likely to rub against the hose guard causing them to fail, so periodically check for abrasions, then you could adjust the hoses if needed to stop further wear.
Unable to retrieve codes means there aren't any. If a code becomes active it will pop up on the main screen. There is also a screen called parameters, which can show basic readings like joystick position and drive motor speed, which can be useful with troubleshooting.
very informative thank you!
Facet makes an identical fuel pump with the correct plug $100 < Cat just went through this.
I'm not sure what I took away from this video.
Haha. Yeah. I kinda know what you mean.
He's a whiner!! Needs to grow a pair is what I took away.
@@beachboy4059 I'm working on my negative attitude
Worth what you paid
Click off at any time. Somewhat ironic you are whining about a whiner
I recently sold my T870 bobcat with 300 hours on it. I also sold my T770
Both had 75$ fuel filters high pressure common rail systems to many sensors to count and DEF
Went back to T 300 bobcats with low hours. The tech has gotten terrible but there is no improvement in capability. A 2008 T 300 will do anything a new T 770 will do with less bullshit and a 10$ fuel filter and a fuel system that will eat junk fuel.
I've had a few bobcats. Once I bought Caterpillar I could never go back. Old or new. I like new. Things I failed to mention in my video is how quiet it is, odorless, smooth and comfortable the 259D is. I should do a 2 year review. Fact I think I will tomorrow
we have 8 cat skid loaders old being a 226b with 8300hrs on it runs great next oldest is a 232b with 6700hrs on it the rest are all the bigger new electronic and turbo machines 2 wheeled and 4 tracked ones. vary little ever gos wrong with them they start a 715am and run till 6pm 6 days a week we lift cabs and pressure wash 1 time a month, change oil every 3 months, fuel filters once a yr, and hydro filters are every 2yrs or when a hose or cylinder seal go's and last is 1 pump of grease in every spot on start of day Wednesday and Saturday or 3days of use. with that routine we only ever had one machine die and it only had 400hr on it was a 267c and was a computer problem back when the c was new and had problems and they couldnt get it work right clev. brothers bought the machine back. other then that the 226 got a hydro pump at 7k hrs, some bucket pins the rest over 17yrs now have been just normal wear items. we tried some other test brand machines and we just didnt like most and the facted we could get new guy running safely in just a few days. hope that helps
I have a 252A too. Its a tank. Literally. I've been very please with both machines.
I own a 2016 259D , first , the oil filter is in a terrible spot. Horrible . Also , i had to change the battery recently , and i could not reach the negitive cable post. No issues other than that. Use it for picking up trees and limbs . Does great work .
Its grown on me. Im beginning to have some faith in it. Its has its quirks but the ride quality compared to other track machines is outstanding.
🤷🏼♂️ You should have put the level on the large flat face of the loader frame to establish how level the machine was to start with. The fact that the other side showed the exact opposite, indicates that you were on a slope. Not saying your track frames aren’t tipping as you state, but the way you measured it was meaningless (sorry) it is what it is.
Have you ever looked at the tracks on a 259d in person from behind the machine?
Like siskiyou woodsman said, he wasn’t doubting your claim. Only stating that using a level on a machine on gravel is useless unless you establish that the gravel is on an even flat level surface. It’s an obvious defect in the assessment. Same test on level ground would be helpful. Good video we appreciate you taking the time to share it.
You need to invest in a pressure washer. I would have pressure washed it and taken it to CAT for the initial checkup and maintenance, regardless of the cost. That way you’d know the needed repairs and perhaps maybe tackle many of them in your own.
Oh I did. I flipped the cab. Shop vac all the dirt out of the belly. I don't like spraying water all over electronics. I have ran thru just about everything. The machine isn't a p.o S.. its descent.
Did you try the old pump after changing the fuse?.....could have been the fuse the entire time. I change my filters every 2 months. Havnt had a problem with the pump. I have the same exact machine and I've tried all the brands. Cat has the best quality machines and by far the best service.
