Farmboy - same as 440????

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M700man

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Mar 26, 2006
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Hi guys, Acquired a Bobcat Farmboy, which according to the dealers I've talked to : (a) does not exist (b) is about 40 years old (c) is not a Bobcat, I just think it is. Even called the factory in North Dakota and the brilliant woman who was supposed be a Tech said I should just consult the owners manual. Right. What manual ? First told me that I was making this up. Why didn't I call MY dealer. Right, again. Well, after calling about 8 dealers, talking to parts/service, finally one says "oh, it's a 440". Well according to Bobcat's website it was built in 1985 and 1986. The ID plate only says Farmboy and lists a serial number. So, my question is, and I know there's suppose to be an exBobcat mechanic on this site, is it a 440 or are there differences. It came with a Kohler Magnum18 engine with a hole in the side of the block. So, here we go. It has, what appears to be ATF fluid in it, but the decals say consult your owners manual. This is no help. Can anyone bail me out here ? Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks John
 

Tazza

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My 743 looked like it had ATF in it when i got it, but it was simply red oil.
Is this machine hydrostatic drive? if so, it will not use ATF or hydraulic oil, you will need heavier weight oil like other skid steers run like 10W30. The oil can't be too thin or it will cause damage.
 

Kudagra

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Oct 19, 2006
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My 743 looked like it had ATF in it when i got it, but it was simply red oil.
Is this machine hydrostatic drive? if so, it will not use ATF or hydraulic oil, you will need heavier weight oil like other skid steers run like 10W30. The oil can't be too thin or it will cause damage.
Yea pretty much what Tazza said. Ive seen a bunch of old timers put ATF in there. Now just topping it off wont hurt anything but completely filling it up with it will. Im guessing you are saying a hole in the side of the ENGINE. Well...I hope you got it cheap because another engine is in your future. Looks like the 440 was produced till 85. In 85 it got a different engine (M18-QS instead of the KT-17QS from the 440 Both Kohlers) which just reduced the operating weight about 60lbs and it got the name FarmBoy (and an extra HP). It was then Renamed 440B in late 86 till 95. A 440B is just a renamed Farmboy built after 86. Quick search of Google shows NorthernTool has them both for about $2k each. Im sure thats probably cheaper then a Bobcat Dealer. Im sure they can be found used. Lawnmower shops could fix them or might have them.
 

skidsteer.ca

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Yea pretty much what Tazza said. Ive seen a bunch of old timers put ATF in there. Now just topping it off wont hurt anything but completely filling it up with it will. Im guessing you are saying a hole in the side of the ENGINE. Well...I hope you got it cheap because another engine is in your future. Looks like the 440 was produced till 85. In 85 it got a different engine (M18-QS instead of the KT-17QS from the 440 Both Kohlers) which just reduced the operating weight about 60lbs and it got the name FarmBoy (and an extra HP). It was then Renamed 440B in late 86 till 95. A 440B is just a renamed Farmboy built after 86. Quick search of Google shows NorthernTool has them both for about $2k each. Im sure thats probably cheaper then a Bobcat Dealer. Im sure they can be found used. Lawnmower shops could fix them or might have them.
You meant red oil in the hydraulics right, not the engine?
Ken
 
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M700man

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I sure hope he did.
Thanks for the replies. Yes, the red oil is in the hydraulics, not the engine. And I did say, in my original post, that the hole was in the engine block. As to seeing an engine in my future, that's debatable, as I could just TIG weld this hole up and rebuild the engine. I don't consider Northern Tool as a source of supply, as I have other places to purchase. Most likely I will find a good used takeout engine, and go with that. Thanks, John
 

Tazza

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Thanks for the replies. Yes, the red oil is in the hydraulics, not the engine. And I did say, in my original post, that the hole was in the engine block. As to seeing an engine in my future, that's debatable, as I could just TIG weld this hole up and rebuild the engine. I don't consider Northern Tool as a source of supply, as I have other places to purchase. Most likely I will find a good used takeout engine, and go with that. Thanks, John
It wouldn't hurt trying to weld the hole on the block, its not like it will cost you much if you have the gear. You have little to loose.
I take it that it has hung a rod? if the new con-rod isn't too expensive i would give it a go. Give the bore a quick rub with a flex hone or if you don't have one just some wet and dry sand paper.
Make sure you give it a good clean out inside, i don't know if these run an oil pump or not but if it does clean it out as there will be metal particles floating around from when it punched the hole. I have a kubota engine that was full of small particles when it hung a rod.
 

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