New project...bobcat 610, with pictures!

[Mikefromcny]

Hi all, Rescued another from slowly rusting away! This one came from only a few miles away from a dairy farm. It hasn't run in 10 years or so, and 2 years were spent outside. I actually used to see it in use as I rode the school bus..haha. I've been bugging the owner since december of 2012 and finally got the message to come and get it. I had it running in 2 hours after some fresh gas, cleaned up some electrical connections and a battery. I quickly put the cage on as its my first time with a clutch driven machine and it has bouncy car tires on it. Serial number is 4956-m-15380 if anyone could figure out the year. Does anyone have any helpful hints with the old clutch driven machines or vh4d wisconsins? I'm in the awful process of buying a house and the 610s main purpose will be taking care of my parents house and plowing snow, as the 873 will be at my house. Feel free to leave some comments!

 

[Tazza]

Nice work on getting it up and running so easily. The motors run pretty well and seem to last.
I have never run a cluth machine, but others on the forum have them and love them.

 

[SkidRoe]

Congrats on the new project!! I have always had a soft spot for older machines. My neighbour has a 610 that I borrow from time to time. Clutch machines are a bit different than hydro's, for sure. One thing that you have likely already noticed is that they are no slf braking and they roll rather easily. You cannot make smooth, radius turns with them as easily as a hydro. Turning involves slipping the clutch (basically using it as a brake) on the side that you wish to turn. Take it slow, stay on level ground while you are learning, and you will be fine. If you do get to a state where the machine begins to buck uncontrollably, let go of the levers and drop the boom. HTH

 

[HanSolo]

Exactly what I learned to operate in the 70s. The clutches are different than hydrostatic for sure. You can "coast" downhill and exceed safe operating speed quite easily! Also, I think they're more likely to tip forward with a load as your traveling and trying to slow down. I clearly remember being thrown from the operator seat as I was approaching a dump truck with a bucket full of broken asphalt. I was lifting the arms and braking (probably traveling too fast). I landed between the raised bucket and the front chassis. Scared the crap out of me and I was lucky the machine was stopped by the side of the dump truck or it would have run me over! I also remember chunks of material falling out of the bucket on those machines if you didn't level the bucket when lifting. No ROPS so that stuff would land on the plate over the peddles or in your lap. Be careful in 600 series. Or any skid loader for that matter...

 

[Tigerhaze]

Exactly what I learned to operate in the 70s. The clutches are different than hydrostatic for sure. You can "coast" downhill and exceed safe operating speed quite easily! Also, I think they're more likely to tip forward with a load as your traveling and trying to slow down. I clearly remember being thrown from the operator seat as I was approaching a dump truck with a bucket full of broken asphalt. I was lifting the arms and braking (probably traveling too fast). I landed between the raised bucket and the front chassis. Scared the crap out of me and I was lucky the machine was stopped by the side of the dump truck or it would have run me over! I also remember chunks of material falling out of the bucket on those machines if you didn't level the bucket when lifting. No ROPS so that stuff would land on the plate over the peddles or in your lap. Be careful in 600 series. Or any skid loader for that matter...

I have a 610 like yours and a 630 (hydrostat), so can you give you some ideas on how they differ from hydrostat machines, what they can do, and what to watch for on them.
I don't know your year, but you can call a Bobcat dealer and they will be able to tell you.
Belt driven skid steers seem less powerful (in terms of torque while digging) than the hydrostat counterparts. However they tend to be more forgiving and less jumpy than the hydrostats if clutches are adjusted right- you just have to get to know the feel of the levers for those "rolling stops". The statements about no brake are definitely true so you learn to drop the bucket when you want to stop. You will find the speed shift lever on the left, but I generally keep at low speed as it can get pretty bumpy at higher speeds.
Since it sat out so long, check whether your Bob-Tach levers are frozen up or not- mine were frozen up with rust. You'll want to check whether the drive belt has excessive wear or cracking (again from sitting out) because they can cause some damage to oil lines or even the driven sheave if they break while turning. The integral steel fuel tank is subject to rusting and exposed at end of machine so check it for rust. The bushings on the steering levers can get pretty worn, but seem like a bear to fix so check them because with extreme wear they can lock forward. They have an auxillary control pedal but the lines for auxillary hookup were optional. the steering clutches are adjustable from a nut on the outside of the machine.
The Wisconsin VH4Ds are pretty small and simple- the biggest problem I have seen is the mechanical fuel pump and carb- mine tends to vapor lock after you run it for a while and some people convert to electrical fuel pumps or insulate the fuel lines. Make sure the cooling fin shields are on the engine since it is air cooled. The exposed muffler also tends to rust but are easily accessible. The charging systems on them aren't the greatest so I charge my battery when not in use.
I've used mine for snow removal and small jobs, and it works great.