I threw the old pump out. It very well could have been the fuse all along. I didnt know to check the fuse and installed the pump already. The service manager should have told me to check the fuse first. But he didnt. Probably rather sell a pump. I like Cat equipment alot. I like the capacity of Cat service. I just dont like the price or the greed.
@@precisionfilms3777 ....I agree the price is high for sure..
@@precisionfilms3777 i don't agree, before you buy a $180 pump it is on you to diagnose if the fuse is blown.
@@smrruby The service manager at my Cat dealership told me I needed it and when the filter didn't prime I assumed he was right instead of testing the fuse. Why did the old pump blow a fuse?
@@precisionfilms3777 priming on filter change is a problem on all diesels. I just bought my used 289c this week so I'm not sure what the cat procedure is but does it call for filling the filter with fuel when you replace it, or is their an air vent you need to open to bleed it? It is possible if the pump was run dry too long trying to prime that it burned out and blew the fuse. I agree with others though that even though the pump says Cat it looks exactly like the cheapest electric pump that you can buy at most discount auto parts stores.
You have the best machine on the market stop nit picking it's the smoothist riding and will outlast any other machine hands down
Yep. Your right. I was just being a nervous Nelly. I love this thing
I’m not a genius but normally when you start messing around with a level you should make sure your machine is on a level surface
How do you know it wasn't on a flat surface? Are you making a assumption?
You should check the hoses that run from the track motors to beneath the cab. They make contact with the body and will rub through If you don’t take preventative measures. Also, if that fuel primer pump ever goes out again I would suggest buying a Similar $40 pump from an auto-parts store
The hose routing on these cats is shit ' the hoses under the cabs rub through weekly
Changing the hydraulic fluid isn't so bad. I did the same thing you did. I bought a used one and changed all the fluids and washed inside and out. On the hose to your final drive someone had added a bigger hose and wrapped it and then the used like a piece of tire tube and covered the hole where the lines run through
Why don't you fabricate a longer guard for that problem with the hydraulic hose?
before o owned older bobcat 763 which was great machine ...simple ,reliable regardles of over 3000 hours on it . but i lost it in wild fire created by PG&E power line ....lost house as well and everything i owned .
then i both the caterpillar to rebuild and clean the after fire mess ... instead i'm spending now most of my precious time and money fixing the machine , running back and forth to dealership to get parts and informations . ..sensors , chip plastic parts which brake all the time etc etc .
one day i'll upgrade it again in to old model bobcat , replace worn out parts and have again working reliable machine ...tired of electronic " progress " on heavy equipment .
I read about that fire and the cause. Sorry for your loss.
Dude, you can’t check the tracks for plumb while it’s setting on a uneven gravel lot. Having the machine setting on a perfect level floor is the only way that would be possible.
Your absolutely correct. I just wanted to convey the fact that they move in and out as upposed to a fix track suspension.
, If you get into house construction you’ll learn how to use level but yes you have to have it parked on perfectly level ground Side to side, to get a true reading on your vertical test, but you’ve got the right idea that’s a good thing to be aware of
I think he knows that.
I have a 2018 259D with only 170 hrs on it., I change oil every 25 hrs and filter. The secret I found is to take off the positive cable and move it back out of the way, sure makes it easier to get to the oil filter.
25 hrs is excessive. But hey I grease mine every 4 hrs so I guess to each his own. I've been running mine alot lately. It's a real treat to use. Makes my job not so bad
Shit, I thought I was the only nutter....🤣
My manual on the 299D2 XHP says change the oil every 500 hours. I change every 400 hours but it also sets in a climate controlled building 90% of its life.
Yeup, theres an update for that transfer pump. Warranty should cover it!
the term is plumb ..... you dont level vertically ! 2017 cat 259 d , bought it new . currently 1063 hours and just had a head gasket go and 1 drive motor as well . i still like the machine . when the service guy called and said i had a bad head gasket , i asked him if they are putting 6.0 powerstroke diesels in these things or what? 1000 hours seemed rather low considering i have an old case 1845 c with 3400 ever living piss pounded hours on with no real problems.... oh well , i dont know enough about these machines or others to make an educated comment on which machine is the best .... i basically came on here to tell you to quit saying the fucking word level when you have the stick vertical.... lol . its plumb
I wish I could re do this video not because of the level plumb thing but everybody says machine isn't level and that I'm full of it. I would have done things differently but its the most viewed video I have currently. Not sure why it's so viewed.
