bobtach handle spring 743

[marko13]

one of my handle springs on the Bobcat on my 743 was missing so I bought a pair from eBay that supposedly fit but it's too long without being compressed and extremely stiff. the bolt isn't long enough to start and I'm not sure how to compress that spring. I'm thinking to put it in a vise and try to hold it with a zip tie see if that will get it on but maybe the springs just too long?

 

[marko13]

obviously I got the wrong spring
first pic shows new vs existing, 3x thicker plus longer
spring compressed is 1 -5/8 - 1-3/4
max space to start screw is 1-1/4
bummer

 

[brdgbldr]

Have you tried shopping Bobcat for the spring? They still have a lot of parts like that in stock for older machines:

Bobcat Shop | Parts, Attachments & More | Bobcat Company

Shop all Genuine Bobcat Parts, attachments, accessories, extended warranty and training for all your Bobcat Equipment. Plus explore gear, toys, gifts and more.

shop.bobcat.com

You can find the part number in the parts catalog:

Bobcat Parts Catalog - Find Diagrams for Your Equipment - Bobcat Company

Locate all parts and component information about your Bobcat equipment with detailed visual diagrams and illustrations with parts numbers and add to your list.

partscatalog.bobcat.com

You may also want to try this store:

Skid Steer Replacement Parts & Accessories

Fast & Free Shipping on orders of $99 or more

stores.allskidsteers.com

 

[brdgbldr]

Here is a link to what I use to compress springs:

Amazon product ASIN B0187IOXJA

 

[marko13]

thanks the part number did the trick.
strangely to get the spring from Bobcat you have to buy five of them when there's only two of them on the bucket. unless the two on the drop down bar seat belt thing are the same spring, and maybe there's another location where that spring is used, otherwise it makes no sense. but I got it from the all skid steers store thanks

 

[brdgbldr]

thanks the part number did the trick.
strangely to get the spring from Bobcat you have to buy five of them when there's only two of them on the bucket. unless the two on the drop down bar seat belt thing are the same spring, and maybe there's another location where that spring is used, otherwise it makes no sense. but I got it from the all skid steers store thanks

Yes, Bobcat sells several parts in bulk. Mainly in sets of five. Things like springs, bolts, nuts, o-rings, etc.

A lot of the time you can resell them yourself to people just like you that only need one or two.

 

[marko13]

ok, the allskidsteers place was cheaper so thanks for that heads up.
Will see when they get here if they are the right one this time lol

 

[brdgbldr]

ok, the allskidsteers place was cheaper so thanks for that heads up.
Will see when they get here if they are the right one this time lol

I've been using ALLSKIDSTEERS for years and never had any issues. As long as you got the correct part number you won't have an issue. I also like that they have a fitment verification by serial number.