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General Forestry => General Board => Topic started by: Smithkp on July 27, 2018, 10:50:02 AM

Title: Bobcat purchasing tips?
Post by: Smithkp on July 27, 2018, 10:50:02 AM
After looking at several and scouring my state I am on my way tomorrow to purchase a Bobcat 863 high flow from a private seller to move logs to and from the saw mill and move slabs to my drying area.

I have operated numerous bobcats but really don't have much knowledge on maintenance and what to look for before buying. Obviously no oil leaks and smooth functionality of wheels and bucket motion. I plan on changing all filters and oil when I get it home to sort of baseline it. Anything else I should be thinking about?
Title: Re: Bobcat purchasing tips?
Post by: ButchC on July 27, 2018, 12:08:06 PM

Looks can either deceive or reveal. Fresh paint hides many evils for most shoppers, dont be fooled by it. That being said it is also rare machine that has been taken care of mechanically that doesn't also look decent.  Realize that worn out abused machines are pure money pits that will cost you more money in the end than buying a good one but the market usually keeps the price up anyway.
If they thought no more of it than to let it sit outside its whole life I would be weary, same if is bent or otherwise beat up, it is then very likely that it has not had the best of care so price  it accordingly.  Run it long enough to get it warmed up thoroughly. Even worn out hydros and hydraulics preform decently until the oil gets warm.  Before you start it pull the oil filler cap off the engine and look for milky froth. If it has been started and stopped a lot in cool weather it will have some froth but also could be bigger problems. Give it the taste test. put your finger on the froth then give your finger a quick wipe and touch it to your tongue. Sweet equals anti freeze, yuk state equals condensation from start stop operation. After it has been run a bit get an oil sample from the hydraulics and hyros (if separate)  and look at the oil in strong light, you are looking for metal glitter, there should be none, zero.  If found I would walk away unless dirt cheap. Remember that when buying from an individual its yours no matter what you find once the cash trades hands.  There are good reasons for those without experience to buy from a dealer and spending a few extra dollars they get for such. However your go good luck! 
Title: Re: Bobcat purchasing tips?
Post by: Smithkp on July 27, 2018, 12:38:30 PM
Good points. I looked at a local one 2 days ago and it was kept outside, previous life as a rental, leaked hydraulic fluid, one tire on backwards and recaps coming loose on the other 3 with all missing chunks of rubber. Bucket blade was missing and bucket worn past 2 of the blade bolting holes. Guy wouldn't move on his price so I expanded my search and found a very clean looking one in northern Virginia. Looks considerably better, half the hours and was kept in a barn and 5K cheaper to boot. He sent me a picture of the engine and I was impressed that he had install dates and part numbers written on all the filters.

I am dragging a trailer up there tomorrow and unless it is exhibiting some blatant warning signs, I am planning on bringing it back home with me. I just down see any other way to run the mill with out one. Moving logs around is my only missing link right now and my friends Kubota tractor is going to get someone killed trying to lift logs.
Title: Re: Bobcat purchasing tips?
Post by: Bruno of NH on July 27, 2018, 03:36:38 PM
My tree company friend had an 863 givin to him from a man that owns a paving company.
He care takes the guys second home for him.
Any way this thing looked beat.
I used it last spring when my tractor was in the shop.
It ran like a top and didn't leak the tires
Are half bald.
My point the thing ran and operated great.
Title: Re: Bobcat purchasing tips?
Post by: Corley5 on July 27, 2018, 05:36:52 PM
Be sure to replace the secret in line hydraulic filter that goes into the bottom of the reservoir.  It's for the wheel motor's case drains.  If it gets plugged it can blow the motor seals.