Stop worrying and run the damn thing and make money lol put the level away
I did. Its fine. Im over it.
I always go thru this stage when I buy something where I'm like..... oh shit did I just buy a p.o.s? Nbd man. I like making videos.
GOOD INFO THAT'S ABOUT THE 5TH TIME I WATCHED A VIDEO ON CAT AND THE OIL FILTER IS A REAL PAIN. HOSE IN TRACK REALLY IS STUPIDFUEL PUMP WITH FUEL FILTER CHANGE...I'VE SEEN ENOUGH. NO NEW CAT FOR ME. I WAS LOOKING AT PURCHASING A 2020 249 D3. I EVEN ASKED ABOUT THE OIL FILTER. OH NO PROBLEM....YA RIGHT. THANKS FOR THE INFO
I actually love it. Lol after spending some serious time in the driver's seat I'm very pleased. But.... .... if you have to go to the cat dealer.. oh no. I'm screwed. $10,000 oil changes. Lol
bear9923 no burn off emissions and a anti-stall makes it a great machine
The oil filter in the 239d and 249d is in a different spot becasuse it has a different engine from the 259. So it is easier. If you remove the positive battery cable and bend it up and back the filter comes right out on the 259 - 299 . Or remove the battery if its really stuck on to get batter access
If a $180 fuel pump bothers you, you should’nt have bought a CAT. CATs aren’t cheap.
What are we gna talk about then
All great information. Thank you. There is usually a workaround for issues on all equipment. If not, it can be expensive. I use products from NAPA on all my equipment and haven't had any product related issues. If you go Takeuchi, do some homework. An operator friend said he had lots of downtime with Taks because the tracks kept coming off. Can anyone confirm?
Thank you. Just replaced fuel pump and the fuse had blown even though it wasnt blown prior to changing the pump
My 262d fuse was blown too.
If there's room for it (doesn't look like it), I'd suggest adding a remote oil filter unit (orientated correctly)? ;-)
Did you ever figure out why your tracks were tilted in? I'm having the same issue.... please let me know.
I pretty much have accepted them being tilted inward at this point. I have put about 35 hrs on the machine like this. I haven't had any real visable issues at this time. I think that just how they are or at least thats what I'm telling myself. I wouldn't worry bout it unless your having a issue. Let me know if you have a issue.
@@precisionfilms3777 Honestly I've looked up and down the interweb for issues like this and haven't seen one post regarding this problem. I called my local cat dealer and they claim it is normal......? I highly doubt that theory. I've seen 15 year old track loaders and everyone I see the tracks stand up straight. Why when I drop 50k on a machine my tracks are tilted?
@@Cspaz all Cat track loader after about 2013 have a torsion suspension that gives the macine a nicer ride. This is why the tracks are tilted. I dont like it either but it is what it is. It does ride alot better that a fixed track. Bobcat just released a torsion setup as well. Overall I love the machine. Just don't pay any attention to the tilted tracks. I worried myself sick then I just said screw it im running it till something breaks but it never did. It will be ok.
Polish it up and sell it
@@Cspaz I've seen other videos where people noticed the camber of the tracks pointing inward. There are also several other videos where people had the same exact problems he had in this video.
Best advice I have to keep more of your hard earned $ from the cat house is spend the $ on the actual cat manual on your machine, they are pricey, but usually more informative than talking to a service rep. It won't take many in house repairs to pay for itself, good luck!
