Bobcat 873 Bucket Level Switch

[memphisdoug]

First off, thanks for the answers to my previous questions! Here's the next one - what does the bucket level switch do and how does it work? The operator's manual doesn't say anything about it other than what it is. Thanks again for any help!

 

[kweber]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe when the switch is off and you raise the arms, your buckets remains curled up tight to the arms all the way up. When you turn on the switch and raise the arms, the bucket will move to keep the bucket angle the same all the way up. In other words, if your bucket is parallel to the ground at the bottom of the arm travel, it should be parallel to the ground at the top of arm travel.

 

[mrfixitpaul]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe when the switch is off and you raise the arms, your buckets remains curled up tight to the arms all the way up. When you turn on the switch and raise the arms, the bucket will move to keep the bucket angle the same all the way up. In other words, if your bucket is parallel to the ground at the bottom of the arm travel, it should be parallel to the ground at the top of arm travel.

kweber has it correct. The self levelling only works when lifting, not when lowering.

 

[Tazza]

kweber has it correct. The self levelling only works when lifting, not when lowering.

Not all machines have this option installed though. Its very handy for lifting with forks as it keeps the load level.

 

[memphisdoug]

Not all machines have this option installed though. Its very handy for lifting with forks as it keeps the load level.

How would I know if the option is installed? Is having the switch an indicator or did all the machines come with the switch even though they may not have had the option?

 

[Tazza]

How would I know if the option is installed? Is having the switch an indicator or did all the machines come with the switch even though they may not have had the option?

I think they all come with that button now, press it and if the light lights up, it appears you have it. If it does not, its not installed.

 

[memphisdoug]

I got to try this out last night. Turned on the switch and no light so I was disappointed. But as I raised the bucket it stayed level! Excellent. As said, it only works going up - not down but I'm happy it works and I know how to use it now.

 

[CharlieNH]

I got to try this out last night. Turned on the switch and no light so I was disappointed. But as I raised the bucket it stayed level! Excellent. As said, it only works going up - not down but I'm happy it works and I know how to use it now.

Where is this switch located and what does in look like? I just got an older 843 and am trying to learn about it. It's a pain that it doesn't work going down, especially with something on forks. Thanks.

 

[memphisdoug]

Where is this switch located and what does in look like? I just got an older 843 and am trying to learn about it. It's a pain that it doesn't work going down, especially with something on forks. Thanks.

The switch is in the group in the upper left side of the cab. It is a rocker switch with a picture of a bucket on it.

 

[mrfixitpaul]

The switch is in the group in the upper left side of the cab. It is a rocker switch with a picture of a bucket on it.

I don't believe the 843 had a switch to turn off the bucket positioning. If you want to disable it you need to find the adjusting quill on the bucket positioning valve and bottom out the adjustment. The quill adjusts the bleed off to the tilt cylinder when lifting to keep things level when lifting.