Sorry if this sounds nasty, but why is everyone so interested in what year their machine is? It really only matters about the hours that it has done. The dealer only needs the serial number to provide you with the correct parts, not the year.
On newer machine I guess its a indication of value, but hours are more important then years for sure. The dealers of most brands can now tell for the last several years when a machine was put into service thanks to computer records.
Bobcat's website show historical specs for their equipment that is sorted by first year of manufacture. They show the first 753 in 1990 with different HP and pump capacity than one built in 1999 (40hp vs 43.5, 11gpm vs 15.9), which may rule out some attachments that I might want. I understand that machine hours are more important than year (mine has 413 hrs, just broken in) as far as machine value goes, but I want to understand better what my machine is. I'm guessing that it is one of the later models. I will be getting the manual in the next week or so from the seller, does it give more information specific to SN? Thanks.
Thanks Fishfiles, I appreciate the help. My s/n is 511352014.
Mike , there are 6 serial number breaks in the loader technical service book , and all 753's start off 512 or 515 except one break which it doesn't give a serial number.
I took another look at the ID plate and verified the serial number: 511532014, model 753. This ID plate is riveted to the frame above the radiator screen by the left lift arm bushing. It is a Melroe Bobcat, division of Clark Equipment. I will contact the local dealer and see what they say. I bought this from a private individual, but the dealer's sticker is on it, so they probably have a record of it. I will post what I find out about it. Thanks for looking.
It's always a search. I gave up trying to figure out the serial number on my 843. The ID plate was corroded, so I tried to clean it using electrolysis. Too bad I left the plate in there for a day because I forgot. Only black sludge was left. If I can find the number somewhere I am going to silk screen a new ID plate so I do not have this mystery anymore.
The dealer was able to tell me that this 753 was purchased new in March 1994. I am still waiting to get the manual from the seller, but the dealer loaned me a newer 753 manual. Does anyone know if the lubes changed for the engine, hydraulics, and chaincase?
For my 93 753 (prior to C series) it was 10/30 motor oil throughout. Some members here are using hydraulic oil in the hydraulic system and there has been some debate as to which one is best. Search oils for the previous threads.
Engine is generaly 200 - 250 hours, the manual says something like 50 but thats just insane, for a serious operator thats almost every week.
I think the manual should say change after the first 50 hrs, then like 250 or so afterward.
My loaner manual is for SN 515811001 and up, and it says 250 hr interval for engine oil, 10w30CD in engine, 10w30SE for hydraulics and chaincase. I'm assuming that it should be the same for my older 753. Thanks everyone for the tips and advice, I appreciate the help.
You can run the diesel grade oil in the hydraulics too, the beauty of it is you can use the same oil in the entire machine be it hydraulics, engine or chain case. You can even use it in your truck if you cart the machine around.
