Hello all, I'm a new member to this forum. I have a few questions as I'm also new to Bobcat's and skid steers in general. I have a partner overseas that's been in the Bobcat business for 30 years. He's recently asked me if I could help him since I'm in the USA. Basically, I need to find used but running Bobcats for as low a price as possible. Most of the Bobcat's that I've seen that fit that requirement are salvaged units. Some run, some don't. Aesthetics or how the Bobcat looks isn't important. What is important is that the engine runs and the hydraulic system operates properly. What my partner then does is refurbish them for resale in his country. I don't know if it's realistic, but can running Bobcat's be purchased for $1000 or less? If so, where are the best places to look? All I've been able to find online are auction sites. Is there someone in the northeast (NY, NJ, PA, CT) that deals with salvaged Bobcats that I can inspect and then purchase directly? When it comes to salvage due to flood/water damage, what's a ballpark estimate to have the engine/electronics/hydraulics rebuilt so that the unit runs? Are there any sort of export requirements or permits that I'll need to obtain before I can send these units overseas? Sorry for the many questions. As you can see, I'm very new to this. Heavy equipment isn't my forte but I figured if I could help my friend and perhaps make a few bucks in the process, then it's worth a shot.
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As for machines cheap, you won't get a good runner for that, even 30+ year old machines go for more than that.
Ones that have been for a swim can quickly add up. The electronics can be expensive, even wiring harnesses can be over 1k if it was burnt.
Thanks for the reply. According to my friend, he's said he'd seen 2007-2011 Bobcat S175s and similar sell for $850 - $1200. Right off the bat even without knowing much about these machines, I told him that price seemed unrealistic. He was pretty adamant about it though so I assumed he was looking at salvaged units. I'm going to ask him where he saw those prices.
I'll keep researching in the meantime.
Any good websites to search or check out for used Bobcats?
So far, I've found www.easyexport.us which deals with just salvaged equipment and machinetrader.com which has several listings for running Bobcats. The ones on machinetrader are of course much more expensive.
I think your friend is dreaming Amstel.
I'd have to agree. Just parting it out, you'd get more than that. Set of tyres and rims plus the cage would fetch about 1k, not to mention the engine and pumps.
SkidRoe
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In my area, the typical cheapest prices that I have seen machines offered for that would fit the description that you describe is $5000-$6000, and these are all way older than the S175 your friend saw, more like 743's, 643's, 630's, etc. I even saw a beat up 611 going for $5000, but I think that the buyer was on glue.
Stitch another zero on to the prices that you list and then multiply by 2 - that would put you in the ball park for machines less than 10 years old. Any less than that, I would be suspicious of under lying issues, or that the machine is hot.
Keep us posted on how you make out.
skidsteer.ca
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As others have said 5000 buys a parts machine that can only be junked out for part or needs at least 5000 in repair.
10000 is more realistic for anything that runs, maybe 7000 to 8000 for a runner that needs some mechanical work. Also your only going to find the odd one here and there for that price. no a long line of units ready to purchase.
Had lots of customer stop buy wanting to buy a 5000 machine, had to tell them sorry, your looking for a old farm tractor with that kind of money.
Ken
Based on what I have seen, a burnt s175 still brings $5000 to $7000. For a running moving s175, maybe $12000 for a very beat one would be about the cheapest one could get.
what a joke
clydebusa
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Agree with all that has been said, looked for 3 years and never ever saw anything below 3k and believe me the 3k ones would not run or even come close.
I remember several years ago there was a 863 that a guy was asking 4,500 for and the engine had been removed and pieces and parts were everywhere. It needed a new engine and it was no gem of a cat either. I offered him 1,000 and he laughed. I asked him what assurance do I have that all of the parts are there to put it back together? My luck would be dumping in another 1,500 on missing parts. Needless to say some people think they are sitting on a gold mine.