T300 electrical fire

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Big Jim

ArboristSite Lurker
Joined
May 19, 2006
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Location
new haven CT
Rented a T300 Bobcat with a fecon mower on it and had a serious electrical fire in the engine compartment in the battery area.It was a remote site and the machine was not equipped with a fire extinguisher or suppression system.We went used our 3 extinguishers we had but by the time we got to the machine it was like pissing on a bonfire.To make a long story short we burried the machine with sand to contain the fire(red flag day) and waited for the fire crews to get there(25min).
The dealer doesnt want to know #### and says I am liable for the damage.I cleaned out the vicinity of the battery and where the fire was hottest.I found a harness going thru a loom and to a burned off lug.I was informed and found out that a mega-fuse(100amp)used to be attached to the lug(probaly melted down).The other side of the harness is still intact.The positive side of the battery is melted down so bad there is nt a battery terminal left.
Machine had 300 hours on it and was running tops of 20 minutes after being shut down foor 1.5hrs.
Does anyone have any info or know of anyone else that has had problems?
Any and all info would be greatly appreciated. Ya All stay safe out there.
Big Jim:givebeer:
 
I hate to say this but it sounds like dirt and brush started that up. The battery area is low beside the motor allowing alot of trash to accumulate around it, especially mulching. Was the machine fitted with all the forestry guards?
 
a300 bobcat

I hate to say this but it sounds like dirt and brush started that up. The battery area is low beside the motor allowing alot of trash to accumulate around it, especially mulching. Was the machine fitted with all the forestry guards?

I own an A300 bobcat that is a 2004 model and when i bought it i was told there was recall or warning to owners about harness electrical fire.The harness on my machine was upgraded before i bought it at the dealer so i dont know about your machine if it is 2008 or 2009.Hope your not responsible for that.
 
This is the second bobcat fire I know of on a rental unit in CT...they really need daily cleaning out to protect from fires. I clean out my machine 2-3 times per day in dry conditions and at least everyday. If you have some more work I'd be glad to go down to New Haven (or wherever) :)
 
I rent an S185 in my rental business. If what you described happened to one of my customers I would not hold them liable. I'd be on the phone to my insurance company, though.
 
I bet I get a salvage bid a month on T300 Bobcats...

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Been busy playin catch up after the week from hell. Found out on Bobcats web site that the machine was not equipped with the forestry package as required for this application.The only part of the package that was installed was the door.No debris guards or fire extinguisher.
As far as debris in the battery area we had just fueled ,greased.and cleaned out 20 minutes prior to the fire.There was no debris to add to the fire.
As of the end of this week I have not heard anything at all from the dealer.Find that hard to believe as I was getting 2 to 3 calls a day before I hauled out the machine with my skidder.
Forgot to mention the operator got 2nd degree burns on his hand and now we got WC involved.
This should be real interesting and keep ya all posted.Stay safe.
Big Jim
 
Sounds like the rental company is going to eat this one, since the machine was not properly equiped for this application. You might file some type of claim against them, to make them be responsible for the injuries to your worker, since the machine was not properly set up. You don't want that WC claim to go on your records. That may cause an increase in your WC rates.
Jeff
 
Sounds like a mess.

Hope everything works out for you and your man...
 

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