 

[Mikefromcny]

I have a 610 like yours and a 630 (hydrostat), so can you give you some ideas on how they differ from hydrostat machines, what they can do, and what to watch for on them.
I don't know your year, but you can call a Bobcat dealer and they will be able to tell you.
Belt driven skid steers seem less powerful (in terms of torque while digging) than the hydrostat counterparts. However they tend to be more forgiving and less jumpy than the hydrostats if clutches are adjusted right- you just have to get to know the feel of the levers for those "rolling stops". The statements about no brake are definitely true so you learn to drop the bucket when you want to stop. You will find the speed shift lever on the left, but I generally keep at low speed as it can get pretty bumpy at higher speeds.
Since it sat out so long, check whether your Bob-Tach levers are frozen up or not- mine were frozen up with rust. You'll want to check whether the drive belt has excessive wear or cracking (again from sitting out) because they can cause some damage to oil lines or even the driven sheave if they break while turning. The integral steel fuel tank is subject to rusting and exposed at end of machine so check it for rust. The bushings on the steering levers can get pretty worn, but seem like a bear to fix so check them because with extreme wear they can lock forward. They have an auxillary control pedal but the lines for auxillary hookup were optional. the steering clutches are adjustable from a nut on the outside of the machine.
The Wisconsin VH4Ds are pretty small and simple- the biggest problem I have seen is the mechanical fuel pump and carb- mine tends to vapor lock after you run it for a while and some people convert to electrical fuel pumps or insulate the fuel lines. Make sure the cooling fin shields are on the engine since it is air cooled. The exposed muffler also tends to rust but are easily accessible. The charging systems on them aren't the greatest so I charge my battery when not in use.
I've used mine for snow removal and small jobs, and it works great.

Thanks for all your input guys, love the stories too. Called the corporate marketing division today, shes a 1978! It does have the newer looking cab. Strangely enough she doesnt have a bobtach though, just a pin on bucket, luckily its in good shape. Tires are another issue. I'd like install 10 x 16.5s like off a 643 but trying to do it fairly cheap. It currently has 15" rims, and probably had those skinny directional tires when new, which could be an option too I guess. The variable speed setup is a little sluggish but works. Its currently not charging but has a delco alternator. I was running it tonight and she started quitting, Time to change the fuel filter I'm thinking. The muffler started to disintegrate but I snagged a reefer muffler from work thats about the same size and required a few modifications to work. Mine actually came with the big wrench for adjusting the clutches, what are the odds? Hopefully I can mess with it some more this weekend.

 

[Tazza]

Thanks for all your input guys, love the stories too. Called the corporate marketing division today, shes a 1978! It does have the newer looking cab. Strangely enough she doesnt have a bobtach though, just a pin on bucket, luckily its in good shape. Tires are another issue. I'd like install 10 x 16.5s like off a 643 but trying to do it fairly cheap. It currently has 15" rims, and probably had those skinny directional tires when new, which could be an option too I guess. The variable speed setup is a little sluggish but works. Its currently not charging but has a delco alternator. I was running it tonight and she started quitting, Time to change the fuel filter I'm thinking. The muffler started to disintegrate but I snagged a reefer muffler from work thats about the same size and required a few modifications to work. Mine actually came with the big wrench for adjusting the clutches, what are the odds? Hopefully I can mess with it some more this weekend.

Nice detective work.
You are lucky to have gotten the spanner, i remember members being after one and the dealer had no stocks. They had to wait for a new lot to be made.

 

[Zorack]

Nice detective work.
You are lucky to have gotten the spanner, i remember members being after one and the dealer had no stocks. They had to wait for a new lot to be made.

Some guys have all the luck,great thread!

 

[Mikefromcny]

Some guys have all the luck,great thread!

Did a little playing around yesterday. The new fuel filter is plugged up with rust, will probably be a fun time trying to clean the tank out. Talked to the previous owner, they havent used it since 1999, not bad for something that hasn't run for 14-15 years.

