Info on 825 Bobcat

[steve911]

Hi all, I restored an old M444 last year that has served me very well so far. I want to "upgrade" to a larger machine and found a 1972 825 for sale in Illinois. Its got fairly low hours and overall condition seems to match the hour meter. My usage plans are just around the house on occasion. Is this model although basic by todays standards a good choice? If not what are some recommendations? When I get a replacment, I will be selling the M444. thanks Steve A.

 

[rhodges]

I have had an 825 for a few years and it has served me well. It has decent strength for moving dirt and moving snow. I have used several attachments with it: an 850 breaker, an auger, and a 910 backhoe. They worked just fine, but I had to borrow hydraulic adapters (flat to Pioneer) for the breaker and auger, and I had to take a grinder to the Bob-tach to get the newer attachments to fit. Lately I had some problems with the engine and diesel system, but I think it was due to some wax or gum in the fuel at low temperatures (-20 degrees). As I mentioned in that thread, a quart of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) added to the fuel has cleared that up. Other than that, the Perkins engine has been a reliable workhorse, drinking an average of 0.7 gallons per hour for my usage.

 

[coreya3212]

I have had an 825 for a few years and it has served me well. It has decent strength for moving dirt and moving snow. I have used several attachments with it: an 850 breaker, an auger, and a 910 backhoe. They worked just fine, but I had to borrow hydraulic adapters (flat to Pioneer) for the breaker and auger, and I had to take a grinder to the Bob-tach to get the newer attachments to fit. Lately I had some problems with the engine and diesel system, but I think it was due to some wax or gum in the fuel at low temperatures (-20 degrees). As I mentioned in that thread, a quart of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) added to the fuel has cleared that up. Other than that, the Perkins engine has been a reliable workhorse, drinking an average of 0.7 gallons per hour for my usage.

I have had my 825 for 2 years, and sounds like I use it the same way you would plan too Steve. Just personal acreage use. Its funny, but I could say ditto to rhodges post except for the breaker. I have smooth and tooth buckets for dirt work and pallet forks, auger, cement mixer, and just this week converted a backhoe to attach and it runs them all just fine. I like it cause everything is easy to fix, no electronics, BICS etc to worry about, or bobcat computer codes to track down. I had a fuel delivery problem that took a while to sort out, but once I figured that out, it has run great, good fuel mileage and little maitenance. I too took a grinder to the top outside corners of the bobtach, thats about a 6 minute job to get it into spec. Good Luck.

 

[steve911]

I have had my 825 for 2 years, and sounds like I use it the same way you would plan too Steve. Just personal acreage use. Its funny, but I could say ditto to rhodges post except for the breaker. I have smooth and tooth buckets for dirt work and pallet forks, auger, cement mixer, and just this week converted a backhoe to attach and it runs them all just fine. I like it cause everything is easy to fix, no electronics, BICS etc to worry about, or bobcat computer codes to track down. I had a fuel delivery problem that took a while to sort out, but once I figured that out, it has run great, good fuel mileage and little maitenance. I too took a grinder to the top outside corners of the bobtach, thats about a 6 minute job to get it into spec. Good Luck.

One thing I noticed on the 825, is that there is a sticker that says hydrostatic. Is this a different drive system than the more modern systems or is this just what they called it back then. Does this model have the 2 hydraulic motors that drive each side with the chain box? thanks again Steve A.

 

[Tazza]

One thing I noticed on the 825, is that there is a sticker that says hydrostatic. Is this a different drive system than the more modern systems or is this just what they called it back then. Does this model have the 2 hydraulic motors that drive each side with the chain box? thanks again Steve A.

The new machines use a hydrostatic drive, essentially hydraulic drive. They use hydraulic motors, not clutches. Its a much better setup that your current machine. You get more power as the pump only generates pressure when you need it.

 

[GhostOp]

One thing I noticed on the 825, is that there is a sticker that says hydrostatic. Is this a different drive system than the more modern systems or is this just what they called it back then. Does this model have the 2 hydraulic motors that drive each side with the chain box? thanks again Steve A.

My 825 has a lever near the throttle, that allows you to select high or low speed for the hydraulic drive motors. The 825 was designed to hold 27 gallons of 30 weight oil for hydraulic fluid, this eliminated the need for a large coiling coil, and makes the machine pretty stable. The engine is run at high rpm to keep fluid flow up, allowing the operator to lift and turn at the same time. The two speed lever will let you limit the forward and reverse speeds when you're working in close quarters, but allows you the option to move pretty quickly when you need to cover some ground. My fuel consumption is identical to the other posters, the 825 is pretty easy to work on, economical to repair and operate, and parts are easily available from the dealer. The 825 has two drive motors, but it doesn't have a separate chain case like some other machines. Using it for personal use, I don't think I can possibly wear it out in my lifetime. Jerry

 

[steve911]

Hi all, I pulled the trigger on the 825. I will be picking it up on Friday. Is there an electronic download of manuals available for this machine? Thanks for all of the great comments and help. Steve A.

 

[jeffco]

Hi all, I pulled the trigger on the 825. I will be picking it up on Friday. Is there an electronic download of manuals available for this machine? Thanks for all of the great comments and help. Steve A.

This is great, more 825's than we first thought. I really like mine and use it like most every one else who owns one, just around the yard and snow removal. When I run the 825 I feel like when I drive my 66 GTO or use my 031 Stihl saw,I know it's older but there was a day when it was top shelf stuff. That's my excuse and it's worked well for many years, why change? Check ebay for the manuals, even on DVD now but be careful, sometimes they are pretty poor copies, I have originals from Bobcat if you get in a bind, ask. Jeffco