Looking to buy a Bobcat 863 turbo

[deereguy]

I looked at a Bobcat 863 a few years ago, I decided not to buy it for several reasons, it was the individual machine- nothing against Bobcat products. Might also look into a New Holland 170, or something similiar. I was impressed with the lower center of gravity and higher lift/reach. The Bobcat seemed to be a bulky and heavy machine for what it would do, but if the price is right and the guy seems to be honest, its worth a shot.

Have you done any reasearch on work available for this machine? Insurance on starting/operating your business? Cost of operation/hour (repairs/fuel/etc)? More things to consider than just the machine.....

Good Luck with your decision!

 

[Lynkage]

Thanks for the replies guys.

As far as breakers they go used around here for $5-6000. New about 8-10k.

There is quit a bit of work around here. I used to work in construction for many years building swimming pools with my father. He still does this.

I have done a bit of research and those are very good points/things to consider. I also will not quit my day job until I get all this in line. But my wife is the one who is really makes the money. We are hoping to have a nice family business after a while and then be able to provide for our kids and ourselves.

I should also add that I have operated heavy equipment for about 10 years during that time.

 

[radman1]

I don't think you can go wrong on that price with those attachments. Breakers are expensive to buy new but used ones can be expensive to fix also. Do you really need the breaker? There kind of marginal in demand unless you really need one. Rent it when needed? You could resale the breaker or buy the 863 without the breaker if you don't need it for $4k less.
The breaker is one piece I would want to try out before buying. I tried out a used one once before I was going to buy. It was nearly useless. Couldn't hardly break 4" concrete. I could do better with a sledge. I could see why the former guy traded it in on a new one. Told the dealer-no thanks.
Your well informed and have a good knowledge base on what to look for.

 

[Lynkage]

Thanks Rad!!

There are lots of uses for the breaker including my drive and walks. It does work very well and has a fresh nitrogen charge. If it looks like I will not be using it much then I will sell it but as for now I am going to keep it.

The tractor and stuff is in my possession now so I will have pics soon!!

btw I was breaking 8" concrete with it when I tried it out.

 

[jgl1962]

Lynkage,

The Duetz engines in 863/873 worked very well. You should (before 1200 hrs) replace the timing belt, it's a $300 job. These are interference engines and the belts do break. It's just a maintainence item nobody does but it beats a ruined head/valves.

Breakers need to be run once in a while even if you are not using it to keep the bladders limber and help keep the nitrogen charge(S) in the breaker. If you don't think you'll use it often and it works well now, you might want to sell it and just rent one when needed.

Also...tracks are great but not perfect. You can buy over the tire steel tracks for around $3 K for established brands or $1300 at Northern. They won't hurt the machine and you can take them off when you dont want them on. With the steel tracks you will get nearly as good flotation as rubber and often actually more traction for digging.

 

[Lynkage]

Thanks for the info jgl. I will look into doing the belt soon. And I had thought about getting tracks for it as it could be a benefit at some point in time!!