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bobcat excavators

shadow

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2010
Messages
57
Location
ct
we have had one bobcat mini execrator fall in two pieces replace by bobcat with a new machine. The new one had the swing gear break so you could push the machine around in circles by hand had it fixed now it broke again

i was wondering if there is some kind of design flaw with the bobcat execrator that could be cause this to happen

we have two cat execrators and its never happened to them.
 

Allgood

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2009
Messages
131
Location
Indiana
I will just say that after owning 3 Bobcat mini-excavators, I'll positively never own another. I was told the last, a 430, would be perfect for me. Perfect for down time was all! I'll stop here since some guys get really upset. Personally, I'm really upset with Bobat. I was ready to buy more equipment from them but didn't. So far, 2 years later, I'm thrilled I moved away from them. Good luck!!
 

lectro88

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
171
Location
Charlotte, NC
Occupation
master electrician/owner
I was able to get a little seat time in a bobcat 335 recently, And found it desireable, great power, good cycle time, and smooth. If I wanted another mini, have to say it would be in the running.
Still want to own a catilac one day though
 

trenchman

Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2008
Messages
20
Location
NE Wisconsin
I own a Deere and love it, It has about 700 hours on it and runs great and is nice and tight. I recently ran a Kubota with 800 hours and that one was so loose it was hard to keep a grade, and did not have very good drive power either.
 

heavylift

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2009
Messages
1,046
Location
KS
I liked the 35 deere the best, but they all are about the same. as far as digging a hole,
then that depends on what the owner buys also.
 

hougie

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
153
Location
Alberta, Canada
Occupation
municipal worker
I will just say that after owning 3 Bobcat mini-excavators, I'll positively never own another. I was told the last, a 430, would be perfect for me. Perfect for down time was all! I'll stop here since some guys get really upset. Personally, I'm really upset with Bobat. I was ready to buy more equipment from them but didn't. So far, 2 years later, I'm thrilled I moved away from them. Good luck!!

What brand did you move to allgood?
 

bpogue

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2010
Messages
95
Location
Missouri
I tried several brands out before I bought my Takeuchi. They are very well made and easy to use. Like anything else though, you need to look at what is locally available. Even the best machine will need some parts, even if just for routine maintenance.
 

lectro88

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
171
Location
Charlotte, NC
Occupation
master electrician/owner
I want to ask my fellow Tak owners, when you go in to get parts do the counter guys take 20 min to figure out every order, like they have to translate manual to english. Its nothing to spend 1 hr or more to get strainers, filters. And more than 1nce. A ordered part has come in wrong even after taking long time to look up. :Banghead
 

KSSS

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2005
Messages
4,319
Location
Idaho
Occupation
excavation
The issue with the larger Volvo mini ex is the side mounted engine. You cant balance the machine like that.
 

xcmark

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2010
Messages
357
Location
Foxboro , Ma.
Occupation
construction
Ihi makes good mini , Tak Makes a good mini , it really comes down to what dealer in your area has the best support first and then of the dealers in the area what machine do you like.
 

Ryanrb25

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2009
Messages
146
Location
Australia
we have 6 bobcat excavators. 2 323's and 4 435 ZHS's.

They have all had their little teething problems...little things here and there....nothing really major or out of the ordinary.

Having said this....they work very hard. They go above and beyond their limits most days of the week. They are moved from site to site on a very regular basis with different operators. They Rock break, drill and bulk excavate.

Most of the trival repairs have been on the newer ones. The most serious of repairs have been Dipper arm cylinder piston bolts come loose. All the 435's have developed a slight vibration when the slew brake engages. (nothing to write home about)

Hours range from:
435's : 3600, 1800, 2000 and 1100.
323's : 1000 and 580
Previous 323 had 2000 and in my opinion was still in top order.

The only downfall i've found is what we call the 'american' style hitch with the two hooks and the little pins that come out either side to lock it in. I'm not sure how popular they are. Luckily only one of our machines has it.
 

skbexcavating

Active Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2011
Messages
36
Location
Washington State
Occupation
Deputy Sheriff
lectro88, I down loaded the parts manual with all of the Tak part numbers and photos. I look up all of my own parts before I go in to order anything. I also print out a copy of that page with the numbers and photo just to make sure nothing gets messed up. Or at least it is my fault if it does! ha ha.

Let me know if you want the links for the parts manual. I keep trying to find a free or less expense down load for the service manual, but so far they want $80 or more.

Peace

Jeff
 

Handydan59

New Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2011
Messages
4
Location
Olympia, WA
I have a 2003 Bobcat 334**D , serial 232613157 and all the bolts have broken that hold the cab onto the track. I have a manual for the excavator and have taken the floor plates off and cleaned the swing gear motor in preparation of taking the cab off and removing the broken bolts. Is this the only way to remove the bolts? Has anyone had the same experience? I don't want it to fall a part like the "shadow's" I can't take it back the the dealer - bought it off of Craigslist. It's been a really good machine until this last logging job.
Thanks,
Handydan59
 
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