Replaced my 642

[reaperman]

Hi all. I have been mulling around the idea of trading in my 642 for a while now. I've had this machine 14 years now and it has served me well. The hour meter just reached 3200 hours so I feel I dont want to wait around for something major to happen mechanically. So while I was at the local bobcat dealer the other day getting some filters. I asked if any decent machines happen to come in on trade. One machine stood out from the list. A 753G with only 610 hours, no cab enclosure. A homeowner/hobby farm machine which was traded in for a new S150. The 753 is very clean, just a few scratches, tight pins, great bucket. The levers are very tight yet, the engine runs smooth and doesnt smoke. The hydraulics are responsive and strong. We agreed on a price with trade in and its a deal. They changed oil and every filter on the machine and will deliver it tomorrow morning. One item I would like to see added to the machine is a rear window. The machine is pretty loud without one. Is there somewhere online that someone could recommend buying one from? Or is it one of the items that I would have to bite the bullet and buy from the dealer? Thanks

 

[donald73d]

I saw pictures of a fabric like cab from Northern Tools for Bobcats.

 

[mrdeere1959]

I saw pictures of a fabric like cab from Northern Tools for Bobcats.

about $80.00 for the window and rubber from bobcat

 

[OldMachinist]

about $80.00 for the window and rubber from bobcat

I made my own. Bought a piece of polycabonate and cut it to size. The rubber seal is from a Jeep CJ front windshield. Cost me about $40 plus my time.

 

[Streblerm]

I made my own. Bought a piece of polycabonate and cut it to size. The rubber seal is from a Jeep CJ front windshield. Cost me about $40 plus my time.

Hey Reaperman, Small world. I guess chainsaws, firewood and skidsteers are just a natural combination. Nice looking machine by the way.

 

[Cyclone Ranger]

Sounds like a nice upgrade. Any advise for a new 642 owner? You wouldn't have a copy of a 642 parts manual by chance would you?

 

[reaperman]

Sounds like a nice upgrade. Any advise for a new 642 owner? You wouldn't have a copy of a 642 parts manual by chance would you?

The manual I did have with the machine I gave back with the trade in, sorry. I didnt figure it was much use to me any longer. It wasnt the most informative manual to begin with. As far a advise, I'll tell you what a bobcat mechanic told me when I first bought my 642. He said the points on this machine are fussy. If it starts missing, or running funny. Start with the points, the gap is .020. I'm glad he told me this because he was correct. Another thing, keep the u-joint between the engine and hydraulic pump greased. It's a bear to get at and hard to reach but if it does go out, the motor has to be pulled out to replace. Also if the u-joint goes out, it can bend the hydraulic pump shaft. Do a search on greasing the u joint if your not familiar with it. One symptom that tells if the u joint needs attention is the two drive levers will shake back and forth. If you keep them greased you shouldnt have trouble. The distributor cap on the ford engine came in two colors, brown or black. When ordering parts they often refer to which color cap your engine has. Its a handy fact to know. Otherwise, I hope your machine treats you well.

 

[Cyclone Ranger]

The manual I did have with the machine I gave back with the trade in, sorry. I didnt figure it was much use to me any longer. It wasnt the most informative manual to begin with. As far a advise, I'll tell you what a bobcat mechanic told me when I first bought my 642. He said the points on this machine are fussy. If it starts missing, or running funny. Start with the points, the gap is .020. I'm glad he told me this because he was correct. Another thing, keep the u-joint between the engine and hydraulic pump greased. It's a bear to get at and hard to reach but if it does go out, the motor has to be pulled out to replace. Also if the u-joint goes out, it can bend the hydraulic pump shaft. Do a search on greasing the u joint if your not familiar with it. One symptom that tells if the u joint needs attention is the two drive levers will shake back and forth. If you keep them greased you shouldnt have trouble. The distributor cap on the ford engine came in two colors, brown or black. When ordering parts they often refer to which color cap your engine has. Its a handy fact to know. Otherwise, I hope your machine treats you well.

Thanks Reaper. I appreciate the advise. I hope I can get as many years out of mine as you have gotten from yours.