Buy New or Used? Bobcat 843 Replacement

[Mattholew]

So, I've been thinking about replacing our old 843 with something newer or brand new, simply because it seems like every time I use it, something requires a repair (cylinder mounts breaking, hoses dry rotted and spraying, so on and so on). I love the simplicity of the 843 and I only use this for personal projects around the property. So I was thinking something like a Mustang 1500R might be a good choice, because its nearly as strong as the 843 (or at least when it was new), its built very similar in design and function of the 843, which is great. The only thing I have been thinking about lately is that the engine is a Yanmar Tier IV. I have not had any experience with these Tier IV diesels. Should I avoid them due to all the emmissions stuff they do to them now? For instance, I have a 1999 Ford F250 with a 7.3L, its loud and obnoxious like an 843 with the Isuzu, but its rock solid dependable and super simple to work on and diagnose compared to the nightmares under the hoods of the new trucks these days. Would I be better off just to continue to sink money into my 843 and freshen it up, or get a new Skid? Also, I love my wheeled 843 with the Grouser Bar Tracks on it. Not interested in Rubber Tracked models. Hope you guys can help me with this decision.

 

[foton]

I have been pondering the same question ,I am worse off than you I have a 500 bobcat. I am looking for one 2008 or older that I can get into at a good price but also not run into a lack of maint. nightmare, I am sure they are out there but I can never seem to get the timing right. I really would like a cab version also with a/c around 70 hp but one day. yeah I got a 96 dodge 1 ton cummins great truck.

 

[farmshop]

While the 1500r is a nice machine if you want simplicity I'd look into a 2054 or similar vintage in the mustangs. Cable linkages and manual controls. A very simple machine. Even a 763 or s175 style bobcat is still relatively simple but still 20 years newer than the 843

 

[Wayne440]

While the 1500r is a nice machine if you want simplicity I'd look into a 2054 or similar vintage in the mustangs. Cable linkages and manual controls. A very simple machine. Even a 763 or s175 style bobcat is still relatively simple but still 20 years newer than the 843

My 2 cents worth as a non-commercial user....Tier IV is a mess that should have never been allowed to happen. I will never own such an engine in any application unless it is at some ridiculous "use it until it needs expensive repairs, then junk it" price. Also, the fewer electronics on a machine, the better- cables and linkages are much less trouble to diagnose and repairs are straightforward.