Comprehensive Guide to the Bobcat 843 Skid Steer Loader: Specifications, Features, and Practical Insights

[MikePhua]

Introduction to the Bobcat 843
The Bobcat 843 is a classic and enduring skid steer loader model produced primarily between the early 1980s and early 1990s. Known for its durability and versatility, the 843 is favored by construction, landscaping, and agricultural operators for a wide range of tasks, including digging, loading, material handling, and attachment versatility. Powered by a reliable diesel engine, this machine offers solid performance within a compact frame suitable for maneuvering tight workspaces.
This comprehensive guide delves into the technical specifications, operational features, key terminology, maintenance advice, and real-world user experiences to provide a well-rounded understanding of the Bobcat 843 and its practical applications.

Technical Specifications

• Engine:
  • Diesel-powered Isuzu 4JB1 or Perkins 704-30 engines are common in the 843, both being 4-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engines.
    
  • Engine output is approximately 54 horsepower at around 2,300 RPM.
    
• Operating Weight and Dimensions:
  • Operating weight ranges around 6,185 to 6,480 pounds.
    
  • Length measures about 131.4 inches (approximately 11 feet), width near 62.4 inches (around 5.2 feet), and height to the top of the cab is about 80.4 inches (roughly 6.7 feet).
    
  • Height to bucket hinge pin stands at approximately 119.6 inches (almost 10 feet).
    
  • Wheelbase is about 38.6 inches.
    
• Performance:
  • Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) is about 1,700 pounds.
    
  • Tipping load is around 3,400 pounds, providing good stability under typical loading conditions.
    
  • Hydraulic pump flow capacity is approximately 14.5 to 16.1 gallons per minute, enabling sufficient auxiliary hydraulic power for attachments.
    
• Attachments:
  • Equipped with a universal Bob-Tach quick attachment system allowing compatibility with various skid steer tools like buckets, forks, rakes, augers, and trenchers.
    

Key Features and Operational Highlights

• Hydraulics and Controls:
  The Bobcat 843 utilizes hydraulic lifting arms on either side of the operator station, controlling attachments with precise lever or joystick inputs. Early models like the 843B had manual lever-style steering noted for requiring more operator effort compared to servo-assisted systems in more modern variants.
  
• Cab and Operator Comfort:
  Though basic by today’s standards, the 843 features an enclosed cab with optional heating and air conditioning. Safety features include a seat bar interlock and a parking brake system. Lighting options were sometimes available as factory-installed or aftermarket additions.
  
• Fuel and Engine Management:
  Unlike modern machines with electronic fuel controls, the 843 required manual preheating of the engine glow plugs during cold starts. The engine’s liquid cooling system provides reliable temperature regulation during demanding work.
  
• Durability and Build:
  The skid steer features a robust rigid frame, known to endure heavy use, though some structural areas are prone to cracking over time (especially when fitted with backhoe attachments), leading to common welding repairs.
  

Terminology to Understand

• Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): Maximum safe load the skid steer can carry under normal conditions.
  
• Tipping Load: The load at which the machine begins to tip over; usually about twice the ROC in this model.
  
• Bob-Tach®: Quick attachment mounting system enabling fast, secure tool changes.
  
• Hydraulic Flow (GPM): Gallons per minute of hydraulic fluid supplied to attachments, affecting tool power and speed.
  
• Seat Bar Interlock: Safety mechanism requiring the operator to be seated and the bar down to operate the machine.
  
• Preheating: Manually activating glow plugs to warm the engine for cold starts.
  

Maintenance Considerations and Practical Advice

• Perform regular hydraulic fluid and filter checks to prevent contamination that can cause system sluggishness or failures.
  
• Inspect and service engine glow plugs for reliable cold-weather starts.
  
• Monitor wear on lifting arms and frame, especially around weld joints prone to cracking, and schedule welding repairs proactively.
  
• Lubricate pivot points regularly to reduce joint wear and binding.
  
• Check tires or tracks for wear and proper inflation to maintain stability and traction.
  
• Keep a clean operator cab and ensure all controls, lights, and safety features function properly.
  

Real-World Experiences and Insights

• Operators appreciate the Bobcat 843 for its simplicity and reliability, noting that the use of single piston hydraulic cylinders simplified repairs compared to more complex multi-piston systems in newer models.
  
• A user highlighted that the manual lever steering required notable physical effort, especially in tight turns or extended shifts, making today’s servo-assisted machines easier to handle.
  
• Several owners reported that welding reinforcements to common crack points extended the machine's service life significantly, particularly if using backhoe attachments extensively.
  
• One operator shared the addition of a 14-pin electric kit to enable dozer blade attachment control, increasing the machine’s versatility.
  
• Despite its basic fuel system, careful preheating and regular maintenance have kept many 843s running smoothly for thousands of hours.
  

Additional Tips and Solutions

• When restoring or purchasing a used 843, verify service records and inspect for common structural issues, including frame cracks and hydraulic leaks.
  
• Consider upgrading the operator seat and controls for improved comfort during long shifts.
  
• Keep spare parts such as hydraulic seals, filters, and glow plugs on hand to minimize downtime.
  
• For attachments, ensure compatibility and hydraulic flow capacity matches machine specifications, especially when using higher-demand tools like hydraulic breakers or augers with optional high-flow systems.
  
• Utilize community forums and expert technicians familiar with older Bobcat models for troubleshooting and advice.
  

Summary
The Bobcat 843 skid steer loader is a robust, reliable, and versatile machine favored for its compact footprint and effective powertrain, delivering 54 horsepower and handling loads around 1,700 pounds safely. Its durable frame, simple hydraulics, and universal Bob-Tach® system make it adaptable for a variety of attachments and tasks.
While not as ergonomically advanced as modern equipment, the 843’s straightforward design allows for easier maintenance and repair, supported by a strong aftermarket parts availability and community knowledge base. Operator experiences underscore the importance of addressing mechanical wear, especially frame cracks and manual steering efforts, to maximize longevity and productivity.
This comprehensive overview equips owners, operators, and prospective buyers with detailed insights into the Bobcat 843’s capabilities, maintenance needs, and practical advice to optimize its use in construction, landscaping, and agricultural applications.