Used skidsteer questions

jgh · Jun 10, 2006

20060610

Not too bad, but sometimes I wish it had tracks and a few more tons!

I'll have to post some pics. Check out the thread on TreeLiminator vs TreeTerminator under attachments. More to come on that one when I actually try things out on the A300.

Are you still at UI U/C (or?), how are things?

J

jgh · Jun 10, 2006

20060610

Not too bad, but sometimes I wish it had tracks and a few more tons!

I'll have to post some pics. Check out the thread on TreeLiminator vs TreeTerminator under attachments. More to come on that one when I actually try things out on the A300.

Are you still at UI U/C (or?), how are things?

J

gatractorman · Jun 10, 2006

First I'd recommend a diesel engine machine 742's are gas, 743 is the same machine but with a diesel.
I would not purchase a used skid steer unless I have ran it for a day or so. Take notice of the strength of the drive system and hydraulics when it is first started then again after it is warmed up, it doesn't hurt to push up against a tree to see if it will spin the tires, this is the best test I know of to determine a weak drive.
It may want to try and stall the engine if it gets good traction but that is acceptable.
The only Bobcat machine in the range of sizes you mention that is a "long" wheelbase is a 763 and I think a 773 but not sure. All the others are short and will buck, one of the other posters mentioned this aspect and if its important to you it's just a tidbit of info for you.
Kubota engines are for the most part standard on the sizes you mention with the exception of some 751's that had a Peugeot belt driven overhead cam engine that was not worth the engineers time to figure out how to make it fit in there.
Repair welds on the lift arms is a good indication of abuse, of course you dont want to see much of this.

gatractorman · Jun 10, 2006

First I'd recommend a diesel engine machine 742's are gas, 743 is the same machine but with a diesel.
I would not purchase a used skid steer unless I have ran it for a day or so. Take notice of the strength of the drive system and hydraulics when it is first started then again after it is warmed up, it doesn't hurt to push up against a tree to see if it will spin the tires, this is the best test I know of to determine a weak drive.
It may want to try and stall the engine if it gets good traction but that is acceptable.
The only Bobcat machine in the range of sizes you mention that is a "long" wheelbase is a 763 and I think a 773 but not sure. All the others are short and will buck, one of the other posters mentioned this aspect and if its important to you it's just a tidbit of info for you.
Kubota engines are for the most part standard on the sizes you mention with the exception of some 751's that had a Peugeot belt driven overhead cam engine that was not worth the engineers time to figure out how to make it fit in there.
Repair welds on the lift arms is a good indication of abuse, of course you dont want to see much of this.

Tigerotor77W · Jun 12, 2006

Hey J, thanks for the reply -- I'm still at the UIUC (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). Two more years to go.

I'm in North Carolina for the summer on an internship, but I go back to school in the fall.

gatractorman: you are right about the 763 (now S150/S160) and 773 (now S175, S185, and S205) have "long" wheelbases. Note, though, that most competitors in these size classes have longer wheelbases than the Bobcat models.

Any resolution on what models to choose?

UFM82 · Jun 14, 2006

The ideal machine for farm use would be a 1997 or newer 763 or 773. Both machines share the same frame and driveline but the 763 is a radius-path boom machine and the 773 is a vertical-path machine. The 773 is ideal for handling round bales however if you have that issue. The 763 boom is more durable and will do better over time when exposed to heavy duty use such as digging or grubbing out stumps.

The Kubota diesel used in these machines is a very robust 4 cylinder that has enjoyed great success in the Bobcats. It is still the same basic engine used in the current new models. I have personal knowledge of machines in industrial applications with over 9,000 hours on them.

The hydraulic systems on these machines are also very well designed and durable. In fact, the 700 series size machines are the most durable sized machines Bobcat ever built. Many are still seen on jobsites working and making their owners money.

The only real weakness I see from the "C" and "F" series machines is the shaft that runs between the gear reduction and the drive motor. It is referred to as the "dog bone" as it is bigger at each end than it is in the middle. They has a predisposition to breaking at around 3,000 hours or so. If you have a machine with hours close to that number, I will pull the drive motors and inspect that shaft for wear or cracks.

I would have no problems putting a 763 or 773 on a farm and have done so many times in the past. Expect to pay in the $11K-$13K range for a nice machine. This will get you a machine that will not require immediate maintenance work from you.

Things to look for are unusual hydraulic noise, creeping or pulling to one side while driving, vibration in the sticks that could be a sign of a pump going out, etc. Ask for a service history and see if the dealer has been doing the maintenance. And also think about having a dealer tech look at the machine. An hour of shop time at $75 an hour or so could keep you from spending thousands on a bad machine.

UFM82

justanotherjoe · Jul 15, 2006

Skidsteers are great for what they do. A more versitile but much slower tool is a tractor-loader-backhoe. My little skidsteer is just fun to work, but i keep having to go get the TLB for some job where the skid can't do enough i.e. crossing rough ground with a full loader, scratching out rocks with the backhoe, trenching a drip line through hard clay, etc. I could do without the skid, but not without the TLB. If your site is smooth and flat, rent an excavator and enjoy owning your skid. Otherwise a TLB may serve you better, but will be less fun while operating.
Bobcat parts are widely available but sometimes the factory specs some of the filters such that you need a OEM one, instead of a cheaper one that fits all of the other same engines on other brands. That benefits Bobcat, not you.
Joe