new 743 owner needs advice

[bewing]

I just bought a used 88 743 for $6500.00. "Is this a decent price machine appears to be in pretty good shape considering the age"? My second question is about tire size it has 2 new 16.5x12 tires and 2 worn out 16.5x10. Is there any harm in getting 4 12's instead of the 10's that are the factory standard? Also I need to get a safety bar and lubricants oil change and hydrolic filter. Does anyone have advice as to things to look out for on this machine? I have rented these a few times and thought this was a good time to buy one and use it at home and get started doing work on real estate property driveways landscapes ect. I am really excited about my new toy "BOBCAT". I currently also own a kubota b7500 tractor with front end loader, finish mower, and box blade. I have a 94 chevrolet z71 4x4 automatic transmission truck with a 350 and am looking for a trailer to haul the machine. I do have a concern that this truck might not be able to handle the weight but am not sure what my options are. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Bill

 

[500K_773]

Welcome to the BobcatForum and congrats on the purchase.
I am guessing that the 12x16.5 tires are on the front of the machine and the 10x16.5 tires are on the rear. I tried fitting 12x16.5 tires on my 773 machine and it was a pretty tight fit on the rear tires with some of the body panels. I decided not to run the 12x16.5 tires on my machine. If the tires are like I think, you could swap them front to rear and check for clearance issues. Also 12x16.5 tires normally require a wide wheel than 10x16.5 tires. I wonder if you also have different sized wheels?
How many hours are on the machine? Are you planning on changing all the fluids (oil, hydraulic, and coolant) and filters? Might be a good idea if you don't have service records, cheap insurance.
I'm not sure about your trucks towing capabilities. A trailer + your machine probably weights about 7,000 - 7,500#. Make sure the trailer has functioning trailer brakes on both axles and your truck has a transmission oil cooler and you should be OK. Full floating axles on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks would be my choice when choosing a tow vehicle.

 

[JustAwrench]

Welcome to the BobcatForum and congrats on the purchase.
I am guessing that the 12x16.5 tires are on the front of the machine and the 10x16.5 tires are on the rear. I tried fitting 12x16.5 tires on my 773 machine and it was a pretty tight fit on the rear tires with some of the body panels. I decided not to run the 12x16.5 tires on my machine. If the tires are like I think, you could swap them front to rear and check for clearance issues. Also 12x16.5 tires normally require a wide wheel than 10x16.5 tires. I wonder if you also have different sized wheels?
How many hours are on the machine? Are you planning on changing all the fluids (oil, hydraulic, and coolant) and filters? Might be a good idea if you don't have service records, cheap insurance.
I'm not sure about your trucks towing capabilities. A trailer + your machine probably weights about 7,000 - 7,500#. Make sure the trailer has functioning trailer brakes on both axles and your truck has a transmission oil cooler and you should be OK. Full floating axles on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks would be my choice when choosing a tow vehicle.

Whatever you do, Don't run different sized tires front and back-if you have to, for a short time only, run different sized tires side on side-I mean, both your shorties on the same side. Your machine won't track straight like this, but you won't be stressing your axles, sprockets and chains. Your front and rear wheels on each side are connected by chains to a common drive motor-there is no slip so you want both front and rear to turn at the same speed and they won't if one is taller.---The 743 had these strange locks for the seat bar that over time dug into the seat bar and stopped working. I built up the tube with weld and ground smooth. The 753's had a gas spring seat bar, but it changed to a mechanical spring setup, which is the best if you're going to get a new seatbar, and I think it will fit the 743-not sure, tho.---The Z71 is a half ton? I wouldn't like to pull with a half ton, but if your GVWR is OK, well, I wouldn't like to pay for a new truck, either!=)

 

[JustAwrench]

One more thing about your tires-I would stick with the 10's because with taller tires you're going to have torque degredation, plus your 743 axles are relatively girly for 12's-not that your 743 is wimpy, but it's designed for 10's. Hope this long-windedness helps=).

 

[500K_773]

One more thing about your tires-I would stick with the 10's because with taller tires you're going to have torque degredation, plus your 743 axles are relatively girly for 12's-not that your 743 is wimpy, but it's designed for 10's. Hope this long-windedness helps=).

JustAwrench brough up a great point. 12x16.5 tires are about 1.7" taller than 10x16.5 tires. If the differents sized tires are mounted front and back, this means the taller tires will be travelling about 5% further every revolution. Not only will this put stress on the drive chains, but will also tend to try drag the smaller tires creating wear.
I can't imagine the tires being mounted side to side. The machine wouldn't sit level, one side would be almost 2" taller than the other side. You probably don't want to hear this, but you should buy 4 new 10x16.5 tires. Hopefully you can sell your slightly used 12x16.5 tires at a fair price. By the book, 10x16.5 tires have 8.25" wide wheels and 12x16.5 tires have 9.75" wheels. If your wheels are also diffent sizes, you may have to buy 2 new wheels also.

