Upgrade or keep it?

[Mikefromcny]

I have a mid 80s 743, would guess 4500 hours, no cracks or welds. Drive chains and head were replaced before I got it. Starts easy in the coldest temps, everything works like it should. I've been wondering, I could use a slightly bigger, stronger, more powerful bobcat..like a 773 or a 8 series. Its used a lot for personal use but I do some landscaping on the side. My big issue is maybe the ol 743 is too good to let go? I keep seeing lots of posts about electrical issues in the newer ones, solenoids dying, trouble codes, etc.. I'm good at trouble shooting, and can figure out most anything so it wouldnt be the end of the world, but still I wonder if its worth the trouble to try and get a newer machine. What do you guys think? Its not my only machine, I have a backhoe, a skip loader and 2 crawler loaders. Or do I sell it while its still worth something? its worth about $6500 where I'm at. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Tazza]

Hard to say, the 743 is a strong machine that is easy to repair, no electronics. With that said, i did get an S150 to replace my 743, it has computers but it also has about 10 more hp, you do notice the extra HP. I still use the 743 more than the S150, go figure.
Working out what electronic part died isn't always that hard (if you stay away from hand controls) but the price to replace them is.

 

[donald73d]

Get another newer one. Keep the 743. There is no such thing as too many skidders.

 

[KarlB]

Get another newer one. Keep the 743. There is no such thing as too many skidders.

I also thought that a new-ish S185 would be great. Lots of power, great lifting capacity, lots of the modern features.
But a 743 was the right price. And now reading all the things that can go wrong and the cost to repair them, the 743 is really seeming like the right plan. Yeah, it's not the most powerful, and it's old, but it seems like the maintenance costs and DIY fixabiliy are going to be a lot less than anything newer. Sometimes the KISS principle ain't so bad...
...karl

 

[KarlB]

I also thought that a new-ish S185 would be great. Lots of power, great lifting capacity, lots of the modern features.
But a 743 was the right price. And now reading all the things that can go wrong and the cost to repair them, the 743 is really seeming like the right plan. Yeah, it's not the most powerful, and it's old, but it seems like the maintenance costs and DIY fixabiliy are going to be a lot less than anything newer. Sometimes the KISS principle ain't so bad...
...karl

And besides, how much more is a 743 really going to drop in value? Might as well keep running it until it completely dead (assuming that ever occurs). Look at how much the older non-hydrostatics still go for (beat up, not the “collector” ones).
...karl

 

[donald73d]

And besides, how much more is a 743 really going to drop in value? Might as well keep running it until it completely dead (assuming that ever occurs). Look at how much the older non-hydrostatics still go for (beat up, not the “collector” ones).
...karl

Or look for an 843 in good condition.

 

[Mikefromcny]

Or look for an 843 in good condition.

You guys pretty much confirmed my suspicion. I think I'll keep the 743. I thought about the 843 route, but its too big for some of my landscaping jobs like fitting through gates and the weight could be an issue. Plus I love having a kubota powered machine, I work at a place that sells OE and aftermarket kubota parts. Sometime in the distant future, I'll probably buy a larger newer one. But this spring the 743 will get repainted with new decals.

 

[Tazza]

You guys pretty much confirmed my suspicion. I think I'll keep the 743. I thought about the 843 route, but its too big for some of my landscaping jobs like fitting through gates and the weight could be an issue. Plus I love having a kubota powered machine, I work at a place that sells OE and aftermarket kubota parts. Sometime in the distant future, I'll probably buy a larger newer one. But this spring the 743 will get repainted with new decals.

Wise move, the Kubotas are good, they are just prone to head cracks if they get too warm. Parts are easy to get and you have after market options.