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The Bobcat 773 is a well-regarded skid steer loader, known for its compact design, solid performance, and versatility. However, as with all machinery, there comes a time when repairs, maintenance, or simple aging make it necessary to consider a replacement. For many operators, the decision to upgrade or replace an older machine like the Bobcat 773 comes with a host of considerations. Whether you’re looking for more power, better fuel efficiency, or modern features, selecting the right replacement machine requires thorough research and a clear understanding of your specific needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the important factors to consider when replacing a Bobcat 773 skid steer loader and review some popular alternatives that could meet or exceed the performance of the 773.
Assessing the Need for a Replacement
Before diving into the world of replacements, it's important to first assess why you're looking to upgrade or replace your Bobcat 773. Some of the most common reasons for replacement include:
When replacing your Bobcat 773, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the right machine for your needs.
There are several machines on the market that offer similar or better performance than the Bobcat 773, catering to a wide range of applications. Below are some popular replacements worth considering:
When replacing your Bobcat 773, cost is a significant factor. Newer models typically come at a higher initial purchase price, but they often offer better fuel efficiency, fewer repair needs, and longer lifespans, ultimately saving money in the long run. Additionally, financing options, warranties, and service agreements can help mitigate the upfront cost.
Conclusion
Replacing a Bobcat 773 is an investment in the future of your business, as it offers the opportunity to upgrade to a machine with better performance, efficiency, and modern features. Whether you choose to stick with the Bobcat brand or explore other options from manufacturers like Caterpillar, Case, Kubota, or New Holland, there are many great alternatives on the market. By carefully considering factors like lift capacity, hydraulic performance, operator comfort, and fuel efficiency, you can find the perfect skid steer loader to meet your needs and increase your productivity for years to come.
In this article, we’ll explore the important factors to consider when replacing a Bobcat 773 skid steer loader and review some popular alternatives that could meet or exceed the performance of the 773.
Assessing the Need for a Replacement
Before diving into the world of replacements, it's important to first assess why you're looking to upgrade or replace your Bobcat 773. Some of the most common reasons for replacement include:
- Age and Wear:
- Skid steer loaders like the Bobcat 773 can endure a lot of heavy use over the years. However, as the machine ages, components like the engine, hydraulics, and undercarriage start to wear out. These repairs can become costly, prompting operators to consider a new machine.
- Skid steer loaders like the Bobcat 773 can endure a lot of heavy use over the years. However, as the machine ages, components like the engine, hydraulics, and undercarriage start to wear out. These repairs can become costly, prompting operators to consider a new machine.
- Performance Issues:
- If the 773 starts experiencing a drop in power or hydraulic efficiency, it may be time for a replacement. Performance issues could be due to engine problems, worn-out hydraulics, or issues with the drivetrain.
- If the 773 starts experiencing a drop in power or hydraulic efficiency, it may be time for a replacement. Performance issues could be due to engine problems, worn-out hydraulics, or issues with the drivetrain.
- Improved Features:
- Technological advancements in skid steer loaders are rapid, and newer models often come with enhanced features like advanced hydraulics, more fuel-efficient engines, improved operator comfort, and better emissions control. If these features are important to you, upgrading to a newer model might make sense.
- Technological advancements in skid steer loaders are rapid, and newer models often come with enhanced features like advanced hydraulics, more fuel-efficient engines, improved operator comfort, and better emissions control. If these features are important to you, upgrading to a newer model might make sense.
- Cost of Maintenance:
- As parts wear out, maintaining an older machine becomes more expensive. When repair costs start to outweigh the cost of a new machine, it may be time to consider a replacement.
- As parts wear out, maintaining an older machine becomes more expensive. When repair costs start to outweigh the cost of a new machine, it may be time to consider a replacement.
When replacing your Bobcat 773, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the right machine for your needs.
- Machine Size and Operating Weight:
- The Bobcat 773 has an operating weight of around 5,500 pounds, making it a mid-sized machine suitable for various applications. It's important to consider whether you need a skid steer with a similar size or if you require something larger or smaller depending on your work environment.
- The Bobcat 773 has an operating weight of around 5,500 pounds, making it a mid-sized machine suitable for various applications. It's important to consider whether you need a skid steer with a similar size or if you require something larger or smaller depending on your work environment.
- Lift Capacity:
- The lift capacity is one of the most critical features of any skid steer. The Bobcat 773 has a rated operating capacity of around 2,100 pounds. If you regularly handle heavy loads, you might want to upgrade to a machine with a higher lift capacity.
- The lift capacity is one of the most critical features of any skid steer. The Bobcat 773 has a rated operating capacity of around 2,100 pounds. If you regularly handle heavy loads, you might want to upgrade to a machine with a higher lift capacity.
- Hydraulic Power and Attachments:
- A skid steer loader is only as good as its hydraulic system, as many attachments rely on hydraulic power to function. The Bobcat 773 offers good hydraulic power, but newer models may provide better flow and pressure, making them more suitable for high-demand tasks like demolition or landscaping.
