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The Bobcat 1845C skid steer loader is a versatile and reliable machine that has been widely used in construction, landscaping, and material handling for many years. For owners, operators, and enthusiasts alike, knowing the specific year of manufacture for a Bobcat 1845C can be crucial for parts replacement, maintenance, and troubleshooting. While the 1845C model itself is well-regarded for its power, durability, and compact design, identifying the correct year of the machine is not always as straightforward as it seems.
In this article, we will delve into the details of how to identify the year of a Bobcat 1845C skid steer, the key differences between years, and some tips on maintaining this piece of equipment. We will also cover common challenges and solutions related to year identification, along with some practical advice for operators who own or are considering purchasing an older Bobcat model.
Overview of the Bobcat 1845C
The Bobcat 1845C is a part of Bobcat’s 1800 series, renowned for its mid-range power and reliable performance. With a lift capacity of approximately 1,500 pounds and an operating weight of around 4,000 pounds, the 1845C is suitable for a variety of tasks such as grading, loading, and lifting. The machine is powered by a 45-horsepower engine, making it an efficient option for small to medium-sized jobs.
Key Features of the Bobcat 1845C:
Why Year Identification Matters
Knowing the year of your Bobcat 1845C skid steer is essential for several reasons:
Identifying the exact year of a Bobcat 1845C involves checking the serial number, which contains valuable information about the machine’s manufacturing year and other important details.
While the Bobcat 1845C is relatively simple compared to modern skid steers, there are some differences between years that owners should be aware of. These can include minor upgrades to the engine, hydraulic system, and electrical components.
The Bobcat 1845C, while durable and reliable, is not immune to common issues. Here are a few problems that owners of this skid steer might encounter, along with their solutions:
To keep your Bobcat 1845C operating smoothly, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some key maintenance tips to follow:
The Bobcat 1845C remains a popular choice among operators who need a reliable, compact, and powerful skid steer. Whether you’re a contractor looking for a workhorse on small to medium projects or a landscaper needing a versatile tool for grading and digging, the 1845C is an excellent machine that delivers strong performance. Understanding how to identify the year of your machine and maintaining it properly ensures that it continues to serve you well for years to come.
In this article, we will delve into the details of how to identify the year of a Bobcat 1845C skid steer, the key differences between years, and some tips on maintaining this piece of equipment. We will also cover common challenges and solutions related to year identification, along with some practical advice for operators who own or are considering purchasing an older Bobcat model.
Overview of the Bobcat 1845C
The Bobcat 1845C is a part of Bobcat’s 1800 series, renowned for its mid-range power and reliable performance. With a lift capacity of approximately 1,500 pounds and an operating weight of around 4,000 pounds, the 1845C is suitable for a variety of tasks such as grading, loading, and lifting. The machine is powered by a 45-horsepower engine, making it an efficient option for small to medium-sized jobs.
Key Features of the Bobcat 1845C:
- Engine Power: 45 horsepower engine that offers a balance of power and efficiency for a variety of tasks.
- Lift Capacity: 1,500 lbs, making it perfect for lifting and loading materials.
- Compact Design: With a narrow width, the 1845C excels in tight spaces and can handle small job sites with ease.
- Hydraulic System: Equipped with a reliable hydraulic system for operating various attachments, such as buckets, forks, and augers.
Why Year Identification Matters
Knowing the year of your Bobcat 1845C skid steer is essential for several reasons:
- Parts Compatibility: Over the years, Bobcat has made minor changes to various components in their machines. Identifying the exact year ensures you are purchasing the correct replacement parts, as certain components may vary from year to year.
- Maintenance Schedules: Manufacturers typically provide maintenance schedules specific to the year of manufacture. The year of the machine can also help identify any factory-installed updates or upgrades that may affect the maintenance needs.
- Machine Value: For those looking to buy or sell a Bobcat 1845C, identifying the year can help you better understand its current market value, as older models may not fetch the same price as newer ones, even if they are in good working condition.
- Troubleshooting: Certain issues may be more common in specific years due to design changes or manufacturing tweaks. Identifying the machine's year helps when troubleshooting potential problems.
Identifying the exact year of a Bobcat 1845C involves checking the serial number, which contains valuable information about the machine’s manufacturing year and other important details.
- Find the Serial Number:
- The serial number of a Bobcat 1845C can usually be found in a few common locations: near the rear axle or under the left-hand side of the lift arm. It may also be located on the frame of the machine, usually on a metal plate.
- The serial number typically starts with a letter followed by several digits. The first character in the serial number is particularly important for identifying the model year.
- The serial number of a Bobcat 1845C can usually be found in a few common locations: near the rear axle or under the left-hand side of the lift arm. It may also be located on the frame of the machine, usually on a metal plate.
- Interpreting the Serial Number:
- Bobcat machines often use a specific serial numbering system that includes a year code within the serial number itself. However, the exact year code might vary slightly depending on the manufacturing plant.
- The serial number of the Bobcat 1845C will often be a 17-character code that includes both alpha and numeric digits. In many cases, the year of manufacture can be determined by decoding the first few characters of the serial number.
- Bobcat machines often use a specific serial numbering system that includes a year code within the serial number itself. However, the exact year code might vary slightly depending on the manufacturing plant.
- Use the Bobcat Serial Number Lookup Tool:
- If you have the serial number but are unsure of the year, Bobcat offers an online serial number lookup tool on their official website. Entering your serial number can help you directly identify the year and other relevant details about the machine.