I agree. They charge 2hrs just to plug the laptop in. Its out of control. Im not looking foward to it. I want to sell it but im attracted to the air ride seat and a/c. Its a problem... a real problem
@@precisionfilms3777 also in previous models the air filter would need to be cleaned on a DAILY basis in dusty conditions, we actually trashed a motor once not knowing this, we had bobcats previously which could go a week or more in the same conditions, so keep an eye on it
@@digdug2626 Did it soil the pre filter too? I would think it would just restrict airflo and probably throw a light on the computer screen. You saying it trashed the engine by allowing dirt in the intake?
@@precisionfilms3777 outer filter only, this was a early 277, somehow the filter housing ended up coming apart and let the debris directly into the intake, pretty sure that issue has been long resolved, but the last cat skid steer I rented a few years back still had an issue of clogging the outer element in less than 8hrs in dusty conditions(like brush mowing) to the point it would start consuming engine oil if you didn't keep up with it, the Bobcats , jd and case machines just have a superior preclean method.
@@precisionfilms3777 Trashed or "dusted " engines are the result usually of an improper seal in your intake hoses somewhere.
I’m Truly Thinking 🤔 About That Fuel Pump Next Time Disconnects The Battery First And Removed The 15 amp Fuse I Think It’s Carries A Courant DC Charge Some Where Some How In The Fuse Panel That’s How The Started And Fuse Got Damages ⚡️Even If The Key 🔑 Isn’t In The Ignition Switch 🤷♂️
It could of been the fuse all along but I didnt know that until I installed the new pump but nevertheless its something I found peculiar to change a fuel filter. I feel like Cat comes out with a new series of machine to fix all their mess up quite often. Next is a Cat 259D4 to fix more issues. Lol
Sorry you bought that piece of shit, hopefully it still makes $ for you. I really appreciate this video and you for sharing your experience.
I currently love the machine as I dont have any issues at this time with it however that could change the next time I use it.
I have a new 279d3 track skid steer. it has 15 hours and I have noticed my tracks are leaning out at the top, causing it to ride on the outer side of the track more than the inside. Is that the way you all's is leaning?
Mine lean inward. But I'm coming to find just dont pay any attention to it. Run it. Its just how they move with the track suspension.
@@precisionfilms3777 From what I was seeing in your video one side leaned in at the top and the other leaned out at the top, correct? Both of mine lean out at the top causing it to ride more on the outside of the tracks. I was told before I ever bought it that people are bad about not keeping the axles greased and it causes them to wear and lean inward at the top. Mine are completely opposite. Supposedly and "undercarriage specialist" is coming to look at mine.
@@BamaGuppies I drove myself mad trying to figure them out. I just grease and go now. No worries.
@@BamaGuppies so what happened with the specialist?
@@nathanmccorkle4278 He said he had never seen anything like it before. He was about to get the service dept to starting shimming stuff. I said, "hold on" so we called their guy that has access to engineering. They said it should have a few degrees of tilt and that makes it better for slopes. I call BS on the "slope" crap. Me and the undercarriage guy both believe that cat knows the rubber torsion axles are gonna wear in fairly quick so they go ahead and compensate for for the initial wear. We have looked at other units since and they are all the same as mine for the most part.
Next thing thats going to break is the torching bars that mount on bottom.
Do you speak from experience?
Do you mean torision bars?
Those tracks are going to move in and out on a single rear idler. They could be off tomorrow to the other side. That's not a good way to determine that.
Did you have the lock on the carriage when you had it in the air?
Be more specific about "lock"
The checks should be done on level concrete!
I'll post a video of my track wear. It will rectify the validity of this video
Cat machines have always had titled tracks like that
I'm going to rotate them after this season
Should have gotten a 257 those front idler sleeves just break in half when they wear thin as well as the idlers and sprockets it's all just a hybrid of an asv undercarriage. If you want a rigid undercarriage get a Kubota but good luck with that because if it ain't a cat it's a dawg! Hahaha
Not exactly sure what your saying but 257Ds are being phased out. ASV is amazingly still in buisness but not for long. The ASV undercarriage is extreamly high maintenance. So many rollers its silly. The 259D rollers and idlers seem fine. Just the torsion suspension that concerns me but Bobcat just copied the design for there new machines so it might just be the future of track skid steers.
