1997 Bobcat 331 parts machine or not?

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cmb7684

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May 17, 2008
Messages
231
I have been kicking around what to do with my 97 bobcat 331 mini excavator for some time. I bought the machine as part of a bundle and back then figured I would repair it to play with or maybe even do some pile driving down here in South Louisiana.
The truth is I have way too many projects right now and cant seem to decide whether to sell or repair and keep or sell. I put an ad out to sell it and have had some nibbles but not sold yet however I haven't really made a hard effort. Worse case scenario there is always ebay.
The guy I bought it from said he was using it at a job and the motor started having trouble running so he drove it on to the trailer so he didn't have to fight with getting it on the trailer if it killed. The trailer is where it still sits today. A worker of his took the access panels off and tanks, radiator and hydraulic cooler to see if they could repair it and left town before going any further. The motor is bad and I'm not sure if it is rebuildable but my plan was to put a used V2203 in it. It ran out apparently. While the trailer was sitting a few parts that he removed to inspect the motor walked off the trailer I assume by a scrap metal thief (hydraulic cooler, radiator both sheet metal side panels and the plate panel that goes under the machine towards the back near the rear bumper area.
Today when a guy was looking at it he took the allen screw bolts out of the drive motors and one had gear oil and the other did not but the previous owner did not mention any issues with the drive and when I crossed referenced what he said about the machine with the local dealer where he had all the service done the guys stories checked out without him knowing I was checking.
So to complete my decision to sell or try to repair I have a few questions.

1. Would there be any way to tell if that drive motor is bad and why would it be dry of gear oil?
2. I know for certain it needs the following parts: hydraulic cooler, radiator, both sheet metal side panels and the plate panel that goes under the machine (where the planetary drive meets the cab floor towards the back near the rear bumper area) and a V2203 motor. It also needs a cylinder rod (the one under the boom from the swivel to the first knuckle) as it is pitted and torn up where it looks like they strapped a chain around it to pull things. Would the expense of those parts even used be worth putting into a 1997 331? This is the main question as it is more than likely a machine I will sell whether I get it running or not just because I don't have the use for it to keep it up and justify it. So I wouldn't want to put more money in it then its worth as I do not have the use for it to make it pay for itself and if I sell it then it would be at a loss.
3. If I sell it as a parts machine what would be a fair price for it?
 

Fishfiles

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Feb 8, 2007
Messages
1,698
"pile driving down here in South Louisiana" ---------- you hitting close to home in more ways than one with that phrase -------------- money pit hits close to home to me when I read your story ----------------run a add for parts for 6 months then sell whats left for scrap metal --------I 'll give $40 for that dash board /controller , it's only worth $800 new
 
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cmb7684

Well-known member
Joined
May 17, 2008
Messages
231
"pile driving down here in South Louisiana" ---------- you hitting close to home in more ways than one with that phrase -------------- money pit hits close to home to me when I read your story ----------------run a add for parts for 6 months then sell whats left for scrap metal --------I 'll give $40 for that dash board /controller , it's only worth $800 new
Fishfiles I remember from talking in the past that you are close to me. Im from the Metairie area.
I have been getting a few emails on it with two people coming to take a look at it over the next few days. If I go the part route I will let you know I just really dont want to do that as I dont have the time to pull it apart store it and try to move it and its got my trailer locked up as long as it sits.
 

Miker67

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Joined
Mar 1, 2011
Messages
70
Fishfiles I remember from talking in the past that you are close to me. Im from the Metairie area.
I have been getting a few emails on it with two people coming to take a look at it over the next few days. If I go the part route I will let you know I just really dont want to do that as I dont have the time to pull it apart store it and try to move it and its got my trailer locked up as long as it sits.
What are you looking to get out of the machine? I might be interested, I live over by Lafayette.
Money is tight ATM, but we might be able to work something out.
 

Henry Jordan

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Joined
Jun 4, 2013
Messages
4
I don't know if I could be of much help. But I work for a construction company which provides almost all the spare parts for Caterpillar and Bob trucks and other machine. If you need any you can order it from the website. Thank you!
 
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