- A skid steer loader is only as good as its hydraulic system, as many attachments rely on hydraulic power to function. The Bobcat 773 offers good hydraulic power, but newer models may provide better flow and pressure, making them more suitable for high-demand tasks like demolition or landscaping.
- Operator Comfort and Visibility:
- Operator comfort is a key consideration in ensuring productivity and safety. Newer machines often have better cab designs, enhanced visibility, more ergonomic controls, and climate control systems. If operator comfort is a priority, be sure to test out models with improved cabin features.
- Operator comfort is a key consideration in ensuring productivity and safety. Newer machines often have better cab designs, enhanced visibility, more ergonomic controls, and climate control systems. If operator comfort is a priority, be sure to test out models with improved cabin features.
- Fuel Efficiency and Emissions:
- With rising fuel costs and increasingly stringent emissions standards, fuel efficiency and emissions control are becoming more important. Modern skid steers offer improved fuel efficiency, reducing operating costs in the long run, and some newer models are designed to meet Tier 4 emissions standards.
- With rising fuel costs and increasingly stringent emissions standards, fuel efficiency and emissions control are becoming more important. Modern skid steers offer improved fuel efficiency, reducing operating costs in the long run, and some newer models are designed to meet Tier 4 emissions standards.
There are several machines on the market that offer similar or better performance than the Bobcat 773, catering to a wide range of applications. Below are some popular replacements worth considering:
- Bobcat S570:
- Operating Weight: 6,150 pounds
- Lift Capacity: 2,000 pounds
- Engine Power: 61.5 hp
- Notable Features: The Bobcat S570 offers an increase in power and lift capacity compared to the 773, and it comes with a quieter, more comfortable cab with improved operator visibility. It also features a more fuel-efficient engine with a simplified hydraulic system for better attachment performance.
- Why Choose It: This is a great option for those who are loyal to the Bobcat brand and want a similar-sized machine with improved features and enhanced fuel efficiency.
- Operating Weight: 6,150 pounds
- Caterpillar 246D:
- Operating Weight: 6,325 pounds
- Lift Capacity: 2,400 pounds
- Engine Power: 74 hp
- Notable Features: The Caterpillar 246D offers a high lift capacity and a comfortable cab with advanced controls and a climate-controlled cabin. This model is equipped with a powerful engine that provides excellent fuel efficiency while meeting Tier 4 Final emissions standards.
- Why Choose It: If you need a skid steer with a higher lift capacity and stronger engine performance, the 246D is a solid choice. Its strong hydraulic capabilities make it suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
- Operating Weight: 6,325 pounds
- Case 570N Tractor Loader:
- Operating Weight: 6,500 pounds
- Lift Capacity: 2,400 pounds
- Engine Power: 74 hp
- Notable Features: The Case 570N is a versatile machine designed for multiple applications. It comes with a spacious operator's compartment, excellent visibility, and a well-balanced design for stability in uneven terrain.
- Why Choose It: This loader provides a good balance between performance, comfort, and cost, making it suitable for general contractors and landscapers who need reliability and power.
- Operating Weight: 6,500 pounds
- Kubota SSV65:
- Operating Weight: 6,450 pounds
- Lift Capacity: 2,690 pounds
- Engine Power: 64.4 hp
- Notable Features: The Kubota SSV65 features a larger lift capacity than the Bobcat 773, as well as a more fuel-efficient diesel engine. The hydraulic system is more powerful, and it features a comfortable and ergonomic cabin.
- Why Choose It: The SSV65 is a great choice for those who need a larger, more powerful skid steer. Its reliability and enhanced lift capabilities make it ideal for operators who frequently handle large or heavy materials.
- Operating Weight: 6,450 pounds
- New Holland L218:
- Operating Weight: 6,650 pounds
- Lift Capacity: 2,500 pounds
- Engine Power: 74.3 hp
- Notable Features: The New Holland L218 features a fuel-efficient engine that meets Tier 4 emissions standards. The machine offers improved lift height, stability, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for construction and landscaping projects.
- Why Choose It: For operators looking for a powerful, high-capacity machine with improved lifting and handling, the L218 is a reliable replacement.
- Operating Weight: 6,650 pounds
When replacing your Bobcat 773, cost is a significant factor. Newer models typically come at a higher initial purchase price, but they often offer better fuel efficiency, fewer repair needs, and longer lifespans, ultimately saving money in the long run. Additionally, financing options, warranties, and service agreements can help mitigate the upfront cost.
Conclusion
Replacing a Bobcat 773 is an investment in the future of your business, as it offers the opportunity to upgrade to a machine with better performance, efficiency, and modern features. Whether you choose to stick with the Bobcat brand or explore other options from manufacturers like Caterpillar, Case, Kubota, or New Holland, there are many great alternatives on the market. By carefully considering factors like lift capacity, hydraulic performance, operator comfort, and fuel efficiency, you can find the perfect skid steer loader to meet your needs and increase your productivity for years to come.