Is that hydraulic fluid that you're draining from the drivemotor? It looks very black
It's final drive gear oil.
@@precisionfilms3777 so do you refill it with 90 weight gear oil or something like that?
@@todddavis5433 Caterpillar has a specific oil that goes in it but yeah its pretty much 90 weight.
@@precisionfilms3777 cool thanks for that information
Cat has two deal breakers for me. One is the side opening door. For the work I do, that wouldn’t work. The other thing is for these new Cat skid steers with DPF filters, there’s a mandatory 2500 hr change out. No way around it. What makes Cat so bad is that their DPF filter is located behind the engine if you are facing it from the rear. The job requires the engine to be pulled so it’s a $10,000 job!!!!!!!! So at 25000, pull out your wallet or sell your machine….and take a big hit on your sale price because the buyer is gonna need a new DPF filter. Add to that, CAT parts are generally quite a bit more than the competition. I don’t think you gain anything for all the extra cost. Case makes good machines. Kubota makes good machines. Bob Cat does too but their machines are priced quite a bit higher. I hear to stay away from JCB. I hear they have all kinds of problems. New Holland as well.
I think it's at 3000 hrs. I don't know about pulling the motor. I guess they can bake it to burn out the carbon. My 259D is pretty nice. It's made my job alot better from my old bobcat 763 days. The air ride + the track suspension helps. Cat service is crazy expensive just tack it on your quotes for jobs you bit to compensate. The machine gets me more work because people recognize the name. It's my star employee
Like any machine they break down, the guys that answer the phones are salesmen so they cant help. If you cant fix things or are to broke to take in for service than its cheaper to rent or hire machine and operator. Most machines are sold because they cant afford to keep fixing them or down time is to costly.
I'm thinking about a D3 in a few years. Try to find a low low hour. I run it everyday 52 weeks a year. My entire career is based around this machine
What year is this unit? Thanks
2014
I bought a new 259d in 2016, i could realy add to the list of problems, Im at 800 hours and in already at $4200, in parts and dealer only service due to electronic problems , 3 track motor censers, bad wire harness, left Joy stick comptroller, and Nope you cant Buy it and Put it in your self, Has to be installed only by cat due to it has to be calibrated to the machine using the cat service computer/laptop. Using it, for 74 hp, it is a weak machine and forget it if you work side hills or in snow or mud, wont turn, How can the 1st name in dirt work get it so Bad with the worst designed compact track loader in the market. all the littel details scream Cheep, Cheep, Cheep.
Oh no. I knew it. Its a gd timebomb. So whats the best brand? I want a ihi like camarta but there hard to find. Think im going to try and sell my 259d this summer
You should go watch video 13 of mine. I did a cat vs bobcat lift challenge just for fun. Some people got quite butt hurt.
Is the ground perfectly level?? Based on the "opposite " leaning maybe #1 that's the ground level problem?
My tracks now have about 300 hrs on them and have more wear on the inside than the outside by quite a bit. I will make a video about this to further illustrate the fact. Nobody believes me that they are tilted inward. Everyone says the same thing. Ground isn't level. Maybee so. It was the only place I could film at the time. Well my redemption is coming. What will people say once they see the track worn on the inside. Lol. Lmfao.
@@precisionfilms3777 wow.. that's interesting.. Because I'm looking at 259 and 279 at the moment trying to decide which one is better. But if this is the case, I need to think about it again. I don't think they are any differently built between those two models. Maybe I should go with completely different brand. Like bobcat or something..?
@@paveldimov8971 Don't get me wrong I love my 259D. I just bought a 262D for plowing because I couldn't stand Bobcats or any other brand. Air ride seat is amazing. Visibility out the front and sides is great and layout of cab is on point. Noise is low and controls are silky smooth. I will be upset if my inside track guides wear out before the tracks wear out tho. I'll throw some video of these tracks in my next video about my 262d. Might cut a film by tomorrow night so be on the lookout.
