Hey everyone. On our 743 Bobcat, the seat bar won't stay up on its own anymore. We have to hold it up with a bungee strap every time we get out of it. This is getting pretty frustrating/annoying. I see that on Bobcat parts there is a spring on each side. I'm wondering if I just replace those 2 springs will that fix it? I've also considered trying to adapt a gas shock to it somehow to help hold it up. Anyone who has ran in to this issue in the past and wouldn't mind commenting on what my options are it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Kyle
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someone on ebay sells a gas spring conversion for it, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bobcat-Skid-Steer-Seat-Bar-Hydraulic-Lift-Assist-Kit-742-743-6664207-C16-12101B-/231153606997?hash=item35d1d42155&vxp=mtr
That's exactly what I'd like to do, but $109.00 seems a little steep for that. I guess I can always try to fabricate something of my own. I have all the tools to do so, just would need to find the right length of gas strut for it.
You could get the gas strut from Bobcat for a 743B, it has 1 gas strut on the right side, works good.
That's what I was going to do. Then I would have to fabricate 2 pieces of metal for the strut to hook too on the bobcat.
antfarmer2
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Still useing bungee cord here lol not used much just a toy
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http://stores.allskidsteers.com/search.php?search_query=seat+bar&x=0&y=0 there is the gas spring
My bobcat 763 manual says that it either came spring loaded or with a gas shock the parts for the gas shock are expensive. While I was painting my bobcat I lost the tab that held the gas shock to the side of the cage that someone threw it in the scrap dumpster that had 3 tons of small parts in so needless to say I lost the needle in the hay stack. I called bobcat for it it was 67$ For a angled piece of steel that had a bend in it. I ended up fabing one up it wasn't easy because of the z bend in it. I even had borrowed one for a guide and it was tuff
My bobcat 763 manual says that it either came spring loaded or with a gas shock the parts for the gas shock are expensive. While I was painting my bobcat I lost the tab that held the gas shock to the side of the cage that someone threw it in the scrap dumpster that had 3 tons of small parts in so needless to say I lost the needle in the hay stack. I called bobcat for it it was 67$ For a angled piece of steel that had a bend in it. I ended up fabing one up it wasn't easy because of the z bend in it. I even had borrowed one for a guide and it was tuff And if u can't weld with the seat bar in the machine there is a trick to remove the bar from the cab u need to no
I saw that the piece that bolts on the cag does have a bend to it. I am going to try and fab something up and hope it works. I'm guessing that it bolts right to the bolt that goes through the lap bar mount. Where the original spring goes? I got to looking at ours yesterday and forsure one spring is broke, but I couldnt tell if the other side was or not. I might go ahead and just order 2 new springs and try that, but I do like the idea of a gas strut on it too.
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i hate the springs,they squeak. if you leave the machine for a few days outside they rust over and shreak. i want to change them out.
idwoodhauler
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I used a hook, like from a dog leash and clipped it to the cage. Then use an S hook to hook under the bar. When you lift the bar the S hook spins right under the bar, or maybe takes a slight brush with my finger to position it. Then when releasing, I lift up the bar a hair and the hook spins out from under. Works WAY better than expected. Then I put some duct tape on the cage to keep it from rattling when in use. Only took me and a team of engineers 3 weeks and cost about $4 to fabricate.
A new spring generally fixes this. Some times you need to weld up the metal "friction" plates, you will see they have a worn spot where they touch the seat bar.
A gas strut will work, but two new springs can generally fix it too.
Ok, thanks for the replies guys. I might get a couple new springs for now until I decide whether I want to try and fab up some brackets of my own for the strut, or buy the $100 kit off ebay.
Last time i got springs they were all of $0.50 each
They ran fine with them, i'd stick with it. You'd be amazed at just how much of a difference they will make.
7LBSSMALLIE
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tazz right again run a bead on triangle plates, or convert to gas spring, me id run abead
wings5j
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I am with Tazza on this one. Two new springs and perhaps a little welding if there are wear spots.
When I went to the dealer and picked up the new springs, they were actually more heavy duty than the old ones, so I am guessing there was an upgrade done at some point to help with this problem.
The seat bar has worked flawlessly since then, so I have been pretty happy with just replacing the springs.
John
