How to differentiate between A,B,C series

[mgr50]

I'm going to look at a 2005 Toolcat serial #520511999 a few states away, I am wondering how I can tell what series it is and if the hydrostatic motors have been replaced or will need to be?

 

[timm9]

The serial number and a dealer can determine which series you are looking at and may also be able to tell if the drive motors have been replaced. Short of a catastrophic failure, you will not be able to determine the 'health' of the drive motors by a test drive. I would NOT purchase the unit without 'pulling' a hydraulic oil sample. That will tell you if particles from the drive motor sleeves are floating around in the system as they approach failure. The lab cost is $30.00 give or take and very cheap insurance. The last unit (3rd one) I purchased used with 196.5 hours on it. I almost didn't pull the sample. Had I not pulled the sample it would have cost me between $7000 and $8,000.

 

[SSdoxie]

This is a 2003 machine. Serial numbers starting with 5205 are A models built in 2003 - early 2004. S/N 4247 are B model built 2004 to late 2005. S/N starting with A002 are C models.

 

[mgr50]

Thanks for the information, that really helps. Was there a hydrostatic problem with all the series and has it now been eliminated. Is there one series that is prefered over the others or one that is historicly a poor choice?

 

[1965tontruck]

I agree with what has been said; however if the drive motors are gone then response of at the drive pedal will not be that good. What that means is you will need to press the pedal further to the floor to get any movement. In addition, movement is more jerky. A Bobcat mechanic explained it as the fluid will need to be at higher pressure and flow to go get the hydraulic fluid to do any work through the worn pump. A motors are not yet that worn then the response will improve dramatically.

I would not substitute for an analysis of the fluid but you can learn a lot from a test drive.

Yes, just went through bad drive motors. Cost $7k and Bobcat will not help if you are not original owner.