Bobcat 320 Any Good?

[FullMetalBucket]

Hi all, just looking for opinions on the BOBCAT 320 mini-excavator. Was it replaced by the 323?? What's it like for controls and reliability? I'm assuming it's got the D722 Kubota 13hp motor? Any input would be appreciated. I've found a 2001 machine up here with 1400 hours on it with a heated cab for $14,000 CDN - this seems like a good deal to me.
Thanks again.

[Ford LT-9000]

You want a decent used mini look at Takeuchi or Kubota I'am not impressed with bobcat mini excavators. I have worked on them and run them.

[FullMetalBucket]

We've got a Takeuchi ultra mini TB007, it's a great little machine and we're getting alot of use out of it but for alot of stuff it's just underpowered. What exactly about the BOBCAT machines don't you like? I've searched forums on here and haven't heard much mention of the 320 specifically. Just looking for something with more power and that is RELIABLE - that's one good thing about the Takeuchi, it is amazingly reliable!
Thanks for the input.

[Ford LT-9000]

The one problem is they are cheaply built had the boom snap off of a 325. There is other numerous items that I have forgotten its been over 3 years since I have run a Bobcat mini.

[KSSS]

Typically TK excavators are not under powered. I would probably guess that your over working the 007. If your comparing the 007 to a BC 320 your not comparing like excavators. I am also not a fan of BC excavators. The operating stations are nice, probably one of the best in my opinion. The hydraulic systems are weak. They have small plastic reserves that rely on a higher rate of recirculating fluid which causes heat. The small plastic tanks don't do much to cool it. I have also seen BC booms which have been broken. They have been on rental machines though so who knows how they were used or abused. I don't think they are strongest machine out there but some guys like running them.

[bigmoo321]

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Hi, I'm a newbie here and cant post a new thread so searched for track motor and this is the thread I found....so here goes, I have the Bobcat 320 roughly 1996 model, I need to know if a 322 two speed motor would be operational in my single speed 320. Please help here as I'm having real trouble finding an answer to this question.

Cheers

:Banghead

[ff1221]

A buddy of mine has a BC 320, that I used fairly often. It seemed to work fairly well, and like KSSS says they have a nice operators station. I just got a 2000 Kubota KX41 about 3 weeks ago, and there is a lot more hydraulic power in it than there is that BC. I haven't tried the Takuechi so I can't offer my opinion, not that it's worth much. I'm just fabing a thumb for it, so we'll see how well it throws the extra weight around when it's done.

[ruffcutt]

I'm working on a bobcat 320. There is a cylinder that the Hydraulics go through to that control the tracks. It's perpous is to enable the backhoe to spin in circles without winding up the hoses. I'm wondering if anyone here knows what that cylinder is called and could recommend a good place to order a rebuild kit.

[bobcatmechanic]

ruff cutt i think your talking about the swivel joint it is in the right side in the center of the track frame go to bobcat and ask for a seal kit and talk to the shop to get a copy of the pages for the procedure to reseal it

[coopers]

bobcat sucks in general! just my .02

[ruffcutt]

What I'm describing is cylindrical in shape and all it does is enable the hoses that control the tracks to swivel without being tangled. The track hoses go into the top and out the bottom.