Diagnosing Common Problems on a Bobcat 773 Skid Steer
The Bobcat 773, built between 1994 and 2001, is a 46-horsepower skid steer loader rated to handle 1,700 pounds. Keeping it in working order calls for attention to fuel quality, hydraulic components, turning geometry and drive chain noise.
By Reese Young5 steps
Skid steer loaders are useful to remove debris after disasters.
Skid steer loaders exist to move landscaping debris and building supplies. Bobcat has built this type of machine for fifty years, and it sits at the core of the company's lineup. The firm's origins were in agricultural equipment, but when farmers needed compact, self-propelled loaders capable of navigating barns fitted with interior support poles, Bobcat shifted direction. The first skid steer loader from the company arrived in 1960. Over the following decades, loaders gained better maneuverability and greater capacity, which allowed Bobcat to serve a growing and more varied group of customers and markets. The 773 was assembled from 1994 through 2001: a loader with a 46-horsepower engine and a 1,700-lb. load capacity. Keeping up with routine maintenance and working through problems as they arise can extend the machine's service life.
Step 1
Do not let the fuel tank drop below the one-quarter mark. As is the case with many cars and trucks, a low fuel level can impair how a four-cylinder engine performs. Fill the tank with diesel fuel and nothing else.
Step 2
When the weather turns cold, add diesel fuel additives to the tank. These products help prevent moisture from building up and turning into ice crystals, which can interfere with starting the engine.
Step 3
Replace the hydraulic system's filters on a regular schedule. Use a pressure gauge to check the relief valve consistently, looking for a reading of 3,000 lbs. per square inch. Examine the main drive belt for signs of wear. While the hydraulics are running, pay attention to any squeaking or squealing; such noises can point to strain on the system's lift capacity.
Step 4
Operate the loader in a circle on wet ground and watch the turning radius it produces. Measure the circle's diameter with a tape measure, taking readings for both the inner and outer tires. Half of that diameter gives you the turning radius. For the 773, the proper radius is approximately 79 inches. A figure that departs widely from this number can signal tire wear or issues with the steering mechanisms.
Step 5
While the machine is running, listen for rattling from inside. It could be the drive chains striking each other. Inspect them right away to find out whether the chains or the coupler are due for replacement.
