Replies

1. 
   Norman_Williams_GREENBLOCK_METRO | Oct 08, 1999 07:57am | #1

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   Hi Casey, This loader is notorious for throwing drive chains when they get old. There are 2 drive chains, one on each side in an oil bath trough. It is relatively easy to put the chains back on but awfully messy. We have found that once they start coming off the problem just keeps getting worse. We have a 763 Bobcat it has low hours and it never gives us any trouble. We solved the flat issue by foam filling the tires. The negatives to this are rougher ride and faster tire wear.

2. 
   Roger_McAllister | Oct 09, 1999 06:02am | #2

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   I used a 743 Bobcat for the last four years w/ virtually no problems (well maybe a few flat tires from tearing down a friend's house for him - something that I will NEVER do again). Operating a Bobcat is a joy...easier to learn than the "joystick" models where one hand works the propulsion/steering and the other works the bucket. I just blew a huge wad on one of the new Cat 246's and have to admit that I liked the Bobcat operation better.

3. 
   Guest_ | Oct 10, 1999 07:56am | #3

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   Need some general information on skid steer loaders. I have worked on trucks and tractors but never on a skid steer, so I don't have any detailed idea of how they work. Is the propulsion system just basically an engine connected to a big hydraulic pump with a set of control valves for speed and direction and then to a large hydraulic motor on the set of wheels on each side, or is there something more to them than this.
   I am in particular looking for an older Case 1835B skid steer (cheap) and I am wondering what on them is most likely to wear out or break with high hours, any ideas? Other than the diesel engine, are these things possibly less challenging to work on than a tractor with loader attached?

4. 
   Guest_ | Oct 10, 1999 07:56am | #4

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   Thanks for the advice. Picked up a used Case 1835B in spite of the advice, however. The Bobcats in equivalent shape were $2-$3K more than I paid for the Case ($4750, 1250 hours, new tires, good shape - gasoline powered, but that's fine for my use). I had only used the older Cases and liked the bucket controls on the steering levers. In trying newer Cases and Bobcats, I was surprised at the variety of different foot pedal, hand lever arrangements on them. If one changed models frequently, it would be like the old "pat your head and rub your tummy" conundrum. Then there were the safety bars with hidden catches on them. A bunch of guys were just standing around waiting to laugh at people like me getting locked into one of these and then fumbling around trying to get out...