Son is buying a Bobcat, advice?

[etpm]

So my son found a Bobcat with about 2500 hours on the clock, a Kubota 4 cylinder engine, 10 to 15 years old, and a pretty severe hydraulic leak for 900 bucks. The machine recently had a wheel motor replaced and the leak is in the area of the motor. The seller and my son don't know exactly where the leak is. I think 900 bucks is a good deal for a machine with a good running Kubota engine and only 2500 hours, but what do I know? Nothing really. And the leak could be a big deal. I have told my son more than once to join TBN but he keeps dragging his feet. I know he will be asking me for help with the Bobcat if he buys it and if he does I'm gonna tell him to join TBN and to not bother me until he does. TBN is such a good resource and a way better fount of knowledge than I will ever be. Anyway, is 900 bucks for a 2500 hour Kubota powered machine a good deal for one of these machines if the hydraulic leak is easily and cheaply fixed? And everything else is OK? The tires apparently have about 1/2 of the wear still left.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[Hay Dude]

$900 bucks? Hell yeah.
People pay $9,000 for skid loaders with 2500 hours and problems.

 

[airbiscuit]

So, it pretty much functions, but has a severe hydraulic leak? It is probably readily fixable, but you have to be Houdini to work on them

 

[Hay Dude]

$900 bucks don’t buy squat today. Even a used skid loader bucket costs $900.

 

[tacticalturnip]

You're talking about a skid steer right? I just want to make sure- as Bobcat tractors never had Kubota engines.

 

[D&D]

So my son found a Bobcat with about 2500 hours on the clock, a Kubota 4 cylinder engine, 10 to 15 years old, and a pretty severe hydraulic leak for 900 bucks. The machine recently had a wheel motor replaced and the leak is in the area of the motor. The seller and my son don't know exactly where the leak is.

which model?

 

[etpm]

which model?

I'll find out.

 

[scootr]

I paid 10k for my 773 Bobcat maybe 10 yrs ago with more hrs and new tires, recent fluids/filters, a bucket and forks.
It's been a great machine. I replaced a hose, a seat, and a battery in 10 yrs. The Kubota 4 banger is a great motor, nearly bombproof.
GL with the project. Sounds like a good deal.

 

[flyerdan]

It's probably too new to be a 743, so it will have some degree of electronics and computer stuff, hopefully not the hand controls as those give people fits.
At any rate, it's worth it just as an investment in parts. Join skidsteerforum.com for manuals and all kinds of expertise on whatever model it turns out to be.

 

[etpm]

It's probably too new to be a 743, so it will have some degree of electronics and computer stuff, hopefully not the hand controls as those give people fits.
At any rate, it's worth it just as an investment in parts. Join skidsteerforum.com for manuals and all kinds of expertise on whatever model it turns out to be.

My son told me the model number today and he said it was a 753. The manual states that the machine is equipped with a Kubota v2203-b 43hp engine. My son insists it is a Bobcat. A 753 G series. So maybe Bobcat did make some machines with Kubota engines. He did today try to set up an account on TBN so hopefully I won't be posting stuff for him anymore. I am curious though why someone would say that Bobcat didn't use Kubota engines when the manual clearly states the use of a particular Kubota engine. Oops, after re-reading tacticalturnips's post I see it was stated that Bobcat TRACTORS didn't come with Kubota engines. And my son is looking at a SKID STEER. Just shows that I gotta be careful when reading stuff. I don't wanna imply that someone is wrong, nor do I wanna pass on incorrect information. This is why I proofread my posts and proofread the stuff I reply to. Saves a lot of grief.
Eric