Should I Get a Bobcat - Page 2

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

Someone has offered me an older (late 70's) supposedly well maintained M610 Bobcat for about $2k.

The air cooled (gas) Wisconsin engine finally let go. The guy has two 'parts engines', from which I would make one decent engine.

So I would need to rebuild and install the engine. I was able to do a 2.7 engine, a 915 and a G50. I can do the work.

I end up with a good snow plow/garden tool, or I flip it for $4-5k.

I do not need one. I do want one.

What does the brain-trust here say? Worth it, or am I crazy taking this on?

I think 2K for a 610 with a blown motor is a bit high. My only concern would be not knowing how the hydraulic system works or if there are many leaks in the system.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

^^

This. If it has enough hours to have worn the engine out, how much farther behind can the hydraulic pumps and motors be? OTOH, they were apparently working when the motor let go (or else he wouldn't have been running the motor). I'd do it, but plan on flipping it quick.

Actually, since it's a Wisconsin gas engine it's not that uncommon for the motor to last substantially fewer hours than the hydraulics.

1990C4S · 06-14-2015, 09:42 AM

It was quite a bit under $2k.

I've taken this on for fun, I don't care if I make money on it.

fastfredracing · 06-14-2015, 04:14 PM

Sounds like a cool project, make sure to take some photos of your work so we can all enjoy it here. I've also been contemplating a project like this, have recently seen a few with a broken motor on the cheap pop up for sale locally.
Of course you should buy a bobcat!

EarlyPorsche · 06-15-2015, 05:30 AM

Nice!

I used to have a 313. These are tiny tiny diesel bobcats. Mine would fit through a gate!

To relay what others have said. Hydraulics can go bad. Mine were fine except the seals on the bucket cylinder would leak.

The good thing about hydraulic components is that usually the unit you have on hand can be repaired. The replacement costs are high but if there is an issue with a component you can often just have it rebuilt for quite a bit less.

The gas engine skid steers are tough tough tough to sell. Honestly when I was looking the diesel ones would go in days and the gas ones were for sale all spring and summer.

Consider repowering with a Lombardini diesel engine instead of rebuilding the gasser. Your call but if it goes diesel it will draw tons more attention when you need to get rid of it and you'll be able to work it at close to idle RPM.

EarlyPorsche · 06-16-2015, 07:01 AM

I just thought of this so I came running to the PC.

Is this a belt drive narrow model or do the wheels have hydro motors?

Mine was belt drive. Changing that belt is approximately the same as taking the whole thing apart but no hydro motors to reseal.

If its belt drive you may not have the super precision of the hydro motors but its actually really nice to use. Let us know what you end up with and some pictures if possible!

1990C4S · 06-16-2015, 07:59 AM

Belt drive, and the belt looks to be pretty new...

I am 'sort of' looking for a diesel engine. Better resale, but a lot more work to adapt the belt-drive and the pump.

EarlyPorsche · 06-16-2015, 01:12 PM

Once you get used to the belt drive you will actually love it. Its different but works well.

If you don't need to run the machine right now you could just start cleaning up the chassis while looking for a diesel. Theres all sorts of kubota, yanmar, lombardini, or even those truck refrigerator engines that may work. Hopefully you find something diesel in your time frame.

1990C4S · 06-17-2015, 08:54 AM

It was delivered and unloaded last night.

I will start with repairing the existing engine because it will be very cheap. The crank needs to be ground from a spun bearing, but the remainder of the engine looks fine.

I have extra pistons, extra connecting rods, and a couple of spare jugs.

I think I can rebuild this for a under $400. Some machine shop time, rings, bearings and a seal kit should do it.

rammstein · 06-17-2015, 10:07 AM

In my youth, a friend's house was having some work done and the contractors had left a bobcat out there for some time. After many days of trying, somehow another friend managed to start it with a bobbypin or something. I remember we had great fun, but then on pavement somehow he got it hopping violently back and forth diagonally and things got real for a minute. I wish I had a bobcat. Color me jealous.

1990C4S · 06-17-2015, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rammstein

In my youth, a friend's house was having some work done and the contractors had left a bobcat out there for some time. After many days of trying, somehow another friend managed to start it with a bobbypin or something. I remember we had great fun, but then on pavement somehow he got it hopping violently back and forth diagonally and things got real for a minute. I wish I had a bobcat.

Lol. A guy I work with said he got into a violent oscillation when he was learning. Scared the **** out of him. I will be very careful when (if?) I get it running.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rammstein

Color me jealous.

When anyone I work with asks 'why?' I say 'give me your man-card'. If you have to ask....