Description

Bobcat S160 2008 Service Manual

If you’ve ever tried to rebuild a skid-steer loader with aftermarket data, you know the drill. You get halfway through a job, the torque spec doesn’t match the bolt grade, or the wiring diagram has a pinout that’s off by one terminal. That’s when you lose billable hours. I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count. This 2008 Bobcat S160 Service Manual fixes that. It’s the exact same book the dealer techs use—factory issued, 996 pages, printed in the U.S.A. in 2008 for serial numbers A3L311001 and above. No reprints, no aftermarket interpretation. This is the real thing.

996 Pages of Factory Procedure

Every one of those 996 pages comes from Bobcat Company. The table of contents is laid out the same way a shop manual should be: start with safety, then serial number locations, then full sections on engine lubrication, hydraulic/hydrostatic system, electrical troubleshooting, and the Bob-Tach. This isn’t a condensed version. You get the whole thing—including the foreword, delivery report, and the Bobcat Interlock Control System (BICS) specs. Need to pull the tilt cylinder? There’s a dedicated subsection with parts identification, disassembly, and assembly steps. Want the fuel system specs? Section under Fuel System includes biodiesel blend fuel procedures and air removal steps.

Safety Instructions: Not Optional

Page one of the manual starts with MAINTENANCE SAFETY. I’ve seen too many guys skip that section and end up with a face full of hot hydraulic oil. This manual warns you about toxic dust from grinding painted parts, exhaust fume leaks, and the danger of going under lift arms without a support device. It tells you the correct procedure for lifting or lowering the operator cab. If you’re in a home garage or a six-bay shop like mine, you don’t ignore these warnings—they’re written because people got hurt. The section on fire prevention covers electrical, hydraulic, fueling, and welding. That’s not boilerplate; that’s specific to this loader.

Engine and Electrical Coverage

The Engine section covers the cooling system, lubrication system, air cleaner service, and the spark arrestor muffler. But what I appreciate is the electrical troubleshooting. The manual has the full wiring schematics and a glossary of hydraulic/hydrostatic symbols. If your S160 won’t crank, you can trace the circuit from the battery to the starter without guessing. The Electrical system is integrated into the hydraulic schematics because the BICS interlock ties them together. You need the factory diagram to understand how the cab door sensor interacts with the lift arm lockout. Aftermarket manuals leave that out.

Hydraulic System Diagnostics

The hydraulic/hydrostatic section alone is worth the price. It covers the main relief valve testing and adjustment, control valve removal and installation, and every port relief valve on the lift, tilt, and auxiliary circuits. There’s a troubleshooting chart that lists symptoms like “lift arms drift down” and gives the likely cause—usually a leaking load check valve. The manual walks you through testing the cylinders, including the Bob-Tach cylinder. If you’ve ever tried to disassemble a tilt cylinder without the OEM specs, you know how easy it is to damage the rod seal. This manual gives you the exact torque for the gland nut and the order to tighten the bolts.

3 Reasons to Choose OEM Documentation

First, the torque specs are verified by the factory. Aftermarket data can be rounded off or copied from an earlier model. This S160 manual has torque for wheel nuts, pivot pins, and hydraulic fittings—all in imperial units. Second, the wiring diagrams match the actual harness colors and connectors on your loader. Third, the safety instructions are not generic; they reference specific loader components like the lift arm support device (part number included). If you’re working on a Bobcat S160, you need the factory manual. Check out the related Bobcat S150 S160 2006 Service Manual if you have an earlier model, or the Bobcat S150 S160 2006 Service Manual – Section: Engine for focused engine details. For this 2008 model, the Bobcat S150 S160 2008 Service Manual – Section: Engine Lubrication System covers oil change intervals and filter specs.

Does This Manual Cover the Fuel System?

Yes. The “FUEL SYSTEM” chapter includes fuel specifications, biodiesel blend fuel handling, filling procedure, fuel filter replacement, and removing air from the fuel system. It even covers the spark arrestor muffler cleaning procedure. If you’re in California or any place that requires emissions compliance, that section matters.

FAQ

Will this work for a 2007 Bobcat S160?

This manual is for 2008 models with S/N A3L311001 and above. If your S160 is 2007 with a different serial number range, you might need the earlier edition. Check the Bobcat S150 S160 2006 Service Manual which covers 2006-2007 models.

What kind of wiring diagrams are included?

Full electrical schematics integrated with the hydraulic system diagrams. The manual shows the Bobcat Interlock Control System (BICS) wiring, cab door sensor, and remote start tool harnesses. It’s not just a generic diagram—it’s specific to the S160 loader.

You can get the same information from the Manual Transmission section in other manuals, but for a skid-steer loader with hydrostatic drive, this one is purpose-built. The Manual Transmission reference is more for automotive, not construction equipment. Stick with what fits your machine. If you’ve been fighting aftermarket data on your S160, stop wasting time. Grab the factory document that has every torque value, every step, and every safety warning. Access the Factory Manual now and keep it on your tablet or print the pages you need for the job.