So recently my 1998 873 skid would stutter and stall. I read and read about the issue. I changed fuel filter, then the inner pump filter. It would run for awhile but then die. Pump the bulb it would run then die. I took the side cover off to look at the fuel supply line, but to my surprise it is in front of the motor under the hydraulic pump. No way to see it, and have to work by touch. I bought a new fuel pump, only $20, installed it, and the machine ran fine for about 5 minutes. I figured since my fuel gauge wasn't working I might be out of fuel. So i was pumping fuel from the farm tank into the skid steer not paying attention and filled right up to the top of the spout. pumped the fuel bulb got in and she fired right up. worked great for about hr or so then same thing. Pumped the bulb, but now i could hear girgling... hmmm maybe it was the fuel pickup, so i ordered one and a new sending unit for the fuel gauge. After numerous hours trying to get the old pickup out, i looked at the tank and there is at least 10 inches of tank in between motor and hydraulic pump. So i drilled a new hole(grommet size) cut and plugged the old line connected to the new fuel pickup and pumped the bulb. Machine has not stopped running since. I figured if this is a re occurring fix, it will be easier to fix now that i relocated the pickup line. I also replaced the sending unit so now i have a working guage, its nice to have.