 

[Tazza]

Did a little playing around yesterday. The new fuel filter is plugged up with rust, will probably be a fun time trying to clean the tank out. Talked to the previous owner, they havent used it since 1999, not bad for something that hasn't run for 14-15 years.

Rust is always an issue, get a bunch of the cheap inline filters and change them as needed.

 

[RustykittyM600]

Rust is always an issue, get a bunch of the cheap inline filters and change them as needed.

Hey New to this forum love your 610 i have just inherited my grandfathers M600 its been in our family for 35 years been doing some work on it been finding out things the hard way they are very similar machines so any info about them would be great

 

[jerry]

Hey New to this forum love your 610 i have just inherited my grandfathers M600 its been in our family for 35 years been doing some work on it been finding out things the hard way they are very similar machines so any info about them would be great

If it does not have a seatbelt get one from a car and put it in. Like HanSolo said it will try to throw you out. Mine tried. Same deal as his but after I got up to about a 45 degree tilt the bucket slammed into the ground and became unlatched. Then we went backwards about the same amount.

 

[lbeckm3]

If it does not have a seatbelt get one from a car and put it in. Like HanSolo said it will try to throw you out. Mine tried. Same deal as his but after I got up to about a 45 degree tilt the bucket slammed into the ground and became unlatched. Then we went backwards about the same amount.

My M610 didn't have a seat belt either, so I grabbed this one from ebay; http://www.ebay.com/itm/140934401660?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Works great for me and just bolted right in - just another possibility for you. Cheap too - $9 shipped! (keep in mind my Bobcat is garaged and so I'm not really sure how well this belt will weather outside etc - prob rust up tight in no time!) YMMV. FYI I have nothing to do with the seller, link, etc just wanted to share what worked for me. -Lyle

 

[Mikefromcny]

My M610 didn't have a seat belt either, so I grabbed this one from ebay; http://www.ebay.com/itm/140934401660?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Works great for me and just bolted right in - just another possibility for you. Cheap too - $9 shipped! (keep in mind my Bobcat is garaged and so I'm not really sure how well this belt will weather outside etc - prob rust up tight in no time!) YMMV. FYI I have nothing to do with the seller, link, etc just wanted to share what worked for me. -Lyle

Hi guys, just thought Id update my progress. Bucket curl detent spring replaced..no more manually positioning the pedal with your foot! Mom made me a seat cushion for the bottom of the seat pan, much better! Welded up, painted, and added super beefy grab hook on the bucket. Added $20 walmart driving lights, since its main job will be plowing snow in the short days of NY winter. Can anyone tell me if the machine will lose all of its hydraulic oil when I remove the hydraulic filter? Does anyone have an older clutch drive machine with a quick attach? How does it handle pallet forks and what not? Debating on building my own quick tach frame so I can use forks and other 610 sized attachments. Thanks for reading

 

[RickS250]

Hi guys, just thought Id update my progress. Bucket curl detent spring replaced..no more manually positioning the pedal with your foot! Mom made me a seat cushion for the bottom of the seat pan, much better! Welded up, painted, and added super beefy grab hook on the bucket. Added $20 walmart driving lights, since its main job will be plowing snow in the short days of NY winter. Can anyone tell me if the machine will lose all of its hydraulic oil when I remove the hydraulic filter? Does anyone have an older clutch drive machine with a quick attach? How does it handle pallet forks and what not? Debating on building my own quick tach frame so I can use forks and other 610 sized attachments. Thanks for reading

Glad to see this 610 back in uses. Had a 610 for 14 years until I bought my S250. I used dirt buckets, pallet forks(home made) land plane, bale spear and rock bucket on it. Granted I couldn't lift allot but when that's all you have then you make due.. I added weights(JD garden tractor weights) on the back and I could move 1500 lb round bales around. I could get them off the ground about 8" but that's all I needed to move them. So don't sell these little loaders short. All they need is more counter weight. I sold this loader 3 years ago after fixing it up then bought it back 6 months ago to clean out my barn that was made for this loader. Used it then sold it for 2x what I bought it back for. I will say you need a seat belt, I never had one and never got bucked out but I smacked my head on the ROP many times! I went to my local dealer and asked about used seats and they had some and just gave them to me before I sold my 610 the first time. Try them before you buy new. I only had to make the mount a little wider to make the seat work. On the clutch to hyrdo wow I had a really hard time going back to the 610 even for the 30 hours just cleaning all my junk out of the barn. Wow really wish I could of got my 250 in the barn. Really hated to see that loader leave the second time but its now someone else first loader.

