Operating a Bobcat 843 Snow Blower Without a 14-Pin Power Connector: Practical Solutions and Tips

[MikePhua]

The Bobcat 843, a popular skid steer model from the 1980s, is renowned for its ruggedness and adaptability, particularly in snow removal when paired with a snow blower attachment. However, operators sometimes encounter challenges operating the chute rotation and deflection mechanisms when the original 14-pin power connector is unavailable or non-functional.
Understanding the Role of the 14-Pin Connector
The 14-pin electrical connector on the Bobcat 843 serves as the interface for powering attachment controls, including the snow blower’s chute rotation motor and deflector controls. Without this connection, operators may lose the ability to adjust the chute direction from the cab, complicating snow management.
Common Issues When Missing the 14-Pin Power

• Loss of chute rotation control limits effective snow placement.
  
• Manual adjustment of the chute becomes cumbersome and unsafe in cold, snowy conditions.
  
• Difficulty in maintaining consistent snow blowing direction reduces clearing efficiency.
  

Practical Workarounds and Solutions
Several operators have shared creative methods to overcome the absence of the 14-pin power supply:

• Manual Cable Controls: Installing aftermarket mechanical cables or levers to rotate and adjust the chute manually from the operator’s position. While less convenient, this solution restores full control without electrical power.
  
• Alternative Wiring Harnesses: Some users retrofit wiring from other Bobcat models or fabricate custom harnesses to replicate the 14-pin functionality, enabling electronic chute control. This approach requires electrical knowledge and careful wiring to prevent damage.
  
• Battery-Powered Motorization: In rare cases, portable power units have been employed to power the chute motor independently. This method is less common due to complexity and cost but can provide electronic control without relying on the skid steer’s original wiring.
  

Safety Considerations
When modifying chute controls, safety is paramount. Manual control installations must ensure secure and reliable operation to prevent chute movement during transport or operation. Electrical retrofits should include proper fusing and protection to avoid shorts or electrical hazards.
User Experiences and Advice
One veteran Bobcat operator recalled the frustration of losing chute rotation on a snowy day but successfully installed a mechanical cable system, highlighting the importance of simplicity and reliability in harsh winter environments. Another shared a story about sourcing a replacement 14-pin connector from salvage yards, saving cost and preserving original functionality.
Broader Context and Industry Practices
Modern skid steers increasingly feature standardized attachment power interfaces and wireless controls, addressing older machines' limitations. However, many operators rely on practical ingenuity to maintain older equipment’s usefulness.
Conclusion
Operating a Bobcat 843 snow blower chute without the original 14-pin power connector presents challenges, but with mechanical adaptations or electrical retrofits, full control can be restored. These solutions combine resourcefulness and technical know-how, allowing owners to extend the service life and functionality of classic equipment even in demanding snow removal conditions.