Bobcat M 700 Skid Steer

mitchash · May 25, 2011

I might have a chance to buy a Bobcat M 700 skidsteer. I haven't seen it yet but am told it runs and works well. Does anyone have any experence with this model? I own a Bobcat M 610 (my second one) now and wonder if the 700 would be much of an upgrade? I know they both have the Wisconsin 30 hp gas V4 engine. The 700 is rated with a heavier lift and its hydro compaired to my mechanical drive system on the 610. Thanks, Ash

SSdoxie · May 25, 2011

Depends on what your are going to use it for. If running every day is some type of business, shy away from it. If only for personal use on occasional basis, get it if it is cheap enough. The 700 thru 730 were some of Bobcat's first hydrostatic drives in "medium duty" transmissions. They learned a lot and gone a long way since then. Not that the design was bad, it was products (pumps & drive motors) they had to work with back then. This is about 25 - 30 years ago in design. These companies may be out of business or no longer supporting those items so parts could be a dilemma.

mitchash · May 26, 2011

I would just be using it for personal use around the house. How does it compare to the 610 for maintenance, power and speed.

mitchash · May 26, 2011

can other pumps and wheel motors be used on it?

SSdoxie · May 26, 2011

Personal use around the house/yard it shoud be a good machine, if running fine now. Not sure of the ground speed but most skidloaders run between 6 - 7 mph. There is comparison in the feel of power between the adjustable/variable belt drive (610) and a hydrostatic drive, all of your speed and power control is in the movement of the steering lever. Cleanliness of the hyraulic/chaincase oil is essential for the life of the hydrostatic system, less mechanical linkages to maintain.

While the complete component (drive motor or hydrostatic pump) may not be available, these are Cessna piston motor & pumps. Eaton bought out Cessna years ago but the internal parts are still used in todays market.

If you can get it at reasonable price go for it. If price is close to $5000 start looking for 742/743, 753 or newer. I have seen some of these in fair condition sell for arund that $5000 & up.

mitchash · May 27, 2011

Price would probably be under $3000.

mitchash · Jun 4, 2011

They are asking $3500. I will have to look it over before I decide to buy it. What are some things to look for?

txpayer · Jun 11, 2011

$3500.00 is a good price if the condition is good. I bought one with bad tires for $2500.00 and replaced them with new tires and rims for $900.00. Parts are still available from your local Bobcat dealer, including plugs and points

mitchash · Jun 11, 2011

I haven't looked at it yet. A friend of mine neighbor owns it and she isn't there when I have been over there. I am hoping to look at it next week. He said it runs and works well as far as he knew. Just has one of the tilt cylinders leaking which he is going to fix for her.