The Bobcat Excavator excavator uses a clear, intuitive instrument cluster to keep operators informed of machine status and performance. Its warning and indicator lights are tailored for the unique hydraulic, engine, and safety systems found in Bobcat's compact and mid-size excavators. Knowing the meaning of each symbol is essential for safe and efficient operation.
Bobcat Excavator excavator Warning Light Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Color | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Warning (Stop) | RED | A severe system fault or failure has been detected in the Bobcat Excavator that may cause damage or unsafe operation. | Stop the machine safely and consult the operator’s manual or dealer immediately. | |
| Master Caution | AMBER | A non-critical issue has been detected by the Bobcat Excavator’s monitoring system that requires attention soon. | Review the display for details and address the issue at the next safe opportunity. | |
| Check Engine (MIL) | AMBER | The engine management system has found a fault affecting performance or emissions in your Bobcat Excavator. | Monitor machine performance; schedule service to diagnose and resolve the engine issue. | |
| Engine Oil Pressure | RED | Engine oil pressure has dropped below the safe range in the Bobcat Excavator, risking severe engine damage. | Shut down the engine immediately and check oil level and leaks. | |
| Battery / Charging | RED | The charging system on your Bobcat Excavator is not supplying adequate voltage to the battery. | Inspect the alternator, connections, and battery; avoid shutting down until issue is resolved if possible. | |
| Coolant Temperature | RED | Engine coolant has exceeded safe operating temperature in the Bobcat Excavator. | Stop operation, idle engine to cool, and check coolant level and radiator for blockages. | |
| Hydraulic System | AMBER | A hydraulic system warning has been triggered, possibly due to high temperature or low pressure. | Reduce workload, check fluid levels, and inspect for leaks or blockages. | |
| Hydraulic Oil | AMBER | Hydraulic oil level or quality is below specification in your Bobcat Excavator. | Top up hydraulic oil and check for contamination or leaks. | |
| Low Fuel | AMBER | The fuel level is nearing empty in the Bobcat Excavator’s tank. | Refuel as soon as possible to avoid stalling during operation. | |
| Water in Fuel | AMBER | The water separator has detected moisture in the diesel fuel system. | Drain the water separator promptly to prevent injector or pump damage. | |
| DPF / Regeneration | AMBER | The diesel particulate filter on your Bobcat Excavator requires regeneration to burn off soot. | Follow the on-screen prompts to initiate or allow automatic regeneration; avoid interrupting the process. | |
| DEF / AdBlue | AMBER | DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) level is low or there is a system fault in the Bobcat Excavator. | Refill DEF tank with fresh fluid and inspect for leaks or contamination. | |
| Glow Plug / Preheat | AMBER | Glow plugs are active, preheating the Bobcat Excavator’s engine for easier cold-weather starting. | Wait for the light to turn off before starting the engine. | |
| Engine Oil Temperature | RED | Engine oil temperature is above safe limits in the Bobcat Excavator. | Idle the engine to cool down and check for oil level or cooling issues. | |
| Air Filter | AMBER | The air filter is clogged or restricted, reducing airflow to the engine. | Inspect and clean or replace the air filter to maintain proper engine performance. | |
| Fuel Filter / Water Separator | AMBER | The fuel filter is restricted or water has accumulated in the separator. | Replace the fuel filter and drain the separator as recommended in the manual. | |
| Service / Hour Meter | AMBER | Scheduled service is due based on engine hours for your Bobcat Excavator. | Plan maintenance at the next opportunity to ensure machine longevity. | |
| Work Lights | BLUE | Work lights are switched on, illuminating the work area around your Bobcat Excavator. | No action needed unless lights are not required. | |
| Beacon / Rotating Light | AMBER | The safety beacon is active, alerting others to the presence of your Bobcat Excavator. | Turn off the beacon if it is not needed for your site. | |
| Swing / Slew Lock | AMBER | The swing lock is engaged, preventing upper structure rotation. | Disengage the swing lock before attempting to rotate the cab. | |
| Overload / Capacity | RED | The Bobcat Excavator has exceeded its rated lift capacity, risking tipping or structural damage. | Immediately lower the load to a safe position and reduce weight. | |
| Door Open | AMBER | A cab door is not fully closed on your Bobcat Excavator. | Securely close all doors before operating the machine. | |
| Fasten Seat Belt | AMBER | The operator seat belt is unbuckled while the Bobcat Excavator is powered on. | Buckle the seat belt before using the controls. |
23 symbols shown. Icons follow ISO 2575 dashboard standards; exact graphics vary by model year.
Most Important Warning Lights
Engine Oil Pressure
Common causes
- Insufficient engine oil
- Oil pump failure
- Severe oil leak
What to do
Stop the Bobcat Excavator immediately, check oil level, and inspect for leaks or damage. Do not restart until the cause has been rectified and oil pressure is restored.
Coolant Temperature
Common causes
- Low coolant level
- Radiator blockage
- Faulty thermostat
What to do
Idle the engine to allow cooling, then check coolant level and inspect the radiator and hoses for obstructions or damage. Service as required before resuming work.
Overload / Capacity
Common causes
- Lifting a load above rated capacity
- Incorrect load positioning
- Unstable ground conditions
What to do
Lower the load immediately, ensure you are within the rated capacity, and reposition the machine if necessary for stable operation.
Battery / Charging
Common causes
- Alternator malfunction
- Loose or corroded battery terminals
- Worn or broken drive belt
What to do
Inspect alternator, connections, and belt condition. Clean terminals and replace faulty components to restore proper charging.
Hydraulic System
Common causes
- Low hydraulic fluid
- Hydraulic leak
- Clogged hydraulic filter
What to do
Check and refill hydraulic fluid, inspect for leaks, and replace the hydraulic filter if restricted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the DPF regeneration light stays on in my Bobcat Excavator?
Allow the regeneration process to complete without interruption, following on-screen instructions. If the light remains after regeneration, consult your dealer.
Why does the water in fuel light come on so often?
Frequent illumination may indicate contaminated fuel or a faulty water separator; drain the separator regularly and use quality diesel.
Is it safe to operate with the hydraulic system warning light on?
Reduce workload and check fluid levels immediately. Prolonged operation could lead to system damage or loss of function.
How do I reset the service/hour meter light?
After completing scheduled maintenance on your Bobcat Excavator, follow the manual’s instructions for resetting the service interval using the instrument panel controls.
What does the swing lock indicator mean?
It means the upper structure is locked and cannot rotate; disengage the swing lock before attempting any rotation.