743 bobcat or similiar

Moline_guy · Jan 29, 2014

Been looking into a 743 bobcat, any weak points to look out for? On average, how many hours are the engines usually good for? Never owned a large bobcat, Dad has a small lahman but is too small for most jobs. Would like to use for small barn cleaning and running a hydraulic post digger. From what I have seen they are in the 8,000 dollar range and use a kubota diesel. The mustang skid loaders would also be an option, such as the 2040, not sure what brand of engine they use. Thanks for any information.

Anonymous-0 · Jan 29, 2014

the 743 in my opinion is the best they made, good for 10,000hrs. no trouble.

Will

rrlund · Jan 29, 2014

My only complaint is the controls. It's totally against my nature to stop and start using my hands and run the loader with my feet.

Brendon Warren · Jan 29, 2014

My brother has the bobcat. I don't think he's had any problems with it.

Steve@Advance · Jan 29, 2014

Me too, I can not get the concept down that my hands don't control the bucket.

I've heard the new ones are different.

Think it has to do with chewing gum and walking ay the same time!

ztrmowers · Jan 29, 2014

i have a 742B unit just has mitsibus gas enegine instead of diesel. i liked it whole lot better in that era. the one i have is for sale,I bought it new and has never seen manure. the only catch right now is I have the motor out to fix a hyd leak to get to it. have been side track with new business venture now and have been unable to simply get it back together. will sell it as mechanic special $4000. 00. it is nice one owner unit 319-257-6764

merlynr · Jan 29, 2014

My dil got me a deal on a S185 Bobcat from someone she works with(Long sad story). It's a 2006 with 1620 hrs and the Kubota engine runs perfect but the overall condition is fair such as almost slick foam filled tires, broken bucket with dried concrete in it and concrete splashed all over the front of loader. I've never owned or driven a skidsteer before so this is a real learning curve and like someone said you run the bucket with your feet and stop and start with your hands.

rrlund · Jan 29, 2014

I suppose you could get used to it over time,but when you're used to running a loader tractor with a foot clutch and running the controls with your hand,even if you think you're used to the Bobcat system,if you get in to a panic situation and instinct takes over,it's a train wreck.

Tech 7 · Jan 29, 2014

Brother has a (643 I believe is the model) Bobcat. It has done a PILE of work and it keeps coming back for more. One argument for the foot controls is that it keeps your feet busy, therefore warm.

DWF · Jan 29, 2014

I bought my first bobcat with foot controls in 2005. I have run dozers, loaders, excavators, log loaders since I was in my 20's. I can jump back and forth between all this equipment with no problems. I was 55 when I got the first bobcat and I have a newer one now that I ordered with foot controls. I am 63 now.
DWF

Moline_guy · Jan 29, 2014

Thanks for the information, I ran a 742B a long time ago while working at a sales barn, and foot controls seemed to work good for me and it was a tough little machine. The one I am looking at is the 743 with diesel and only 2100 hours, so it should have a lot of life in it. Thanks for all the information.

743 bobcat or similiar

Moline_guy

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Anonymous-0

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rrlund

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Brendon Warren

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Steve@Advance

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ztrmowers

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merlynr

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rrlund

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Tech 7

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DWF

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Moline_guy

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