Introduction - New Virginia Bobcat Owner

Just bought a 1995 Bobcat 873 F series. 6016hrs Have operator and maintenance manual. It has been recently poorly maintained, to say the least. But cosmetically ok, and other than drive chains and needing a good service and the fuel problem fix, most everything works. Engine starts and runs great. BUT. Hydraulics work perfect Leak at RF (bad) and RR (minor) wheel seals left rear drive chain off, unit only moves 10 feet and I must lift front wheels, reverse , drop and move another 10 feet. It gets better. Or worse as would be the description. The inlet fuel screen is clogged, and the previous owner draws fuel from a 1 gallon plastic container. So, I am best guessing at minimum, I will be need all new chains, RF axle bearing, seals, wear ring, and RR same. New timing belt and Drive belt. Full service. I have priced out the parts, and given my purchase price was very low, I can afford to replace everything needed as I go. I read every 873 posting, so I am braced for the job. The information here is very good, and it help in making my decision to buy this project. Just wanted to say thanks for the postings, otherwise, I would have not bought this challenge. Wayne

Welcome to the Forum and congrats on you new project.
It sounds like you are going into this with your eyes open, and are ready to expect a few surprises. Everything that you have listed makes sense, and I would not be surprised if you find that the fuel line in the tank is actually broken off. It is about the right vintage for that to happen.
Keep us updated on your progress, and pictures are always welcomed. In case you need some help posting pictures, refer to this post:
http://www.skidsteerforum.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=54&frmView=ShowPost&PostID=2445
Good luck!!
SR

SkidRoe said:

Welcome to the Forum and congrats on you new project.
It sounds like you are going into this with your eyes open, and are ready to expect a few surprises. Everything that you have listed makes sense, and I would not be surprised if you find that the fuel line in the tank is actually broken off. It is about the right vintage for that to happen.
Keep us updated on your progress, and pictures are always welcomed. In case you need some help posting pictures, refer to this post:
http://www.skidsteerforum.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=54&frmView=ShowPost&PostID=2445
Good luck!!
SR

Click to expand...

Thanks SkidRoe: Most everything I need so far is small dollar parts. Hoping to find I don't need sprockets or other high dollar parts. Certainly will post progress, although this is a project for me. And I will not be getting into a rush to fix it, as my livelyhood is yet dependent on this 873. Wayne