@@paveldimov8971 in a nutshell the 259d is great for working in technical tight areas like housing developments doing moderate lifting grading rockhounding basing up gravel patios ect. The 289 would be good for heavier lifting, backfilling foundations, earthmoving situations, but not super tight areas
Compre un 249 D en el 2015 , alrededor de las 2000hrs siempre se salían los Tracks, la reparación costaba 12000 realmente ridiculo Holt cat de sulphur spring Texas, opte por intercambiar por un 249D3 y fue lo peor que hice, a los 4 meses con 350 hrs se fundieron los inyectores, remplazaron el motor y lo peor de todo que la garantía, la garantía extendida ni la aseguranza se hicieron responsables de una máquina con tan pocas horas. Tuve que pagar $15000 y sumado a esto los cuatro meses que pague las mensualidades prácticamente perdí $19000, ahora tiene 35o hrs el nuevo motor y ya tuve que cambiar el filtro de combustible y me cobraron $560 realmente ridiculo la manera como uno pierde dinero. No se las recomiendo, conozco a otras personas que tienen problemas similares.
Thats what I thought!
To do that you need level floor
Oh S%$#, what a horrible design, didn't CAT realize there's people who do their own maintenance?
It's very likely CAT planed that the owner would see the difficulties and have the dealership do it for them (at an exorbitant cost).
Most car dealerships get a majority of profit not from selling the vehicle but from repairs (planed obsolescence).
At 3000 hrs the machine will totally shut down for a mandatory EGR cleaning only by a dealership. How about that bs. It goes on and on. What do they think we do with these? Mine gold??
@@precisionfilms3777 when it does that, just go to a diesel shop and have the egr system removed and the ECU reflashed so it doesnt throw a code.... solves your problem easily... might cost 2,500-3k at most.
@@troyadams4890 Its a money pit. So I choose to use it sparingly. Come lawn install season it will be ran and ran hard. She dont get hall pass come lawn install season
Fuel pump is about $40 at most auto shops
I try to keep everything OEM
Cat charged you $180 for a $20 posi flow pick up pump lmao that's bad literally it's the posiflow brand you can get them right at napa same thing and that one is also there older shittyy style they have all sealed up ones in plastic now that's like the style from the 80s
Im not suprised. They brand everything and quadruple the price. They say things like well Cat doesnt recommend that you use that. They want you to only buy parts from them.
@@precisionfilms3777 yeah most of any parts you need I'd outsource them first like hydraulic motors will be half the price from direct supply than from the dealer cause dealers gotta make money off of parts but to what point is just simple rape lol
Make shure it sit level on growd!🙂
I think you are a dope one good one was when you went to change the oil filter a smart man would have had the fuel filter off more room take the black plastic protection cover that's over the back even more room taken the plastic off the filter oil the seal place a clean light weight rag over it while lining it up to screw on then take the rag off prestoe clean ready to screw on
True. All True. I'm about to change the oil again. Noted
How many hours do you have on your cat?
980 hrs
@@precisionfilms3777 oh wow that definitely scares me away from buying one in cash with 2500 hours. Have you gotten another brand yet?
@@MilesMakeMoney It seems to be a good skid its just over engendered. I still have it. No immediate plans to sell it. Although I do consider selling for something simple and cheaper like a t190.
@@MilesMakeMoney they are a good machine with no burn off emissions and anti-stall. had a 16' and traded it for a 18' with more goodies. I am happy with the 259d
I bet the fuse was the problem old pump was probably good .check them with a amp probe or hot wire
I didn't check the fuse until after the new pump was installed. Something the service manager should of suggested before selling me a pump. Its all fixed now. Its whatever. Lesson learned. Always check fuses first. I sorta skipped that step because he was so adamant it was a pump it took me out of my normal thought process. I need to stop listening to ppl and go with my own thoughts.
People will give you bad advise 9 out of 10 times.
ONCE THEY GET OVER THE 3,000 HOURS YOU MOST LIKELY WILL HAVE A MAJOR ISSUE WITH MACHINE GOING LIMP AND HAVE TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER... COMMON ISSUE!
