Evaluating the Bobcat 731 Skid Steer Loader for Practical Use and Restoration

[MikePhua]

The Bobcat 731 and Its Historical Role
The Bobcat 731 skid steer loader was introduced in the late 1970s as part of Bobcat’s push to expand its compact equipment lineup. Manufactured by Melroe Company, which later became part of Ingersoll Rand and eventually Doosan, the 731 was designed as a diesel-powered alternative to earlier gasoline models. With a rated operating capacity of approximately 1,200 lbs and a compact footprint, it was widely used in agriculture, landscaping, and light construction.
The 731 featured a liquid-cooled diesel engine—typically a Kubota V1702 or similar—paired with a chain-driven transmission and manually operated lift and tilt controls. Its simplicity made it popular among small contractors and farmers, especially in regions where diesel fuel was preferred for reliability and cost.
Core Specifications and Mechanical Layout
Typical configuration of the Bobcat 731 includes:

• Engine: Kubota V1702 4-cylinder diesel
  
• Operating weight: ~4,000 lbs
  
• Rated capacity: ~1,200 lbs
  
• Lift height to hinge pin: ~109 inches
  
• Transmission: Chain drive with mechanical clutches
  
• Hydraulic system: Gear pump with open center valves
  
• Controls: Manual levers for lift, tilt, and drive
  
• Tires: 10–16.5 standard skid steer pattern
  

Terminology notes:

• Chain drive: A mechanical transmission system using chains and sprockets to transfer power to the wheels.
  
• Open center hydraulics: A system where fluid flows continuously through the valve until a function is activated.
  

In Ontario, a contractor used a 731 for barn cleanup and trench backfill. Despite its age, the loader remained functional thanks to regular maintenance and a rebuilt hydraulic pump.
Common Issues and Restoration Challenges
Due to its age, the Bobcat 731 may present several mechanical and structural challenges:

• Hydraulic leaks from worn hoses or valve seals
  
• Chain case oil contamination or low level
  
• Clutch wear causing jerky or delayed drive response
  
• Electrical system degradation (starter, glow plugs, wiring)
  
• Rust or fatigue in loader arms and pivot points
  
• Obsolete parts requiring fabrication or salvage sourcing
  

Diagnostic steps:

• Inspect hydraulic fluid for contamination and proper level
  
• Check chain case oil and tension adjustment
  
• Test clutch engagement and brake function
  
• Verify glow plug operation and battery voltage
  
• Examine loader frame for cracks or weld fatigue
  
• Confirm tire condition and wheel bearing play
  

In Tennessee, a grading crew restored a 731 by replacing the clutch plates and rewiring the starter circuit. The machine returned to service for light-duty grading and hauling.
Parts Availability and Sourcing Tips
While Bobcat no longer manufactures the 731, many parts remain available through:

• Bobcat legacy dealers and service networks
  
• Aftermarket suppliers offering hydraulic and engine components
  
• Salvage yards with older Bobcat inventory
  
• Fabrication shops for custom bushings, pins, and brackets
  

Sourcing advice:

• Match engine serial number for correct parts
  
• Use hydraulic hose shops for custom replacements
  
• Replace filters with modern equivalents using cross-reference charts
  
• Seek donor machines for hard-to-find components like control levers or chain case covers
  

In Chile, a mining crew rebuilt their 731’s hydraulic system using locally sourced hoses and a remanufactured gear pump. The loader was repurposed for material handling in a remote quarry.
Performance Considerations and Use Cases
Despite its age, the 731 can still perform effectively in certain roles:

• Barn and stable cleanup
  
• Gravel and mulch loading
  
• Light trench backfill and grading
  
• Fence post installation with auger attachment
  
• Snow removal with blade or bucket
  

Limitations include:

• Lower lift capacity compared to modern machines
  
• No auxiliary hydraulics for advanced attachments
  
• Manual controls requiring more operator effort
  
• Limited visibility and ergonomics by today’s standards
  

Suggested upgrades:

• Install LED work lights for improved visibility
  
• Add seat suspension or cushion for operator comfort
  
• Retrofit quick-attach plate for modern buckets
  
• Replace tires with foam-filled or solid rubber for puncture resistance
  

In South Africa, a vineyard crew used a restored 731 for compost loading and vineyard trenching. The machine’s compact size allowed it to maneuver between rows without damaging vines.
Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
To keep the Bobcat 731 running smoothly:

• Change engine oil and filter every 100 hours
  
• Replace hydraulic fluid and filter every 500 hours
  
• Inspect chain case oil and tension monthly
  
• Grease all pivot points weekly
  
• Clean radiator and check coolant level regularly
  
• Log service intervals and repairs for future reference
  

Suggested spares to stock:

• Hydraulic hose kits
  
• Engine oil and fuel filters
  
• Glow plugs and starter solenoid
  
• Chain case oil and seals
  
• Control lever bushings and pins
  

In New Zealand, a contractor added a maintenance log to his restored 731. This helped track wear patterns and plan future rebuilds, extending the machine’s useful life.
Operator Stories and Field Wisdom
In Alberta, a snow-clearing team used a 731 for sidewalk plowing. After adding a homemade blade and reinforcing the lift arms, the loader handled winter work with surprising agility.
In Poland, a demolition crew repurposed a 731 for debris loading. They added a protective cage and upgraded the tires, allowing the machine to operate safely in tight spaces.
Conclusion
The Bobcat 731 may be decades old, but its mechanical simplicity and rugged design still offer value for operators willing to invest in restoration and upkeep. Whether used on a farm, jobsite, or vineyard, the 731 proves that compact loaders built with purpose can endure—and with a little care, they can still move mountains of material one bucket at a time.