743 creep stoppable?

[dsl2noise]

Hi, I'm happy to be a new member. My 743 has been in the familiy for years, and has about 7000 hours on it now. I've been having a real tough time getting the neutral adjusted, and I noticed how flat the little round cams are and how concave the surfaces of the pintle bars are, and I'm wondering is it even possible to adjust the creep out when there is appreciable wear in these parts, or am I wasting my time? I have found that with a little throttle on, the parking brake will hold it, but I'd like to think that I could get back at least close to the neutral it knew when it (and I) was younger.

 

[bobbie-g]

Welcome the the forum! First, my experience with adjusting the bars shows it's a bit tricky. Prob best to put the machine up on jack stands. The bars can be flipped over (mark the positions carefully with a marker!!!) to put a "new" flat surface against the cams. The cams should rotate freely. Mine usually quit turning after a few years, even if I squirt them with WD40 or light oil (that may actually make it worse, if it attracts dust). I just bite the bullet and buy new ones as needed. Lastly, make sure the bell cranks with the cams on them are securely fastened to the vertical shaft going down into the pump. The bell cranks are aluminum and the square shafts are steel, so there's a tendency for the aluminum to loosen up a bit. That will induce sloppiness into the controls. I've used a soda can shim to add a bit more aluminum in there, then tightened the clamp bolts as much as I dare. Worst case, Bobcat will be happy to sell you new bell cranks. ---Bobbie-G

 

[Tazza]

Welcome the the forum! First, my experience with adjusting the bars shows it's a bit tricky. Prob best to put the machine up on jack stands. The bars can be flipped over (mark the positions carefully with a marker!!!) to put a "new" flat surface against the cams. The cams should rotate freely. Mine usually quit turning after a few years, even if I squirt them with WD40 or light oil (that may actually make it worse, if it attracts dust). I just bite the bullet and buy new ones as needed. Lastly, make sure the bell cranks with the cams on them are securely fastened to the vertical shaft going down into the pump. The bell cranks are aluminum and the square shafts are steel, so there's a tendency for the aluminum to loosen up a bit. That will induce sloppiness into the controls. I've used a soda can shim to add a bit more aluminum in there, then tightened the clamp bolts as much as I dare. Worst case, Bobcat will be happy to sell you new bell cranks. ---Bobbie-G

It can be a real pain getting it right, ensure you r bushings are all tight and the spring is good too, over time the spring can get a bit weak.
I found that when adjusted spot in, you move the sticks and they will not always return just right, but you bump them and it stays in neutral. When like this, you may want a new spring to help pull it into place.
Flat spots will still work, but not as well. I made new “pucks” from 1” steel and hardened them and i welded up the flat plates with hard facing rods and ground flat if both sides have been used. Parts will be available from the dealer, i was just too cheap to buy them

 

[wings5j]

It can be a real pain getting it right, ensure you r bushings are all tight and the spring is good too, over time the spring can get a bit weak.
I found that when adjusted spot in, you move the sticks and they will not always return just right, but you bump them and it stays in neutral. When like this, you may want a new spring to help pull it into place.
Flat spots will still work, but not as well. I made new “pucks” from 1” steel and hardened them and i welded up the flat plates with hard facing rods and ground flat if both sides have been used. Parts will be available from the dealer, i was just too cheap to buy them

I would just like to add, that you will find it well worth the time to do the job right and repair or replace the worn parts. As I recall there are also some steering bushings (they look like two washers with a rubber center) that are not too expensive and worth replacing. The bolt for these bushings is not fully tightened until in the neutral position and the rubber center assists in keeping it in neutral. John