Missing Serial Number

Solar Oak · Oct 11, 2020

I recently bought an X331, without a serial number plate. A friend said that is not a big deal, because the number is stamped into the frame somewhere, and my mechanic would know where to find it. As you may have guessed, it's not.

I've read that there were several serial number breaks in that model and some of them involved some pretty big changes. Does anyone know where I can find a list of those numbers and the changes that were made in each? I'm hoping that will at least help me narrow down what my serial number could be. Thanks. Don

SSdoxie · Oct 11, 2020

The serial number IS stamped into the frame. The location is not public knowledge, if the Bobcat dealer does not know which access panels to remove and where to look once removed they can contact Bobcat tech support for the information. If the machine is G series or newer (has one piece dash instrument panel with digital hour/RPM readout) the dealer can hook up service laptop and retrieve serial number from the controller.

ruffdog · Oct 12, 2020

Many people think it is a "big deal" as way too many pieces of equipment are stolen. Some people would not even consider buying unless it has a tag and comes from someone with good history. A dealer can help you establish solid lineage for your purchase.

OPP seek excavator stolen from construction site in Lakeshore | Windsor Star

Solar Oak · Oct 12, 2020

SSdoxie said:
The serial number IS stamped into the frame. The location is not public knowledge, if the Bobcat dealer does not know which access panels to remove and where to look once removed they can contact Bobcat tech support for the information. If the machine is G series or newer (has one piece dash instrument panel with digital hour/RPM readout) the dealer can hook up service laptop and retrieve serial number from the controller.

Dennis, Can you tell me where to look? My mechanic said this machine was built overseas and they did not stamp the frame. The closest dealer wasn't much help, at all. I went to another one, about 30 miles away, and they are trying to help, but I haven't heard back from them, for about ten days. I have no idea what series it is (other than X331), but I suspect it is one of the older ones. No tach or hour meter.

Solar Oak · Oct 12, 2020

ruffdog said:
Many people think it is a "big deal" as way too many pieces of equipment are stolen. Some people would not even consider buying unless it has a tag and comes from someone with good history. A dealer can help you establish solid lineage for your purchase.

OPP seek excavator stolen from construction site in Lakeshore | Windsor Star

Ruff Dog, I only bought it because I was under the impression the number was stamped into the frame. So far, no one has been able to locate it. The story I was told, is that it was involved in a fire, and sent to a junk yard, where it was bought back. I suppose the junk yard pulled the plate. So far, dealers have not been much help, although one is trying. Don

ultrarunner · Oct 12, 2020

Lots of burned/incinerated tractors in CA now...

Friend got a 22k check for his and keeps asking when it's getting picked up. Now it looks like salvage people don't want it... Looks awful, tracks burned, hoses burned but it starts.

Look for a lot of similar to hit the market...

SSdoxie · Oct 13, 2020

Solar Oak said:
Dennis, Can you tell me where to look? My mechanic said this machine was built overseas and they did not stamp the frame. The closest dealer wasn't much help, at all. I went to another one, about 30 miles away, and they are trying to help, but I haven't heard back from them, for about ten days. I have no idea what series it is (other than X331), but I suspect it is one of the older ones. No tach or hour meter.

Mechanic is incorrect. All Bobcat mini-X models 320 through 337 were built in Bismark, ND. If you post some photos of the machine I may be able to narrow it down to a serial number range. Would need photos of front, rear, both left and right side views, photo of guage panel, and photos of engine and hydraulic pump. If you can read the engine model number all the better since a few of the seven 331 variations included and engine change.

Solar Oak · Oct 14, 2020

SSdoxie said:
Mechanic is incorrect. All Bobcat mini-X models 320 through 337 were built in Bismark, ND. If you post some photos of the machine I may be able to narrow it down to a serial number range. Would need photos of front, rear, both left and right side views, photo of guage panel, and photos of engine and hydraulic pump. If you can read the engine model number all the better since a few of the seven 331 variations included and engine change.

The pictures are no problem, but I'm not sure how to upload them to TBN. If you can email me at Solar_OakatYahoodotcom, I'd be glad to send you any picture you need. I really need to find that number, so some repairs can be made. Thanks.

Solar Oak · Oct 16, 2020

SSdoxie said:
Mechanic is incorrect. All Bobcat mini-X models 320 through 337 were built in Bismark, ND. If you post some photos of the machine I may be able to narrow it down to a serial number range. Would need photos of front, rear, both left and right side views, photo of guage panel, and photos of engine and hydraulic pump. If you can read the engine model number all the better since a few of the seven 331 variations included and engine change.

