Bobcat S185 ques.

[JD Greg]

I am new to owning a skidsteer.
Have operated several over the years, just my first ownership.
Just purchased a 2004 Bobcat S185, single speed, deluxe cab,
heat, AC, power bobtach.
The skidsteer did not have the owner/maintainance manual behind
the seat. Just the little quick reference guide. Is there a cheap
place to get a manual and how much do they cost if I go to the
dealer 20 miles away. I am borrowing a manual for a S250 for right
now, just to give me an idea where things are and service shedule.

I want to add a strobe light and radio in the cab.
I have been told, that there is a wiring harness on the left side
under the headliner for the radio. Basically, buy the radio kit from
Bobcat and it's a plug and play. Is this the case, or will I have to
wire things in.
Heard the same thing on the strobe light. That the wiring is there
for it, just have to buy through Bobcat to get the proper wiring
harness.

If that is the case, I will buy through Bobcat just to save the time
in wiring things in.

Thanks
Greg

[Bobcatman]

I am new to owning a skidsteer.
Have operated several over the years, just my first ownership.
Just purchased a 2004 Bobcat S185, single speed, deluxe cab,
heat, AC, power bobtach.
The skidsteer did not have the owner/maintainance manual behind
the seat. Just the little quick reference guide. Is there a cheap
place to get a manual and how much do they cost if I go to the
dealer 20 miles away. I am borrowing a manual for a S250 for right
now, just to give me an idea where things are and service shedule.

I want to add a strobe light and radio in the cab.
I have been told, that there is a wiring harness on the left side
under the headliner for the radio. Basically, buy the radio kit from
Bobcat and it's a plug and play. Is this the case, or will I have to
wire things in.
Heard the same thing on the strobe light. That the wiring is there
for it, just have to buy through Bobcat to get the proper wiring
harness.

If that is the case, I will buy through Bobcat just to save the time
in wiring things in.

Thanks
Greg

everything is in the headliner, left rear corner. you will need to drill a hole in roof for strobe light, radio is plug and play, installing the speakers is a nightmare!

[some zilch]

I worked for years at a bobcat dealer, and NO ONE ever installed a radio in a machine; even totally optioned out machine. the engine noise is just too much to hear anything but a blaring radio, and it just isnt worth it. your ears will hurt. youd be better off w/headphones

[Bobcatman]

I am new to owning a skidsteer.
Have operated several over the years, just my first ownership.
Just purchased a 2004 Bobcat S185, single speed, deluxe cab,
heat, AC, power bobtach.
The skidsteer did not have the owner/maintainance manual behind
the seat. Just the little quick reference guide. Is there a cheap
place to get a manual and how much do they cost if I go to the
dealer 20 miles away. I am borrowing a manual for a S250 for right
now, just to give me an idea where things are and service shedule.

I want to add a strobe light and radio in the cab.
I have been told, that there is a wiring harness on the left side
under the headliner for the radio. Basically, buy the radio kit from
Bobcat and it's a plug and play. Is this the case, or will I have to
wire things in.
Heard the same thing on the strobe light. That the wiring is there
for it, just have to buy through Bobcat to get the proper wiring
harness.

If that is the case, I will buy through Bobcat just to save the time
in wiring things in.

Thanks
Greg

I also worked for 13 years at an Oklahoma dealership, and I have personally installed over 15 or 20 radios, and the speakers are "decent" quality there is no problem with hearing the radio. If I was to purchase a Bobcat I would install a radio in mine. Also an S185 has foam insulation under cab and over floor panels that resist noise. Most complaints of noisy machines are from older operators, not sure why, but anyways you wont be sorry for installing a radio in yours, good luck.