What's the best "older" Bobcat to buy?

I'm looking to add another machine for snow removal and grounds maintenance, but I'm looking to stay under $10k. I have a 1996 Case 1845C that I'm very happy with, and I'm looking for a second machine that is maybe slightly smaller, but definitely reliable. I've heard a lot of people say the 751 was the best machine Bobcat ever built. Any thoughts on that?

I had great luck with our 763. 753 pretty much the same machine just shorter. Was easy to work on too.

743 753 763 773. The 751 I believe was intended to be a cheaper version of the 753. But maybe it ended up being better... I think it had a "cheaper" engine and maybe no aux hydraulics. Y don't you want another case.

Was the 751 the machines with the u joint coupler? Or was the the 743 machines? No thanks on changing g the u joints. I'll stick with the belt drives.

I'd take another Case if I could find a good one for a reasonable price. If they are nice they are overly expensive. If they are reasonably priced they seem to be beat to death. That's why I was leaning towards an older Bobcat.

I bought my BobCat 753C for about $5k, replaced hoses, tires, belts, bad hydro motor, all hinge pins to tighten up machine, painted....for about another $5k....$10k in total. Machine has about 600+ hours since refurbishing....been absolutely rock solid (and we beat the **** out of it).

Good deals are out their. We sold a 3500hr 98 763 with newer engine in great shape for 7500. Hated to see it go since it was such a dependable machine. But my cat is nicer lol.

come to think of it, a 743 is probably getting too old. there was also the 7753 which was good. you might be able to get into an s160 cheap...

Find a CASE 1840. Great little machines.

I vote for spending more up front. It is not just one thing that wears--if one or two things are "mostly" worn, so is everything else. By the time you fix this and that--parts and labor--you can sometimes buy a newer machine with fewer hours. Better to spend your time working than to spend all your time working on the machine.

I'm partial to the 763/773 (S165/175/185) over the 753/S150, due to the longer wheelbase. More stable, much less fore-and-aft bouncing, means you can maneuver it more accurately and safely. All my history was with the older 743. When I got my 2001 773 Turbo (with only 166 hours! ) I was truly amazed at just how much more I could do with that size & power machine compared to the old standard 743. Save your money and keep looking for a cream-puff. But you knew all that already, didn't you?

FWIW

older bobcats are fine, ie: 743, 753/773

743 will definitely have hyd leaks, many of those hoses are 25-30 years old now. stop one leak and 4 more pop up.

753/763/773 you want to avoid anything with the BOSS system, they were a PITA (electrically) when they were new, and even more so now.
F series and early G series with the ahc (hand control only) option can be another PITA electrically. they get very expensive, very fast.

:drinkup

I purchased a 743 this summer 3500 hrs, no leaks, aux hydraulics, everything works but the horn. Bought it for home use I think I start it about two or three times a week to move something push something or haul something. It came with forks and a bucket for 5k. Yes, its getting pretty old but it was in too nice of shape to pass up. If I had to use it every day on the job I would opt for a bit larger one but for just messing around home its worked out perfect. I built a grapple for it for hay and that's the best thing i have done with it so far.
http://youtu.be/kkaFCOBtdt0

Hardline said:

Was the 751 the machines with the u joint coupler? Or was the the 743 machines? No thanks on changing g the u joints. I'll stick with the belt drives.

Click to expand...

743 has the u Joint coupler between the engine and the pumps. Really not that bad to replace, just pull the engine! That may sound like a joke but actually is not that bad a job. Would rather pull the engine out of our 743 than replace the starter in our JCB 185. What is the problem with unhooking a few wires and a throttle cable and 4 mount bolts and radiator hoses? Then if yo have a fork truck put a piece of 1/4 steel on the forks and position it behind the Bobcat at the same height as the floor pan the engine is setting on and pull the engine out by hand. If no fork truck just block up the 1/4 steel plate and do the same. Helps to hav a second pair of hands to help line up the splines when putting back in the Bobcat. Just be sure to grease the U-joints before installing engine. And yes it is possible to grease them after engine is in just need a long hose on grease gun and a long thin arm! Reminds me I should do that the next time the Bobcat is at the shop.

That said I'd opt for the 1845C all things being equal!

A nearby farm that sold me my 610 has a 751 with 12000 hours, still running every day. Original motor, hydraulics, everything. As far as I know the only difference between 751 and 753 is 8 hp and 100lbs of lift capacity. I went from a 743 to 873 2 years ago and was amazed of what the 873 could do. I recently picked up an '03 753g off craigslist for a song with 1900 hours. I love it and will probably have a very hard time parting with it this spring.