743 info

[digsalot]

im thinking about a 743 with some issues. it has timing belt problems. is it like a car where you just bend a few valves. im pretty capable on mechanics. looking at fixer uppers because money is short. looks like it could be bought for about 1500 to 2000. good running skidsteers are pricey. this site has a lot of good info. thanks in advance. Kenny

 

[skidsteer.ca]

Tazza is the expert, but I believe all the 743 s came with a kubota diesel and they don't use timing belts, but rather timing gears to run the camshaft and injection pump.
Usually this system outlasts the motor lifes, but if you truly have timing problem that are not a result of incorrect assembly, then you have serious issues.
Ken

 

[Tazza]

Tazza is the expert, but I believe all the 743 s came with a kubota diesel and they don't use timing belts, but rather timing gears to run the camshaft and injection pump.
Usually this system outlasts the motor lifes, but if you truly have timing problem that are not a result of incorrect assembly, then you have serious issues.
Ken

Oh thanks Ken, drop me into it
On a serious note, Ken is spot on, they run a Kubota diesel. With care, they should do about 6,000 hours before they start to get a little lazy. The timing is done with timing gears, the timing won't just change. They are prone to cracking heads if they get hot though.
Give me a little more info, i have spent many, MANY hours working on these machines, including engines/pumps. All the parts are still available too.

 

[digsalot]

Oh thanks Ken, drop me into it
On a serious note, Ken is spot on, they run a Kubota diesel. With care, they should do about 6,000 hours before they start to get a little lazy. The timing is done with timing gears, the timing won't just change. They are prone to cracking heads if they get hot though.
Give me a little more info, i have spent many, MANY hours working on these machines, including engines/pumps. All the parts are still available too.

i have not personally seen the machine.i am thinking about buying it. the owner says it has a bad timing belt.in this pik it looks like a timing belt sproket.just trying to decide if its worth the money and what to look for.i know from reading here i need to find out how many hours are on it.thanks

 

[digsalot]

i have not personally seen the machine.i am thinking about buying it. the owner says it has a bad timing belt.in this pik it looks like a timing belt sproket.just trying to decide if its worth the money and what to look for.i know from reading here i need to find out how many hours are on it.thanks

cant find a edit post button? having pik problems also.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/62galxe/bobcat.jpg

 

[Tazza]

cant find a edit post button? having pik problems also.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/62galxe/bobcat.jpg

You really need a better pic of the engine, i can't make anything out with that one, sorry.
If they are talking a bad timing belt, it can't be a Kubota. If the belt went and its a diesel, you will have engine damage as the timing will be off and the pistons would have struck the valves.

 

[digsalot]

You really need a better pic of the engine, i can't make anything out with that one, sorry.
If they are talking a bad timing belt, it can't be a Kubota. If the belt went and its a diesel, you will have engine damage as the timing will be off and the pistons would have struck the valves.

ok the 743 had a engine swap. i was out of town and missed it by 3 days. came across a 1992 853. got ran hot one day and now has low compression. what is a fair price and are the isuzu engines ok. thanks

 

[Tazza]

ok the 743 had a engine swap. i was out of town and missed it by 3 days. came across a 1992 853. got ran hot one day and now has low compression. what is a fair price and are the isuzu engines ok. thanks

Be very careful, i don't know what Isuzu engine parts go for... Kubota engines are common as, parts are easy to get. If it got warm it could be multiple things. Warped head, warped liners (bore), cracked head, slightly stuck valves making them not close up to give full compression. It depends on just how hot it got, you may be lucky enough for it to have done the head gasket. Kubota engines if they get hot generally crack heads, thats $1500 rite there, but they are easy to get.
Remember the 853 is a larger machine, make sure its what you want. The 743 is an excellent size machine, small yet powerful. Weighs 2 tonne, can lift about 1/2 that much, its a handy size. If you just want it for farm use, where access is not an issue, the *8* series machines will be fine too, they can lift and push more, but naturally larger all round.
Good luck with it.

 

[coolhandluke]

Be very careful, i don't know what Isuzu engine parts go for... Kubota engines are common as, parts are easy to get. If it got warm it could be multiple things. Warped head, warped liners (bore), cracked head, slightly stuck valves making them not close up to give full compression. It depends on just how hot it got, you may be lucky enough for it to have done the head gasket. Kubota engines if they get hot generally crack heads, thats $1500 rite there, but they are easy to get.
Remember the 853 is a larger machine, make sure its what you want. The 743 is an excellent size machine, small yet powerful. Weighs 2 tonne, can lift about 1/2 that much, its a handy size. If you just want it for farm use, where access is not an issue, the *8* series machines will be fine too, they can lift and push more, but naturally larger all round.
Good luck with it.

would like a little info on the Isuzu 853 not sure on the years (?) but would like to know how comnmon of engine this was ..is it a strong one ..my rodeo is a runner /gas did they make their deseils like that > what to wtch out on these engins /thanks

 

[skidsteer.ca]

would like a little info on the Isuzu 853 not sure on the years (?) but would like to know how comnmon of engine this was ..is it a strong one ..my rodeo is a runner /gas did they make their deseils like that > what to wtch out on these engins /thanks

I believe the Isuzu was a good engine, they start great without glow plugs (though they are equiped with them.) Bit noisier then the kubota though. Those engines were used alot in reefer trailers I was told. I liked the one I had and had no problems other then a water pump in 2600 hours. Not sure parts are available aftermarket though, only from Isuzu, Bobcat marks them up even more.
The 853 itself however has a goofy steering system that is not as nice to run. Its hard to make it drive exactly where you want at slow speeds, like picking up a attachment. They are ok once you are used to them, but not great for many different operators. otherwise they are a tough old loader.
The bucket dump cylinder pivot at the bucket and the lower bucket pins at the loader arms are common wear out points for higher hour machine.
Ken