anyone know anything about Bobcats?

[Porno Joe]

Got offered an older model Bobcat skid steer for pretty cheap. I believe its a model 853.

I cant really find too much about it online so wondered if anyone knew anything about it or just bobcats in general? what I should be looking for on it?

owner said it had a small hydraulic leak, but not one that made it inoperable.

 

[ironmax]

What are the hours on it. Bobcats are nice machines, motor is either a Kubota or Perkins. Lifts around 2200 pounds for that model. What's the price he's offering. Bobcat controls are a little touchy for me, but I wouldn't hesitate if the price were good.

 

[ironmax]

Definitely check for cracks on the lift arms. I've seen quite a few where the arms completely snapped

 

[Porno Joe]

Im not sure on hours, I haven't looked at it yet.

price I think he was talking around 4000 or less

 

[TROJAN366]

We run 4 bobcats almost all day long in a C&D transfer station. It is by far the most hostile environment you can subject equipment to. If the motor and hydraulics are sound everything else is fairly simple and fairly affordable to repair if needed.

 

[02CCSB]

I've got a 2001 T200 with a 74hp Deutz in it. I'm not an expert at them but look for:

Leaky/cracked hoses
Hydraulic sight glass being dirty
Bring tools and flip up the cab, hydro pump has a magnetic drain, if there's any significant metal on it RUN, the pump will cost more than the machine
Chain drives
Controls work

All skid steers are expensive as hell to fix, keep that in mind...

 

[Porno Joe]

I ended up making a "handshake deal" for the machine. going to pick it up in a few weeks. The owner is a "friend". we aren't super close but we've known each other for 15 years and this guy is not one to screw someone over.

Its a 1992 853.

The machine sat for almost a year and he hit the key and fired right up. sounded good but didn't let it run long due to the hydraulic leak.

I didn't get into investigating the leak. he was honest and said he has no idea what is leaking, could be a simple fix or something more expensive. he said it is still moveable with the leak, but the leak is enough he wouldn't want to dig for a long time without trying to fix it, that's the main reason its sat.

We agreed on $3000 for it.

 

[messejme]

Kubota is the best choice of engines. Great machines.

 

[02CCSB]

1993 could be an Isuzu or a Perkins, I don't think they came with Kubotas until 1995?

Regardless, price is right and its an early all mechanical unit, should be relatively trouble free.