100 precent. At the rate I'm going that won't be for 10 years so by then I'll be ready for a new one
Sir, As to the fuel filter,all you needed to do was to fill the filter with fuel.You need to find another dealer. Did you buy it from them or a private person? How old is this machine? I would also go to stores like NAPA for filters, oil and the like.I would not be afraid of it. These are machines built to take abuse.You have a good machine there.Use it.Ken
It says in the manual not to pre fill fuel filter. I do like the machine but it is not going to be cheap to maintain.
With new diesels and and there high pressure injector pumps and how everything is much smaller on the injectors spray so I would never prefill a fuel filter on a newer diesel older diesel like mechanical or early 2000s at most I'd prefill other than that let the filter fill itself through pumping
@@mikethorntonr1 Why not? The electric fuel pump delivers fuel to the engine driven fuel pump that increases the pressure for the injectors.It's a way for Caterpillar to sell more over priced parts.The filter does not fill itself. A electric pump fills it. You can get a 12 volt electric pump from NAPA for a lot less.
Buddy you need to be parked on level ground to be accurate
I had to film the video in this spot. You can see it with the bare eyeball no matter where you park it. Its blatantly obvious.
that fuel pump u can be bought for $18 EBAY JUST DOSENT HAVE THE CAT STICKER
That would have been helpful to me a year and a half ago. Otherwise it has proven to be a worthy investment thus far and I digress on my negative first impressions.
I own 2012 cat 247b I made a ton of money with it. It was fun to operate and did a great job minor repairs that cat took care of for me I want the 239 next your machine is a great machine
It's been a real machine and I'd never look back now
@@precisionfilms3777 good. Hang in there..
I own a KENWORTH truck with a cat c15. I had to go to the stealership here in Vegas and they wanted to rape me but the field rep who is the coolest guy I know that has a UA-cam channel too talked to them and took off two hours off the bill. His channel is adept ape
entertainment
Think I'll buy a Tak or Kubota....
Fully packed full of mud. And it falls out with a finger poke hahah. Bro this is the worst Is it a joke. This guy is joking right hahaha. See that kk hissy got I hit my hand hahahahahhaa. No fucking way. This guy need a different job for sure
Your right. Your absolutely right. And yes it is a joke. Im definitely playing into to make a video.
Clearly you weren’t on level ground while checking tracks. Why would both tracks be out in same direction. Should have just taken some simple measurements. Also sounds like your pickup pump was perfectly fine and you just blew a fuse.
You can clearly see the tracks are kicked in from behind. I have measured them on level ground. It's just were I happend to be parking during filming. As for the pump if it blew 1 fuse it will blow another. I don't want to keep changing fuses. That's not fixed.
Maybe you should disconnect the battery before working on the machine, you probably have some wire issues. I’ve noticed owner’s mentioning electrical issues. I love my old school Gehl 4840
The clicking you hear is the hydraulic slowly going in to a resting position its normal
Good guess but no. I could go in my barn after machine has been sitting for a week now. Guarantee its still clicking once every second. Ill go back there and make a video just to prove it if you want.
@@precisionfilms3777 is it an hour meter making that noise?
@@ronknoedler Nope. That's all built into the computer
@@precisionfilms3777 was this unit a rental unit at one time?
@@ronknoedler it had a Cat Rental Store sticker on the loader arm. I peeled it off. Engine runs fine. I've looked inside the intake hose after removing both filters and it's super clean inside. I've ran this unit for about 35hrs now and everything seems good.
lol... are you on level ground? Come on!!!
It's blatantly obvious if you could see it in person. I get it level ground. I just wanted to convey a observation. Look at one and you will see.
@@precisionfilms3777 I own a Cat 259D.
And if it is not on level ground you can’t plumb the tracks!
I owned a 2016 model and hated it for all the exact reasons you stated, plus It CONSTANTLY blew hoses for no reason.
