Recent content by Garauld

I pulled the tracks off and checked the idlers - all seemed OK. I also ran the drive motors - they were quiet as well. I put the tracks on again and tensioned them as per manual and it now drives a lot quieter. They must have been too tight...

Hi - I recently bought a used Kubota KX-41 mini excavator (to keep my 741 company) and I have noticed a crunching noise that the seller attributed to the track belt riding on the sprockets - is this normal or is it a sign of a bearing going in the final drives? I was thinking of pulling off the...

> Sounds like how I got mine, leak and all. I'll bet you end up pulling the motor to get the valve block out so you can replace the hose on the bottom. It's not that hard, really, and it will be a whole lot cleaner when you're done...

Hmmm - parking brake not disengaging?

Hey is the stock paint on a new Bobcat an epoxy paint? Unlikely. Epoxy paint chalks in sunlight - don't ever use it outdoors. I used Rustoleum Industrial enamel from Lowes to paint mine, but if I do another one, I'll use 2-part enamel or polyurethane.

I was losing hydraulic fluid to the chain case - a sign the seals in the drive motors are shot so I replaced them. Here's a chronicle of the process I followed. I had to buy the drive motor seal kits, quad and shaft seals to complete the job - about 6 hrs to do both sides. It wasn't that...

I had a rusted out one as well. I cut out the bad panels and welded in some new 1/8 plate - works/looks good as new...

I think we're all wondering what you paid for the 743. Hopefully under $3k.

I recently spray painted mine with industrial Rustoleum from Lowes. It came out pretty nice and at $9/qt was very reasonably priced. If you want a better paint job, but a lot pricier, I'd spray it with 2 part urethane, but be sure to use a chemical respirator.

Well I got to thinking about all the different ways to heat an engine to make starting it easier in the cold. I even went and bought a block heater and decided not to put it in. Too messy and PITA to get to those rear freeze plugs. Stickon pad heater? Too pricey. Tank heater - pricey too...

Hell, I just used Rustoleum industrial enamel from Lowes - looks good to me and easy to find. I used Case Flambeau red for the wheels from local tractor supply place. To match the off-black, add a bit of the white to the mix...

Here's an idea - how's about screwing in a bunch of self-drilling #12 or 1/4" hex head sheet metal screws into the lugs. I think they are hardened. Cost is about .25 each at Mcmaster-Carr. You can remove them in spring.

Those aren't decals - I used just a bit of black electricians tape to make off the areas and then sprayed them with Case Flambeau Red paint. I used Rustoleum Industrial black and white gloss paint from Lowes everywhere else....

Hi - my gauge is not working. I was wondering if there was a scheme for testing both the sender unit and the gauge so I know which one to buy. I have a 743. Thanks.

Ditto on what Tazza said. I did mine all alone. The new U-joints are stiff so I set them more or less horizontal and wiggled the engine (with a crowbar) right in. I have an A-frame I used to lift and pull out the engine. The two lifting points are not readily accessible initially - you need to...