I have a bobcat 743, currently getting new rear axle bearings. While it's been in the shop, I've been looking and considering upgrading and selling the 743. I have used mostly hand and foot control machines, so I'm trying to only keep those as an option. There's a 773g not too far away with only 1300 hours, cab, heat, and appears to be a real clean machine. Is there a huge difference between the 743 and 773g? The specs don't appear that far off. My main goal for a different machine is more power, both digging and hydraulics, and more stable. The 743 is real tippy and I seem to always have slopes to deal with. Thanks in advance for any advice, and if you have any suggestions, please feel free to share your thoughts.
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reaperman
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- Dec 18, 2011
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There is a night and day difference between the two machines. The 773 is way more stable and will way out lift the 743 by the different arm style on the 773. The engine is turned sideways on the 773 making the machine more stable yet. Not to mention the wheel base and width difference. A cab/heat is huge if you use your machine for plowing snow. Take it for a test drive, you wont regret it. If the machine is in good shape it will likely be the last one you need for many years or ever.
The only down side is the added electronics, everything else is a good 20 years newer, more power, smoother, more comfort. Harder/more expensive to repair if things go wrong.
I upgraded from a 743 to an S150, id' never go back, I have never had any electronic issues on it, but I have a gremlin on my S250 shutting it down at random times. A job I need to get on to so it will be reliable again.
You will not look back on the upgrade, there is more steering lever weight on the newer machine due to shock absorbers, but the trade off is smoother operation.
