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Overview and Design Improvements
The Bobcat 773 (especially the G‑Series introduced in 2001) is a 4‑cylinder Kubota-powered skid steer (~46 HP, 5,800 lb operational weight) favored for its versatility in construction, landscaping, and agriculture. The G‑Series updates include a stronger loader frame, improved cab ergonomics, enhanced BICS controller (replacing the older BOSS system), and optional turbocharged engines in later models.
Performance Capabilities
The Bobcat 773 G‑Series remains a workhorse skid steer with proven performance and versatility. However, attention to known weak points—loader arms, cab harnesses, seat-bar circuitry, and charge‑pump outputs—ensures reliability. Routine preventive maintenance, thorough diagnostics of electrical and hydraulic systems, and proactive repairs preserve uptime and extend machine life.
The Bobcat 773 (especially the G‑Series introduced in 2001) is a 4‑cylinder Kubota-powered skid steer (~46 HP, 5,800 lb operational weight) favored for its versatility in construction, landscaping, and agriculture. The G‑Series updates include a stronger loader frame, improved cab ergonomics, enhanced BICS controller (replacing the older BOSS system), and optional turbocharged engines in later models.
Performance Capabilities
- Tipping load around 3,900 lb
- Hydraulic flow approx. 27 gpm
- Standard bucket width about 68 inches
- Travel speeds up to ~7 mph
This machine excels at lift-and-carry tasks and moderate grading, though earlier “F” series machines were more prone to loader-arm vibration during digging.
- Loader Arm Cracking: Early models (especially black-arm variants) saw cracking under heavy loads. Check arm welds and pivot bushings.
- Seat Bar Sensor Failures: Malfunctioning seat-bar switches or BICS wiring can abruptly lock out hydraulic controls. Even without illuminating codes, wiring faults or poor ground connections in cab harness may be at fault.
- Electrical Panel Glitches: Owners report control panel flickering or delayed code-entry on keyless start systems. Often traced to poor fuse box or panel connector contacts. Cleaning high-current connections often resolves the issue.
- Some machines lose lift and tilt functions after cold transport or extended idle. Foot pedals may “load” but not move actuators. This can stem from unadjusted seat bar lockout, stuck lift-lock valve, or electrical faults to solenoids. Guidance from technicians includes verifying lock‑out valves, lap bar function, and checking error flashes on the valve warning lamp. A 3‑flash error code points to valve output short to ground.
- Reports of reduced forward power or sluggish drive on one side (usually left) even after swapping motors suggest insufficient charge‑pump output or worn pump control valves rather than motor failure. Diagnosis involves flow testing and inspecting hydraulic filter contents for metal particles.
- The BICS control system monitors seat bar, joystick sensors, and hydraulics. Intermittent lockouts and gauge behavior correlate to poor connections at the main cab‑to‑ECM connector above the hydraulic reservoir. Ground strap integrity and harness connector pins are common culprits.
- Begin with visual inspection: check fuse boxes, panel connectors, seat-bar harness, and frame grounds. Clean or reseat harnesses to improve contact.
- Monitor seat-bar and hydraulic lockout behavior; test override mechanisms and lap bar travel.
- For drive weakness, measure charge-pump pressure and test flow to left drive motor—ensure pump deliver specs are met.
- Address loader arm integrity, especially for older “F‑series” machines with known cracking tendencies and worn pivot bushings.
- Clean electrical connectors and fuse block annually; apply dielectric grease where possible.
- Inspect cab harness, especially at connector above hydro tank and the main frame ground straps.
- Check seat bar switch and BICS wiring for continuity and secure contact.
- Replace timing belts at recommended intervals (some reports suggest around 2,000 hours).
- Flush hydraulic fluid, filter, and inspect for metal contaminants regularly.
- Monitor loader arm welds and pins carefully; early repair prevents catastrophic damage.
- One owner discovered erratic screen behavior and starting delays resolved simply by cleaning behind the panel connection.
- Another user with unexplained seat-bar shutdowns traced it to intermittent wiring faults in the cable between panel and ECM.
- Drive side imbalance was traced by a technician to low pump flow despite swapping drive motors—leading to pump rebuild rather than motor replacement.
- BICS / BOSS: Control system firmware in G-series (BICS is newer)
- Seat‑Bar Switch: Operator safety interlock that enables hydraulic function
- Charge Pump: Supplies hydraulic pressure to drive circuits
- Valve Output Short: Error indicating solenoid circuit grounding; seen as flashing code
- Lift‑Lock Valve: Manual or coded cut‑off preventing lift motion in storage/transport
The Bobcat 773 G‑Series remains a workhorse skid steer with proven performance and versatility. However, attention to known weak points—loader arms, cab harnesses, seat-bar circuitry, and charge‑pump outputs—ensures reliability. Routine preventive maintenance, thorough diagnostics of electrical and hydraulic systems, and proactive repairs preserve uptime and extend machine life.