- If you have the serial number but are unsure of the year, Bobcat offers an online serial number lookup tool on their official website. Entering your serial number can help you directly identify the year and other relevant details about the machine.
- Contact Bobcat Dealers:
- If you’re still unsure about the year of your machine, you can always reach out to your local Bobcat dealer with the serial number. They have access to detailed records and can provide you with the exact year and model information.
- If you’re still unsure about the year of your machine, you can always reach out to your local Bobcat dealer with the serial number. They have access to detailed records and can provide you with the exact year and model information.
While the Bobcat 1845C is relatively simple compared to modern skid steers, there are some differences between years that owners should be aware of. These can include minor upgrades to the engine, hydraulic system, and electrical components.
- Engine Variations:
- The Bobcat 1845C typically uses a 45-horsepower engine, but over the years, Bobcat has made small tweaks to the engine for better fuel efficiency and performance. The year of manufacture may determine which engine type is installed.
- The Bobcat 1845C typically uses a 45-horsepower engine, but over the years, Bobcat has made small tweaks to the engine for better fuel efficiency and performance. The year of manufacture may determine which engine type is installed.
- Hydraulic System Changes:
- Some models may feature improvements to the hydraulic system, offering better lifting power or a more efficient flow rate. These changes are often implemented in response to operator feedback or as part of regulatory updates.
- Some models may feature improvements to the hydraulic system, offering better lifting power or a more efficient flow rate. These changes are often implemented in response to operator feedback or as part of regulatory updates.
- Cab and Controls:
- Early models of the 1845C may have simpler control panels and less advanced cab features. Over time, Bobcat introduced updates such as improved seating, enhanced visibility, and more user-friendly controls, which can be useful for operators working long hours.
- Early models of the 1845C may have simpler control panels and less advanced cab features. Over time, Bobcat introduced updates such as improved seating, enhanced visibility, and more user-friendly controls, which can be useful for operators working long hours.
- Transmission Updates:
- There are some variations in the transmission and drive systems depending on the year, with later models offering smoother operation and improved fuel efficiency.
- There are some variations in the transmission and drive systems depending on the year, with later models offering smoother operation and improved fuel efficiency.
The Bobcat 1845C, while durable and reliable, is not immune to common issues. Here are a few problems that owners of this skid steer might encounter, along with their solutions:
- Hydraulic Issues:
- One of the most common issues with older models is a decrease in hydraulic performance, often caused by hydraulic fluid contamination or worn-out seals.
- Solution: Regularly replace hydraulic filters, check for leaks, and maintain proper fluid levels to ensure the hydraulic system operates at peak efficiency.
- One of the most common issues with older models is a decrease in hydraulic performance, often caused by hydraulic fluid contamination or worn-out seals.
- Engine Problems:
- As the machine ages, engine components such as the fuel injectors or the air intake system can become clogged or worn out, leading to poor performance.
- Solution: Regularly check and replace the fuel and air filters, and ensure the engine is properly maintained with clean fuel and oil.
- As the machine ages, engine components such as the fuel injectors or the air intake system can become clogged or worn out, leading to poor performance.
- Electrical Failures:
- Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring or problems with the battery, are not uncommon in older machines.
- Solution: Inspect the electrical system regularly for wear or corrosion. Replacing worn wires and ensuring battery terminals are clean can prevent electrical failures.
- Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring or problems with the battery, are not uncommon in older machines.
- Wear on Tracks:
- Due to its track system, the Bobcat 1845C can experience wear on the undercarriage, especially when used on rough or uneven terrain.
- Solution: Regularly inspect the tracks for wear, and replace them if necessary. Keeping the undercarriage clean and free of debris can also help extend the life of the tracks.
- Due to its track system, the Bobcat 1845C can experience wear on the undercarriage, especially when used on rough or uneven terrain.
To keep your Bobcat 1845C operating smoothly, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some key maintenance tips to follow:
- Engine Maintenance:
- Change the oil and oil filters at regular intervals to keep the engine running smoothly. Pay attention to coolant levels and ensure the radiator is clean.
- Change the oil and oil filters at regular intervals to keep the engine running smoothly. Pay attention to coolant levels and ensure the radiator is clean.
- Hydraulic System Maintenance:
- Clean or replace hydraulic filters periodically. Check for leaks and ensure fluid levels are maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Clean or replace hydraulic filters periodically. Check for leaks and ensure fluid levels are maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Track and Undercarriage Care:
- Inspect the tracks and undercarriage for wear and tear. Regularly clean the area to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris, which can lead to increased wear.
- Inspect the tracks and undercarriage for wear and tear. Regularly clean the area to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris, which can lead to increased wear.
- General Inspections:
- Conduct regular checks of the electrical system, battery, and wiring. Ensure all bolts, nuts, and screws are properly tightened, and check for any loose components that could cause safety issues.
- Conduct regular checks of the electrical system, battery, and wiring. Ensure all bolts, nuts, and screws are properly tightened, and check for any loose components that could cause safety issues.
The Bobcat 1845C remains a popular choice among operators who need a reliable, compact, and powerful skid steer. Whether you’re a contractor looking for a workhorse on small to medium projects or a landscaper needing a versatile tool for grading and digging, the 1845C is an excellent machine that delivers strong performance. Understanding how to identify the year of your machine and maintaining it properly ensures that it continues to serve you well for years to come.
