Off topic cat 242 skid steer

I would get it out. Sooner or later even if the oil does not cause degeneration it will be sucked onto the suction pipe causing loss of oil to the pump and cause all the problems that go with that. Maybe you can grab it with one of those remote claws on the end of a flex handle.

Cab - I'm not sure of the design of the 242 hydraulics, does the tank contain all the spool valves as well, or is it just a plain tank?
If the tank contains all the spool valves, then physical interference of the hose with spool operation could be a problem, with improper control operation, a result of the physical interference.
Can you see the design of the suction pipe in the parts catalog? Good Cat design should see some kind of arrangement that stops debris entering the pump - a raised lip on the suction line, or a mesh screen.
If it has nothing in the design to stop the hose from entering the pump, then I'd say make every attempt to retrieve it.
A good little LED flashlight is a very handy device to have in the toolbox, and one of the retractable claw grabbers is probably about the only satisfactory way of trying to get hold of the hose.
Are you pretty good at fishing?? 😄 Maybe a heavy fish-hook welded to a piece of rod or wire could work better.

Regards, Ron.

The tank is odd shaped, wider at the top and narrow at bottom, and is plastic or some kind or non metal.
There is a suction hose at the top, which mates to a pipe that I imagine goes down near the bottom of the tank, which leads me to believe the pump is external.

Agreed that I need to get a top notch light.

The location of the tank behind the seat and covered by the cab makes it very hard to get at.

Also need to get a parts book and svc manual. Was hoping someone on here had experience on one of these.

Thanks for both of your replies.

If you cant fish it out taking the tank off dosent look to be the end of the world. I know there is a hydro system drain next to the belly pan hatch.If I remember right there should be screen in the tank on the pickup end.

The pump is external. There is a removable suction screen on the bottom of the tank. It can be removed with a large hex wrench or adjustable wrench. You may be able to the piece of hose out through there. If you can't get it out that way then you could just remove the tank and turn it upside down. The tank comes out fairly easy. There are two bolts that hold the cab down. Get yourself a 15/16" or 24mm (either will work) wrench and take them loose. you can then tilt the cab up and the tank is easily accessible. There are three lines and a temperature sensor wire that have to be disconnected on the bottom and a vent line on the top. Then there is a bracket at the top of the tank with two bolts in it. Remove that bracket and the tank will lift out.

That is probably your best bet.

So the two bolts at the front of the cab need to be removed?
I did not imagine the cab would tilt back enough to expose the hydraulic tank at all.

A while back I did try to take those bolts off but couldn't. Had some kind of crush lock nuts and were PLENTY tight. If I have to I will cut them off. Thanks.