 

[Sadler91]

Glad to see this 610 back in uses. Had a 610 for 14 years until I bought my S250. I used dirt buckets, pallet forks(home made) land plane, bale spear and rock bucket on it. Granted I couldn't lift allot but when that's all you have then you make due.. I added weights(JD garden tractor weights) on the back and I could move 1500 lb round bales around. I could get them off the ground about 8" but that's all I needed to move them. So don't sell these little loaders short. All they need is more counter weight. I sold this loader 3 years ago after fixing it up then bought it back 6 months ago to clean out my barn that was made for this loader. Used it then sold it for 2x what I bought it back for. I will say you need a seat belt, I never had one and never got bucked out but I smacked my head on the ROP many times! I went to my local dealer and asked about used seats and they had some and just gave them to me before I sold my 610 the first time. Try them before you buy new. I only had to make the mount a little wider to make the seat work. On the clutch to hyrdo wow I had a really hard time going back to the 610 even for the 30 hours just cleaning all my junk out of the barn. Wow really wish I could of got my 250 in the barn. Really hated to see that loader leave the second time but its now someone else first loader.

Those old 610s are sought after by beekeepers. They would put a clark vertical mast on them and a "fifth wheel" Great lightweight machines for moving pallets of bees and honey. Found this one. http://aplacey.freewebspace.com/indexhs.htm Pretty good deal if you want a vertical mast machine

 

[diver8718]

Thanks for all your input guys, love the stories too. Called the corporate marketing division today, shes a 1978! It does have the newer looking cab. Strangely enough she doesnt have a bobtach though, just a pin on bucket, luckily its in good shape. Tires are another issue. I'd like install 10 x 16.5s like off a 643 but trying to do it fairly cheap. It currently has 15" rims, and probably had those skinny directional tires when new, which could be an option too I guess. The variable speed setup is a little sluggish but works. Its currently not charging but has a delco alternator. I was running it tonight and she started quitting, Time to change the fuel filter I'm thinking. The muffler started to disintegrate but I snagged a reefer muffler from work thats about the same size and required a few modifications to work. Mine actually came with the big wrench for adjusting the clutches, what are the odds? Hopefully I can mess with it some more this weekend.

you Called the corporate marketing division of who bobcat ? I have one also try to fine out what year it is clark 630.

 

[mark18mwm]

Thanks for all your input guys, love the stories too. Called the corporate marketing division today, shes a 1978! It does have the newer looking cab. Strangely enough she doesnt have a bobtach though, just a pin on bucket, luckily its in good shape. Tires are another issue. I'd like install 10 x 16.5s like off a 643 but trying to do it fairly cheap. It currently has 15" rims, and probably had those skinny directional tires when new, which could be an option too I guess. The variable speed setup is a little sluggish but works. Its currently not charging but has a delco alternator. I was running it tonight and she started quitting, Time to change the fuel filter I'm thinking. The muffler started to disintegrate but I snagged a reefer muffler from work thats about the same size and required a few modifications to work. Mine actually came with the big wrench for adjusting the clutches, what are the odds? Hopefully I can mess with it some more this weekend.

Give the car tires a chance, you might like them. I have a 600 I bought with 7:50x16" lite truck tires. I first wanted to change them to skid steer tires also but soon found they won't rip up lawns in the summer. In the winter they are the only tires to use to plow snow in my opinion. I push a 8' snow bucket with mine in northern Wi (we get plenty heavy snow) and don't have any problems, including with traction. I also run a New Holland 160 plowing snow with a blade, with skid steer tires it's totally useless without chains, put light truck snow tires on and traction is no problem without chains. if I was you, and in a way I am, I have basically the same machine, I would keep the car tires or maybe go to lite truck tire.

 

[jdaley]

What is a bobtach please?

 

[cdmccul]

What is a bobtach please?

Bobtach is the quick release system developed by Melroe/Bobcat that allows the quick attach/quick detach of buckets and other accessories, without driving pins out and back in. It uses levers.

These levers can be manual, or powered. I have used both... The powered ones are sure nice!