The machine isn’t level
Watch my follow up video
any 12 volt pump will work, alot cheaper
A basic 7-8 psi generic lift pump won't work properly....these units need around 60psi to supply the pump...lower pressure lift pumps will rob the engine of power
You bought a used machine, what do you expect?
If you are not a good mechanic you can't afford to own or run used equipment...
Learn troubleshooting .
These are much better machines than other brands.
CAT service parts the best no one comes close.
A new machine is 90k
Pre filters pick up screens before pumps are always ignored and cause havoc. I saw people put new injection pumps on machine s for no reason .
Best to start at tank and clean your way to filter.
Common problem on many brands.
I'm about to film my 1 year review of the machine. I think you will like my outlook on the machine now that I spent some time in the seat. Subscribe to the channel and stay tuned.
Watch the dipstick it'll wear that pipe it's touching 👍
talking about poor designs in caterpillar manufacture !! i have list probably more than 100 points which is not just poor design but ridiculous stupidity and trap costumer for money spending combination . i have caterpillar 242 D which almost gave me nerves brake down each time i have to do basic service on it and fix and replace chip plastic parts which brake and there you are THEY COST LITTLE FORTUNE !! considering chip cost of production and absurdly low quality on them .
not long after i purchase that machine i regret with all my heart that i ever turn my eye on caterpillar loader ... the brand name which was great in the past became a scam and additional material for movie IDIOCRACY .
one of this days i'll make list of the issues and put it on you tube ... i'm sure that there is many more victims out there swearing latest caterpillar rip off in day light policy .
Over the last 2 year of owning my 259d I've been lucky. No issues. I'm only at 1100 hrs tho. I will say I rock back and forth ALOT with that torsion suspension. It's definitely counter intuitive at this point.
CAT SKID STEERS ----I RATHER NOT COMMENT
Hahahaha this guy is funnny. It’s scary to blow a fuse Omg we are breading vaginas. Get an office job buddy
He's whining like a little girl I'm with you he needs to grow a pair!!
@@beachboy4059 hahah. Rewatched it. Lol he’s such a turd When he crushed his hand. 🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣
The red glasses and skinny khakis say all that needs to be said.
Well buddythe normally not talked about stuff is really just normal 🙄 dont bitch about a used machine i think you could have captured to audience better a different approach for what you were trying to achieve just be thankful there isnt a Pepsi can being used as a nice little rod bearing or crank bearing!👍
Do you say anything positive.?
My personality has a tendency to look over positive attributes and focus on flaws. Flaws once corrected are how greatness is achieved. The D3 has updates on almost every issues I found with the machine. Probably from user feedback like my video for example. I really wish I could just be contempt with things, equipment etc. I'm always seeking a way to improve. I come across like a very negative person and I don't think this makes me a very likable person to the majority of people however I might have a similar personality as someone in engineering.
Cat makes the most reliable skidsteer at the moment. Tracks could use a bit more design tweaks but regardless the repairs on tracks are very easy.
Bobcat, JD, Kubota, etc all have way too many steps to repair hydraulic lines or sensors.
Your paying for overrated name, cat build great heavy equipment. Not much experience with skid steers. Buy a bobcat they build compact equipment and do it well. Engine is a kubota block with cat parts
Watch my video about Cat skid steer A series vs D series. The A series skid steer was built like a D11 dozer. The D series has all these creature comforts that are points of failure all over the place. Bobcat copied the track torsion setup on the new skids. Bobcat attempted to do a AHC on the G series that was a failure. Cat has always only offered hand controls. The A series was a excellent machine and it was Cats first generation skid. Are all skid steer brand machines now sacrificing reliability for these creature comforts? EGR and SCR emissions? Thats whats killing these things these days.
Sounds like you like to complain your scared a lot,
Lotta money at stake. Cant have any big setbacks. This jobs hard enough as it is.
Lotta money at stake. Cant have any big setbacks. This job is hard enough as it is.
Trade it in for new bobcat, cab sucks anyway
I cant afford new is the problem.
Cat is garbage get kubota, Takeuchi, ihi, yanmar
I'm indifferent