Yes your correct it's bolted to the side. Ya I know after I bought it I thought about it first one I've ever owned I bought it from an auction and didn't think about that till I got it home.
Ya that plate is no longer there they repainted the machine and never put it back is it true they can be found on the front just above the drain hole for the chain drive?
ok i will try my best to desrcibe my issue. i bought a used 99 bobcat knowing it needed a little work, drive chains some wiring issues and the lock unlock to opperate buttom was stuck. got all of those taken care of very easily now after using the cat for a few weeks now my bucket/arm got stuck...