Description

Bobcat S130 2008 Service Manual

You’ve got a Bobcat S130 2008 Service Manual on the bench, and that’s exactly what you need when the BICS system throws a code or the hydrostatic drive starts whining. I’ve seen guys waste an afternoon chasing a phantom electrical fault because they used a generic aftermarket diagram that had the pinouts swapped. This factory manual kills that guesswork. Let me walk you through what’s inside and why it matters when you’re elbow-deep in a loader.

Fire Prevention: What the Manual Covers

Page after page of the safety section drills into what you need to know before you even start the engine. Fire prevention covers maintenance, operation, electrical, hydraulic system, fueling, starting, and even welding and grinding. The manual tells you to have good ventilation when welding or grinding painted parts – toxic dust and gas can produce. It also warns about avoiding contact with leaking hydraulic fluid or diesel fuel under pressure because it can penetrate skin. I’ve seen a guy get hydraulic injection in his finger – that’s a trip to the ER, not a shop towel. This manual doesn’t treat safety like a sidebar; it’s built into every procedure.

Engine Cooling System: Cleaning and Coolant Replacement

You think you know how to flush a radiator on a skid-steer? The Bobcat S130 has a specific cleaning procedure and coolant level check that differs from automotive. The manual walks you through removing and replacing coolant with the correct fill and bleed sequence. Skip that step and you’ll overheat the engine before lunch. The factory spec for coolant type is in the Engine Cooling System chapter. Don’t guess – read it.

3 Hydraulic/Hydrostatic Fluid Charts You Need to Verify

The manual includes three separate fluid charts: hydraulic/hydrostatic fluid, case drain filters, and charge filter. Each one has a different capacity and viscosity grade. Using the wrong fluid in the hydrostatic loop causes pump cavitation and destroys drive motors. The S130 uses Bobcat’s own spec, and the manual spells it out. Also includes the breather cap maintenance – a cheap part that’ll cost you a hydraulic pump if you ignore it.

Does This Manual Cover the Electrical System?

Yes, and not in some generic way. The Electrical section (part of Fire Prevention and the schematics) gives you the exact wiring diagrams for the Bobcat Interlock Control System (BICS). If you’ve ever tried to trace a solenoid circuit with a third-party drawing, you know the pain. The factory manual shows you the connector pins, wire colors, and test points. You’ll also find the remote start tool kit procedure (MEL1563 and 6689779) – that’s how you bypass the cab sensor to start the engine from outside. Only use that for diagnostics, and only after reading the safety warnings on page… well, the manual makes you read them before you get to that page.

Source Validity: OEM vs Aftermarket Documentation

I trust a factory Bobcat manual because it’s written by the engineers who designed the machine. This is not a reprint; it’s the original dealer copy that Bobcat printed in 2008. The spec sheets, torque values, and part numbers are verified – not transcribed from a video. Aftermarket manuals often skip the safety procedures, mislabel the charge filter, or give you generic hydraulic pressures. You don’t want to set a main relief valve to the wrong pressure because some third-party publisher guessed. The S130 manual has the exact adjustment procedure for the main relief valve, complete with test points and allowable tolerances.

FAQ – Common Questions About This Manual

Does this manual include the BICS system troubleshooting?

Yes, the BICS (Bobcat Interlock Control System) is covered in the Electrical and Safety sections. You’ll find the cab door sensor calibration and remote start procedures.

What about the engine – is the Kubota diesel covered?

The manual includes the engine serial number location, maintenance intervals, and removal/replacement procedures for the cooling, fuel, and lubrication systems. It does not include a full engine rebuild – that’s in the separate engine service manual.

Can I use this for a 2009 S130?

This manual covers serial numbers A3KY11001 – A3KY19999 (2008 model year). Slight differences in later machines – cross-check your serial number.

Where do I find the hydraulic charge pressure spec?

The charge filter removal and replacement section lists the filter part number, but the actual pressure spec is in the Hydrostatic System Troubleshooting portion. You’ll need a gauge and the procedure – all in the manual.

Related Manuals You Might Need

• Bobcat S130 2008 Service Manual – this one.
• Bobcat S175 2008 Service Manual – OEM Factory Repair Specs – for the larger frame.
• Bobcat S185 2008 Service Manual – 998 Pages of Factory Specs – more pages, more detail.

If you’re working on the drivetrain, understanding how a Manual Transmission works can help you contrast the hydrostatic system – the principles of gear reduction and clutch engagement are similar. But the S130 uses a hydraulic motor and chaincase, so don’t confuse the two. For more on that, read the Wikipedia article on Manual Transmission to compare the mechanical vs hydraulic power transfer.

Bottom line: you need the factory spec when you’re torquing wheel nuts, setting hydraulic pressures, or diagnosing an electrical gremlin. This 739-page manual gives you that. Access the Factory Manual now and keep it in your tablet or print the sections you need for the job.