 

[bewing]

JustAwrench brough up a great point. 12x16.5 tires are about 1.7" taller than 10x16.5 tires. If the differents sized tires are mounted front and back, this means the taller tires will be travelling about 5% further every revolution. Not only will this put stress on the drive chains, but will also tend to try drag the smaller tires creating wear.
I can't imagine the tires being mounted side to side. The machine wouldn't sit level, one side would be almost 2" taller than the other side. You probably don't want to hear this, but you should buy 4 new 10x16.5 tires. Hopefully you can sell your slightly used 12x16.5 tires at a fair price. By the book, 10x16.5 tires have 8.25" wide wheels and 12x16.5 tires have 9.75" wheels. If your wheels are also diffent sizes, you may have to buy 2 new wheels also.

Might not have been what I wanted to hear but I want to do the right thing and will get rid of the twelves and buy 4 tens. I kinda figured that was coming anyway. The machine unfortunately did not have an hour meter so it is anyones guess. Is changing the hydraulic fluid a big deal and how much does it hold? I saw on ebay where I can get a service manual for $65 and wondered if there was a cheaper option out there. I appreciate everyones response and I look forward to getting to know the machine better. I figured for the purchase price I should be able to get close to my money back down the road. I am a telecom project manager for the local Bell Company and would like to someday start a different life if you know what I mean. If everything was to work out maybe it is in the cards to trade the 743 in for newer model and start earning money in a more enjoyable fashion.

 

[Tazza]

Might not have been what I wanted to hear but I want to do the right thing and will get rid of the twelves and buy 4 tens. I kinda figured that was coming anyway. The machine unfortunately did not have an hour meter so it is anyones guess. Is changing the hydraulic fluid a big deal and how much does it hold? I saw on ebay where I can get a service manual for $65 and wondered if there was a cheaper option out there. I appreciate everyones response and I look forward to getting to know the machine better. I figured for the purchase price I should be able to get close to my money back down the road. I am a telecom project manager for the local Bell Company and would like to someday start a different life if you know what I mean. If everything was to work out maybe it is in the cards to trade the 743 in for newer model and start earning money in a more enjoyable fashion.

When i changed my oil was when i replaced all my hydraulic hoses, so it was quite messy.... The 743's hold approx 20-30L of hydraulic/hydrostatic oil, i can't rember exactly sorry. Draining ALL the oil is just not possible, i found the only way to do it was un-hook a hose on my 4 in 1 bucket and operate the aux hydraulics to drain the fluid eserve (not fully empty). Then add some oil and operate all your hydraulics. Then operate the hydrostatics by moving the loader around, then drain some more oil. I'm sure JustAwrench will have a better option on how this is done . As for a manual, the ones on e-bay are the cheapest i could find. I bought mine off maxxwedge (the manual source) on e-bay, he was VERY friendly and helpfull i would recommend dealing with him. It would also be a good idea to get the parts manual too, it makes life ALOT easier when you need to get parts off Bobcat.

 

[JustAwrench]

There's no practical way to drain all the hydraulic oil. I drain at the lowest part, change the filter, fill it and call it good, unless there's some obvious contamination like water(milky oil)or someone topped off with fuel. Then I get a little more invloved but short of complete disassembly, you can't drain it all.---One thing about pumping out from your auxilliaries-you can damage your hydrostats doing so and the extra oil you push out is not, to me, worth the risk. The drive motor case drain line is a good place to drain from, but the motor covers on the 743 are a PIA to remove and reinstall.--Let me know if you want my contaminated oil change procedure. I buy 3 2.5 gal jugs of Black Gold for the Change and give the cust the rest, usually half a jug or so.

 

[RS Coyote]

There's no practical way to drain all the hydraulic oil. I drain at the lowest part, change the filter, fill it and call it good, unless there's some obvious contamination like water(milky oil)or someone topped off with fuel. Then I get a little more invloved but short of complete disassembly, you can't drain it all.---One thing about pumping out from your auxilliaries-you can damage your hydrostats doing so and the extra oil you push out is not, to me, worth the risk. The drive motor case drain line is a good place to drain from, but the motor covers on the 743 are a PIA to remove and reinstall.--Let me know if you want my contaminated oil change procedure. I buy 3 2.5 gal jugs of Black Gold for the Change and give the cust the rest, usually half a jug or so.

If your in W. WA. I'll may buy your 12's???? Where are you at?

 

[bewing]

If your in W. WA. I'll may buy your 12's???? Where are you at?

Coyete, unfortunately I live in Middle Tennessee so the freight would probably spoil the idea. If you are interested and I still have them I could send you an emailed picture. Also does anybody know how much oil this 743 machine "36hp kubota" holds? The local dealer Jeffords Equipment told me it holds 9 quarts but I think it holds a little less than that. Thanks to all for your advice. I use the Kubota owners site for my tractor questions and this group seems to be just as helpful. You are great!!

