Hi all, I just purchased a 743 in somewhat rough condition. This is my initial entry into the skidsteer world. It starts and runs well but, there are some immediate issues I wish to take care of before putting the machine to work. 1. when starting, the 743 wants to go in reverse and start backing up. I would hope an easy adjustment would take care of this. I am not sure where to begin. 2. There appears to be a hydraulic leak that is not obvious. It seems to originate towards the front of the hydraulic unit. There is evidence of the leak on the seat bottom. the floor of the engine compartment is all wet and the fluid leaks out of a (weep?) hole on the left side of the floor towards the rear. The leak appears to be on the left side. Again what is the best way to track this down. I can't observe the system by raising the cab and running the engine due to problem 1 above and possibly also the following problem 3. 3. the center cab floor rocker pedal is not hooked to anything. There an adjustable rod which goes through the floor connected to the right side of the pedal but nothing happens when operating the pedal. I am thinking this should be a brake pedal of some sort. If so, how can I fix this? These are the initially noticed problems. I am sure I will find many more like bucket and aux hydraulic line issues. Any and all assistance is appreciated. Thanks, Richard
new owner of a 743
- Thread starter RH222
- Start date
If you use the search feature there are literally hundreds of posts here on the 743. First give it the best cleaning you can and obtain service manual either here or at the dealer. The book will show you the proper way to adjust neutral and then you can see to the leaks. the center pedal is parking brake.
Hi Jerry, Thanks for the response. I have been searching all over this forum on the 743. I plan to clean it good but it iscurrently raining and will be for the next couple of days. I have been extensively searching here and all over the internet for free service and owners manuals. No luck so far. Hopefully someone here has an electronic copy they could e-mail me. Thanks, Richard
A good bath is a the best place to start, remove the side panels will make it easier. If you lift the cab with the boom arms up, put a stand under the back, they can over very easy. The center pedal is the brake, those are always out of adjustment, normally not to bad to adjust. Steer can be another thing, most of the time, it is worn to the point, even if you get it the way you like it, it won't stay long. When you look for a manual or for parts from a dealer. always have the serial number, all parts searches are based off of it, year means notjing to a parts guy.
I just put 743 manual into the search and came up with one post about a source on e-bay and another post with a member wanting to sell e copies of the manuals. I only looked at the first 40 posts though. Check old machinist's profile for a e-mail and ask him about the books. He used to have several. Otherwise the dealer will have it, may be upwards of 100 but well worth it.
there you go, ask and Tazza shall provide.
Thanks Tazza, This diagram will assist me greatly in getting the steering in order. Thanks, Richard
You are more than welcome. That picture has been on my homepage since around 2006, good to see its still used from time to time
I dug into the steering today. I did not try to start the machine. I studied the lever operation. I saw the left hand lever would operate the centering spring in both directions and would center back again. On the right hand lever the only movement of the centering spring is in the forward direction. In the reverse direction the spring does not move. The lever would have to manually moved back. I think this could very well could be why , when starting ,the machne starts backing up. I feel there is a piece(s) missing but do not know what it is or how it would work. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, RichardYou are more than welcome. That picture has been on my homepage since around 2006, good to see its still used from time to time
If it moves back and forth it should be right.
No matter which direction either lever moves, it shold push the centering plate back and forth. Check that the stops are both still fitted, that is the only thing i can think of that could cause it to not work properly. They should both be sitting snug against the round stops on the arm that connects to the pump and also connects to the steering levers.
7LBSSMALLIE
Well-known member
this job is not for the feint of heart remember get it wrong and some dies . ensure unit saflet supported all four off the ground. there been some desighn changes slotted key hole etc also keep in mind rember amount of wear in stat may prevent getting it perfect, some hyd fittings may have to be removed,
7LBSSMALLIE
Well-known member
you may have missed a key on swash plate shaft (done it myself) take it apart inspect (take care)
It took most of the day, but I got all 4 wheels off the ground. Front axles on jackstands, the back corners on jackstands. I will tackle the steering adjustment tomorrow. I will take pictures of the linkange area and see if I can post them as I am not sure what a "key on swash plate shaft" is or where to look. I hope to get things worked out by tuesday as I expect my 909 backhoe to be delivered then. -Richard