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SSdoxie, I've got pictures. Now, if someone would tell me how to get them on TBN. Any chance you could send me the list of changes and the serial number breaks? Or, a website where I can find them. I might be able to figure it out for myself.

SSdoxie · Oct 16, 2020

To post pic; Click on Go Advanced button below message box. In the top row of tool icons you will find an "attachment" icon. When you choose that a new window will open Manage Attachments, at top right corner of the window is "Add Files" click and find file with photos then click "upload". When you get desired photos uploaded to Manage Attachments click "insert inline" to post in message box. Note: use the space bar or enter button add separation between each photo thumbnail for easier and selection for those that may wish to view them.

Online parts website at Bobcat.com, go to Owners section, choose Find part numbers, then search by model number.

Solar Oak · Oct 16, 2020

If I did it correctly, here are the pics. If you need any more, just let me know. Thanks. Don

ruffdog · Oct 16, 2020

It is obvious that it was a bit toasty at some time in it's life. If the aluminum tag melted off, it is no wonder why you need the serial number. I hope you get the help you need.

SSdoxie · Oct 17, 2020

Serial number of this machine is in family of 512915200 & above. Standard length Dipper Arm 331 prior to D series = 5129. Triple gear pump with square check valve block between end and middle section was used starting at 15200, not changed until D series came out.

Stand on ground in front of entry door way, bend over and look at inside of the frame channel, you might find the serial number somewhere stamped in frame behind those hoses. If you find the serial number and dealer verifies it along with engine number dealer can order a replacement serial number tag.

Solar Oak · Oct 17, 2020

So, it's not quite as old as I thought. I gambled and bought an Owners Manual for 511920001 and up. I looked for the number and could not find it. Would it be near the door, or off to the front or rear? I can't see forward or back, very well. Any idea when it was built? It is before 2000, correct?

ruffdog · Oct 17, 2020

From what I have read....the stamped SN is not a heavy stamp that is nice and deep. It is a pin type stamp that paint, especially powder paint, can cover up.

Solar Oak · Oct 17, 2020

I hate to hear that! I'm certainly not going to sand blast the thing, to find a serial number. The number SSdoxie gave me should be good enough. But, I will look again.

ruffdog · Oct 17, 2020

I thought I would go out and quick look for the hidden stamped SN on my Toolcat. It took me less than 10 min to find it and I didn't know where to look. It is a regular type stamp of a nice size. Depending on your location, if it was burned, repainted. etc....it may be a bit harder to see. Be sure to use a nice light too.

SSdoxie · Oct 17, 2020

There is one more serial number break at 512917113 when the ISO/SAE control pattern selector valve was added. I don't see this valve on your machine so yours is 512915200 - 512917112 range.

Solar Oak · Oct 18, 2020

ruffdog,
I don't know if the machine caught fire, or if it just happened to be in a building that burned. My guess, though, is that it was in the building. The paint inside the frame looks to be in decent shape, except for years of dirt and grime, which I pressure washed off. I can't believe that anyone would take the time to disconnect all those hoses, in order to paint the inside of the frame. Did you find it on the inside vertical piece, or on the top or bottom flange?

SSdoxie,
My machine does have the ISO/STD decals, near both joysticks. And below, to the right, of the seat, there is a curved slot in the panel, directly under the instrument panel, which I think is where the selector valve was. Or would be, if it ever had one. Would it be possible, that mine is near the end of the 5200 range, just before the valve was added?

SSdoxie · Oct 18, 2020

Solar Oak said:
SSdoxie,
My machine does have the ISO/STD decals, near both joysticks. And below, to the right, of the seat, there is a curved slot in the panel, directly under the instrument panel, which I think is where the selector valve was. Or would be, if it ever had one. Would it be possible, that mine is near the end of the 5200 range, just before the valve was added?

It is possible they changed the panel a few machines prior to adding the valve. Also possible the valve developed internal leakage (some history of that) and owner just removed and connected the pilot pressure hoses together for the control pattern desired. Does it look like there may have been bolts in those 2 holes adjacent to the slot? if so the valve was removed. You could also take a look behind the panel and see if the hoses to right and joystick are one piece from handle to control valve or if there are JIC connections in that area. If one no extra hose connections and/or signs of bolt on the paint then it is prior to selector valve.