720 Clark-need info, blown motor? value?

I have chance to buy a bobcat clark 720 for around $1,000.00. Im not sure the value of these, or maybe $1,000 is to much with a possible blown motor. I haven't seen it yet but claims all working condition but motor has a "little knock". I work on cars quite a bit but never messed with bobcat. Anyone know cost to rebuild this? Is it worth taking it for $1k and going with it? Or perhaps what I should try before pulling the engine and having it worked on? So I can research does anyone have manual or know what size engine it most likely has? Im not sure if they only made one particular or if there was "options" Recomendations for parts? rebuild kits or used engine? I can pull it myself to save cost, its not any more difficult to remove than a car engine right? No special tactics I should know about such as certain torques that would affect the operation of just removing/installing? Sorry for questions, I only know how to operate them I dont know how to work on them but its a project Id like to learn on a cheap machine instead of a $10k one. Thanks much!

The only place that machine belongs is the scrap yard. Look for somethink like a 753. If you find one that needs some work, you will have machine that is worth something when you are done. A 720 is maybe worth $1500 in work condition. I'm maybe a little biais since I hate all machines before the 50 series.

It's pretty much the same machine as my 700, it has the same Wisconsin air cooled V-4 engine. I haven't had to do any major engine work, but parts might tend to be a bit high. On the good side, they used these engines on a lot of ag equipment and sawmills so the parts are out there. If the rest of the machine is good, maybe just throwing some bearings in it before it hammers the crank too bad would be an inexpensive fix. They are a good little home machine for someone who doesn't use it a great deal. I have a service and parts manual that I scanned for the 'communal library' so if you do get it we've got you covered.

A motor rebuild for the Wisconsin engine is $2000-$3500. If you do it yourself, it will be less in parts but more time consuming. I bought a M700 as a project, had the motor rebuilt and have been pleased with the performance. Those engines were heavily produced so parts aren't that hard to source. As far as re-sale value - I see rebuilt and restored older 600 series machines in my area on Craigslist for $2500 to $3500 frequently. And those don't have the hydrostatic drive the 700 series does. If the seller has service information, can assure you the hydraulic pump and drive motors are working, it could be a decent machine. Another thing to consider is the electrical system on that machine is very simple and easy to work on. If it's been sitting awhile though, you might have to have the starter and/or alternator rebuilt.

HanSolo said:

A motor rebuild for the Wisconsin engine is $2000-$3500. If you do it yourself, it will be less in parts but more time consuming. I bought a M700 as a project, had the motor rebuilt and have been pleased with the performance. Those engines were heavily produced so parts aren't that hard to source. As far as re-sale value - I see rebuilt and restored older 600 series machines in my area on Craigslist for $2500 to $3500 frequently. And those don't have the hydrostatic drive the 700 series does. If the seller has service information, can assure you the hydraulic pump and drive motors are working, it could be a decent machine. Another thing to consider is the electrical system on that machine is very simple and easy to work on. If it's been sitting awhile though, you might have to have the starter and/or alternator rebuilt.

Click to expand...

$1000 doesn't seem to bad, around hear those things go for $5000+ running. looked at 721 before i bought my 731 looked like a good little machine. this guy wanted $4000 but it needed a rear axle seal. The one thing that turned me off was the hydraulics and chains use the same oil, seems to easy to contaminate.

polarisguy said:

$1000 doesn't seem to bad, around hear those things go for $5000+ running. looked at 721 before i bought my 731 looked like a good little machine. this guy wanted $4000 but it needed a rear axle seal. The one thing that turned me off was the hydraulics and chains use the same oil, seems to easy to contaminate.

Click to expand...

Dont be too discouraged by bobcatdan, hes a dealer tech and has to work on them whether he likes it or not..lol. I wouldnt pay much over 1000. Worst can scenario, pull the motor, turn the crank, rering and do valves..have a nice machine then. In my area in upstate NY, it would be a $4000 machine with no major issues. Nice 610s will still $3500 here.