Intro

[Bob_D]

Hello everyone, Just joined the forum the other day after buying an M610. Machine seems to be in good shape but I am wondering what I should look for maintenance wise that might need attention before I put it to work. There is about 10" of travel in the levers so I am thinking the clutches may need adjustment. I think I read somewhere on here or another site that 4 to 6" is about right. I have a manual coming but its not here yet. I'll be using this around the property to help out with landscape work and to clear some snow in the winter time if need be. Is the Bob-tach on the 610 compatible with todays current crop of attachments or has it changed?

 

[Bob_D]

Were all model 610s equipped with seat belts? Mine does not have one or the restraint bar but I believe they did not come into being until later. Also, is it possible to get an approximate year of manufacturer based on the serial number?

 

[donald73d]

Were all model 610s equipped with seat belts? Mine does not have one or the restraint bar but I believe they did not come into being until later. Also, is it possible to get an approximate year of manufacturer based on the serial number?

Unsure, but one way or the other I would get a seatbelt in your skidder.

 

[OldMachinist]

Unsure, but one way or the other I would get a seatbelt in your skidder.

From the Bobcat website
For inquires about the year of manufacture of your Bobcat product, please contact the Marketing Service department at 701-678-6165.

 

[6brnorma]

Unsure, but one way or the other I would get a seatbelt in your skidder.

Hi Bob, Fairly new around here myself but not new to 610's. The 610 did come with seat belts but not a restraint bar. I would recommend waiting until you receive your service manual to do any repairs but here are just a couple of things that I always want to know about any 610 I am buying. I always check the condition of the jackshaft/driven sheave. It is the sheave (spring loaded) directly under the seat on the jackshaft and supported by the three pins. Using a mirror look down the pins to see what condition the bushings are in and also the main bushing on the shaft itself. If they are oval shaped they need to be replace right away, lack of attention will cause the pins to wear into the sheave and require replacement of the sheave half, you will lose the belt and what ever else the belt takes out when it goes (wiring, fuel lines, hydro lines etc., time consuming & expensive). Keep the sheave greased to avoid this problem. I also check the clutch linings which requires viewing panel removal.... worn linings will lead to expensive clutch replacements....you can adjust your lever play at the same time per service manual. Service the engine and go play.

 

[Bob_D]

Hi Bob, Fairly new around here myself but not new to 610's. The 610 did come with seat belts but not a restraint bar. I would recommend waiting until you receive your service manual to do any repairs but here are just a couple of things that I always want to know about any 610 I am buying. I always check the condition of the jackshaft/driven sheave. It is the sheave (spring loaded) directly under the seat on the jackshaft and supported by the three pins. Using a mirror look down the pins to see what condition the bushings are in and also the main bushing on the shaft itself. If they are oval shaped they need to be replace right away, lack of attention will cause the pins to wear into the sheave and require replacement of the sheave half, you will lose the belt and what ever else the belt takes out when it goes (wiring, fuel lines, hydro lines etc., time consuming & expensive). Keep the sheave greased to avoid this problem. I also check the clutch linings which requires viewing panel removal.... worn linings will lead to expensive clutch replacements....you can adjust your lever play at the same time per service manual. Service the engine and go play.

Thanks for the replies everyone and the tips on things to check up front. I used the Bobcat site to find my no so local dealer (45 miles away) and this morning I made the trip over there. I hope I don't have to call or drive over for parts too often but I wanted to see the place and get to meet the people I would be talking to on the phone in the future. Helpful people there at Burke Equipment in Delaware. They looked up the year of manufacture for me by serial number (M184xx) and its a later one....1980, so I guess by then they had the bugs worked out. A seal belt was standard in all years. I ordered one and would have installed one even if it did not originally have one. My 610 does not have brakes, not even a parking brake which I find strange. Any way I'll start looking it over and see what kind of shape its in. Oil is clean but could have been recently changed just to look good for the sale.