743bobcat
New member
I bought an 85 Bobcat 743 "not running - as is" for $3250.00. It shows 457 hours on the clock.
This was a trade in at a dealer in 2001 when it showed 250 +/- hours. The mechanic at the dealership called a buddy to inform him of the "exceptional" piece of equipment that came in. The second owner used the loader for maintaining a stone driveway on a hill. The loader was parked about two years ago and sat due to the purchase of a tractor more suitable for the maintenance. After two years it would not start.
After purchasing this, I started with a thorough cleaning. The tires have about 20 hours on them (if that) and the oil filter read 2004 341 hours. All of the pins looked tight and the engine paint original and not too shabby. I started thinking the hours may be legit.
I charged the battery and found the fuel line was pinched between the starter and the block (previous owner said they worked on it trying to get it to start before selling it). The previous owner also said the starter was bad and they removed it to check it without a load. This explains the pinched fuel line. I tried cranking her over and it seemed very labored. I also notice oil spilling from the blower housing. The oil cooler was corroded (probably from sitting in the woods for two years).
I replaced the oil cooler and the starter. She fired right up (after priming the fuel system). I also serviced the entire fuel system and changed the engine oil and filter, etc. prior to starting the loader. I noticed a lot of smoke coming from the engine. It was the belt burning on the non-spinning alternator, hence the drag and eventual demise of the starter. Replaced the alternator and viola, she ran great! No smoke from the engine and loads of power! I am beginning to think the hours are correct. Sitting equipment is tough on everything such as hoses, seals, etc. This leads to my next issue, the axle seal.
The front left axle seal is leaking enough to wet the wheel after two minutes of use. I read the manual on the procedure to correct this. Special tools are needed. Does anyone have suggestions on where to get the parts and tools or should I just trailer her down to the local Bobcat dealer. What costs am I looking at? Also, what would it cost for them to replace all of my hydro hoses and is this a good idea? Sorry for the long post. I do my own work, but I have also found it wise to turn it over to a pro in some circumstances.
This was a trade in at a dealer in 2001 when it showed 250 +/- hours. The mechanic at the dealership called a buddy to inform him of the "exceptional" piece of equipment that came in. The second owner used the loader for maintaining a stone driveway on a hill. The loader was parked about two years ago and sat due to the purchase of a tractor more suitable for the maintenance. After two years it would not start.
After purchasing this, I started with a thorough cleaning. The tires have about 20 hours on them (if that) and the oil filter read 2004 341 hours. All of the pins looked tight and the engine paint original and not too shabby. I started thinking the hours may be legit.
I charged the battery and found the fuel line was pinched between the starter and the block (previous owner said they worked on it trying to get it to start before selling it). The previous owner also said the starter was bad and they removed it to check it without a load. This explains the pinched fuel line. I tried cranking her over and it seemed very labored. I also notice oil spilling from the blower housing. The oil cooler was corroded (probably from sitting in the woods for two years).
I replaced the oil cooler and the starter. She fired right up (after priming the fuel system). I also serviced the entire fuel system and changed the engine oil and filter, etc. prior to starting the loader. I noticed a lot of smoke coming from the engine. It was the belt burning on the non-spinning alternator, hence the drag and eventual demise of the starter. Replaced the alternator and viola, she ran great! No smoke from the engine and loads of power! I am beginning to think the hours are correct. Sitting equipment is tough on everything such as hoses, seals, etc. This leads to my next issue, the axle seal.
The front left axle seal is leaking enough to wet the wheel after two minutes of use. I read the manual on the procedure to correct this. Special tools are needed. Does anyone have suggestions on where to get the parts and tools or should I just trailer her down to the local Bobcat dealer. What costs am I looking at? Also, what would it cost for them to replace all of my hydro hoses and is this a good idea? Sorry for the long post. I do my own work, but I have also found it wise to turn it over to a pro in some circumstances.
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