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The Bobcat 843 and Its Historical Footprint
Introduced in the mid-1980s, the Bobcat 843 was part of a generation that helped define the skid steer loader as a compact, versatile workhorse. Manufactured by Melroe Company under the Bobcat brand, the 843 was designed for general construction, agriculture, and light industrial use. With a rated operating capacity of approximately 1,700 pounds and a robust hydraulic system, it quickly became a favorite among contractors who valued simplicity and durability.
Bobcat’s reputation for pioneering the skid steer concept dates back to the 1950s, and by the time the 843 was released, the company had already sold tens of thousands of units globally. The 843 stood out for its balance of power, maneuverability, and serviceability—qualities that still make it relevant today in small fleets and private yards.
Terminology Notes
The Bobcat 843 features:
A contractor in Alberta used his 843 to clear snow from a rural driveway and found that the machine’s weight and traction allowed it to push through drifts that had stopped lighter equipment.
Operator Experience and Control Layout
The 843 uses manual foot pedals and hand levers for lift, tilt, and drive control. While not as ergonomic as modern joystick systems, the layout is intuitive and responsive once mastered. The open cab design offers good visibility, though it lacks the comfort features of newer enclosed models.
Operators often retrofit:
Maintenance and Reliability
The 843 is known for its mechanical resilience. Common service tasks include:
Attachment Compatibility and Versatility
The 843 supports a wide range of attachments via its standard quick-tach system:
A contractor in Texas retrofitted his 843 with a hydraulic breaker and used it to remove concrete pads during a barn renovation. The machine’s compact size allowed access where larger equipment couldn’t reach.
Anecdote from the Field
In 2023, a small excavation firm in Pennsylvania acquired a used Bobcat 843 from a retired landscaper. The machine had sat idle for two years but started up with minimal effort. After replacing the fuel filter and battery, the crew used it to move gravel and load debris. The operator noted that while the controls felt dated, the machine’s responsiveness and power were more than adequate for daily tasks.
Conclusion
The Bobcat 843 may be decades old, but its utility remains timeless. With proper maintenance, thoughtful upgrades, and skilled operation, it continues to deliver reliable performance in a wide range of applications. For those who value mechanical simplicity and proven durability, the 843 is more than a relic—it’s a reminder that good design never goes out of style. In the world of compact loaders, legacy machines like the 843 still earn their keep, one bucket at a time.
Introduced in the mid-1980s, the Bobcat 843 was part of a generation that helped define the skid steer loader as a compact, versatile workhorse. Manufactured by Melroe Company under the Bobcat brand, the 843 was designed for general construction, agriculture, and light industrial use. With a rated operating capacity of approximately 1,700 pounds and a robust hydraulic system, it quickly became a favorite among contractors who valued simplicity and durability.
Bobcat’s reputation for pioneering the skid steer concept dates back to the 1950s, and by the time the 843 was released, the company had already sold tens of thousands of units globally. The 843 stood out for its balance of power, maneuverability, and serviceability—qualities that still make it relevant today in small fleets and private yards.
Terminology Notes
- Skid Steer Loader: A compact, rigid-frame machine with lift arms that can support a variety of attachments.
- Hydrostatic Drive: A transmission system using hydraulic fluid to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
- Auxiliary Hydraulics: Additional hydraulic circuits used to power attachments like augers, trenchers, or grapples.
- Lift Path: The arc followed by the loader arms, which can be radial or vertical depending on design.
The Bobcat 843 features:
- Engine: Kubota V2203 diesel, rated at approximately 48 horsepower
- Operating weight: ~5,800 pounds
- Rated operating capacity: ~1,700 pounds
- Hydraulic flow: ~15.6 gallons per minute
- Lift path: Radial
A contractor in Alberta used his 843 to clear snow from a rural driveway and found that the machine’s weight and traction allowed it to push through drifts that had stopped lighter equipment.
Operator Experience and Control Layout
The 843 uses manual foot pedals and hand levers for lift, tilt, and drive control. While not as ergonomic as modern joystick systems, the layout is intuitive and responsive once mastered. The open cab design offers good visibility, though it lacks the comfort features of newer enclosed models.
Operators often retrofit:
- Suspension seats for improved comfort
- LED work lights for better visibility
- Sound insulation panels to reduce engine noise
Maintenance and Reliability
The 843 is known for its mechanical resilience. Common service tasks include:
- Changing engine oil every 100 hours
- Replacing hydraulic filters every 250 hours
- Inspecting drive chains and sprockets quarterly
- Greasing pivot points weekly
- Lift arm bushings
- Drive chain tensioners
- Hydraulic hose fittings
- Starter solenoid and battery terminals
Attachment Compatibility and Versatility
The 843 supports a wide range of attachments via its standard quick-tach system:
- Buckets (general purpose, snow, rock)
- Pallet forks
- Augers
- Trenchers
- Grapples
A contractor in Texas retrofitted his 843 with a hydraulic breaker and used it to remove concrete pads during a barn renovation. The machine’s compact size allowed access where larger equipment couldn’t reach.
Anecdote from the Field
In 2023, a small excavation firm in Pennsylvania acquired a used Bobcat 843 from a retired landscaper. The machine had sat idle for two years but started up with minimal effort. After replacing the fuel filter and battery, the crew used it to move gravel and load debris. The operator noted that while the controls felt dated, the machine’s responsiveness and power were more than adequate for daily tasks.
Conclusion
The Bobcat 843 may be decades old, but its utility remains timeless. With proper maintenance, thoughtful upgrades, and skilled operation, it continues to deliver reliable performance in a wide range of applications. For those who value mechanical simplicity and proven durability, the 843 is more than a relic—it’s a reminder that good design never goes out of style. In the world of compact loaders, legacy machines like the 843 still earn their keep, one bucket at a time.
