Hi all, Name here is Wade, and I'm in NW IL. I have a 1996 Bobcat 773 Series C that I got used from a dealer who told me that it was owned by a local farmer. As is the case for most loaders this age, the seat was replaced by the dealer with a cheap, non-adjustable seat, the back of which sits flat against the firewall so it won't go back any farther. The seat bar is difficult for me to pull down over my old man big belly these days. Is there a way to adjust the seat bar, or make any mod that will allow me more room to breathe while strapped into the machine? Thanks in advance! Wade
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I believe people have modified the seat bar to help fit in a bit easier, it involved cutting the seat bar and inserting some extra tube to give more space. I don't think bending it will give enough room, so it leaves you fewer options.
I wonder if a different seal will give you a little more room or not, if it's a smaller size, it could slide back a bit more to give you space.
I believe people have modified the seat bar to help fit in a bit easier, it involved cutting the seat bar and inserting some extra tube to give more space. I don't think bending it will give enough room, so it leaves you fewer options.
I wonder if a different seal will give you a little more room or not, if it's a smaller size, it could slide back a bit more to give you space.
Does that machine have a sensor on the seat bar? I just repaired out 753g series seat bar. There was bushings that we're wore out and rubber bumpers that the bar comes down on were gone. I made thicker bumpers to hold the bar up higher when lowered. I am 6-2 about 260 and can fit comfortably even with coveralls on. There are some seats that sit higher than others also that can cause problems
Yes, it has a "bar down switch" at the left attachment bushing, which I have replaced, and also has a mechanical pad on bot sides for the bar to push down to release the transmission, or whatever it releases. I think the seat idea might help a little, but I'm doubtful it'll be much additional room. I could just lose about 50 lbs, but that doesn't sound like any fun! Wade
While not the safest we had an older machine that we clamped the lock pads down on. If you seat bar has enough range for the sensor you could make bumpers to hold it up a little
Hi farmshop, Yes, I considered that too, which would also require my defeating the "bar-down" sensor, which can be done. After all, I had a Case 1835 for 15 years and all it had was a seat belt and NO interlocks or lap bars, and I'm still here. I think I'll try to get through this winter and when it gets warm, take it out in the yard and have a good look to see what jumps out at me. I was really hoping that someone knew of a store-bought modified lap bar, or could suggest a retrofit using an existing piece. I'd probably do the lapbar cut/weld if it weren't for the nice molded foam rubber covering on the original. Thanks to all of you for your input. Wade
TriHonu
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Bobcat offered a Large Operator Seat Bar Kit as an option on many loaders.
If you have the skills, I wouldn't have any concerns with cutting and extending the seat bar. I would add slugs inside the tube joints and weld. Just make sure that you don't extended it so far that it hits the inside of the cab or door when you lower it.