 

[Tazza]

Coyete, unfortunately I live in Middle Tennessee so the freight would probably spoil the idea. If you are interested and I still have them I could send you an emailed picture. Also does anybody know how much oil this 743 machine "36hp kubota" holds? The local dealer Jeffords Equipment told me it holds 9 quarts but I think it holds a little less than that. Thanks to all for your advice. I use the Kubota owners site for my tractor questions and this group seems to be just as helpful. You are great!!

My service manual says it holds 9 quarts or 8.5L including the oil filter.

 

[RS Coyote]

Coyete, unfortunately I live in Middle Tennessee so the freight would probably spoil the idea. If you are interested and I still have them I could send you an emailed picture. Also does anybody know how much oil this 743 machine "36hp kubota" holds? The local dealer Jeffords Equipment told me it holds 9 quarts but I think it holds a little less than that. Thanks to all for your advice. I use the Kubota owners site for my tractor questions and this group seems to be just as helpful. You are great!!

What size wheels are they? Can some one tell me if the wheels are the same from a 743 to a 863?

 

[P.J]

There's no practical way to drain all the hydraulic oil. I drain at the lowest part, change the filter, fill it and call it good, unless there's some obvious contamination like water(milky oil)or someone topped off with fuel. Then I get a little more invloved but short of complete disassembly, you can't drain it all.---One thing about pumping out from your auxilliaries-you can damage your hydrostats doing so and the extra oil you push out is not, to me, worth the risk. The drive motor case drain line is a good place to drain from, but the motor covers on the 743 are a PIA to remove and reinstall.--Let me know if you want my contaminated oil change procedure. I buy 3 2.5 gal jugs of Black Gold for the Change and give the cust the rest, usually half a jug or so.

We have just brought an old bobcat and have just found this website. We would like to know you contaminated oil change procedure as ours appears to have a red coloured transmission fluid rather than the 10w motor oil.

 

[Tazza]

We have just brought an old bobcat and have just found this website. We would like to know you contaminated oil change procedure as ours appears to have a red coloured transmission fluid rather than the 10w motor oil.

There is no way to remove all the oil i'm afraid.
The red colour may just be the colour of the oil. I had a machine that looked like this, the oil was ATF red but the oil was correct. The only way i found to change the oil was using the quick couplers. Run the machine at idle and use your aux hydraulics to push out the oil till it just starts to jitter. Stop the engine and re-fill the tank. Run the machine around a bit, operating the rams to move the new oil around then dump it the same way again. When the oil comes out clean change the filter and you are pretty well set. Like i said earlier, you will never get it all as its caught in tube lines and cylinders. You may get a little air in the system this way but it will self bleed in time.
If you really don't want to drain it that way you can remove the hose from the oil reserve, it won't be quite as good but it will also work.

 

[jerry]

We have just brought an old bobcat and have just found this website. We would like to know you contaminated oil change procedure as ours appears to have a red coloured transmission fluid rather than the 10w motor oil.

What model Bobcat did you purchase? If it is a 610 quite a few people use automatic transmission fluid for hydraulic fluid.

 

[Tazza]

What model Bobcat did you purchase? If it is a 610 quite a few people use automatic transmission fluid for hydraulic fluid.

Its a 743

 

[skidsteer.ca]

Its a 743

RS Coyote
The 743 has 16.5 diameter by 8.25" wide wheels and the 863 has 16.5 diameter by 9.75 wide wheels. Both use the same 8 bolt pattern. Sideways off set is likely different to, sorry no figures
Ken

 

[collett]

There's no practical way to drain all the hydraulic oil. I drain at the lowest part, change the filter, fill it and call it good, unless there's some obvious contamination like water(milky oil)or someone topped off with fuel. Then I get a little more invloved but short of complete disassembly, you can't drain it all.---One thing about pumping out from your auxilliaries-you can damage your hydrostats doing so and the extra oil you push out is not, to me, worth the risk. The drive motor case drain line is a good place to drain from, but the motor covers on the 743 are a PIA to remove and reinstall.--Let me know if you want my contaminated oil change procedure. I buy 3 2.5 gal jugs of Black Gold for the Change and give the cust the rest, usually half a jug or so.

i whish to drain as much hyd oil from my system as i can i have just bought this unit and there is water in the system due to no cap, can you tell me how to change it or maybe send me a pdf of if thank you

 

[soutthpaw]

i whish to drain as much hyd oil from my system as i can i have just bought this unit and there is water in the system due to no cap, can you tell me how to change it or maybe send me a pdf of if thank you

Here is a link to the complete 74x series factory service manual... you will need winrar or similar program to decompress the file
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ICQNX2L6