Hello,
Welcome to the site ...
I'm 65 miles NE of KC.MO in Carroll County .
i run 2 bobcats 825 & 873
look on KC Craiglist theres a 7753 on it in Blue Springs
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/hvo/4980801715.html
1993 7753 bobcat - $7000 (Blue springs)
condition: good
make / manufacturer: Bobcst
model name / number: 7753
Needs a lift cylinder on left side has 4000 hours also has newer tires and new drive chains runs great everything works as should except for the cylinder
I do rather Bobcat, but i have never worked on other brands. I have heard stories about the issues of getting parts for other brands, i have never had that issue with bobcat spares.
With that said, there are real lemons of machines out there, like cars. The hope is you don't get one.
Whatever way you go, the general tests that you should perform are:
Start it cold, stone cold. Feel the engine to make sure it has not been started earlier to make you think it's better than it really is. Note the smoke at startup, and how long it takes to clear.
Push the bucket up against a tree or other un-movable object. You should be able to get the wheels to spin in the dirt. Not always both sides at once, and not always at full speed.
There will be linkage wear, just check that it's not too bad