Why Is the Bobcat 743 Still So Popular

[MikePhua]

The Rise of Bobcat and the 743’s Place in History
Bobcat Company, founded in North Dakota in the 1950s, revolutionized compact equipment with the invention of the skid steer loader. By the time the 743 model was introduced in the early 1980s, Bobcat had already become synonymous with maneuverable, versatile machines for construction, agriculture, and landscaping. The 743 was part of the 700-series lineup, which marked a shift toward more powerful, hydraulically refined loaders with improved operator ergonomics.
The 743 featured a liquid-cooled Kubota V1702 diesel engine producing around 36 horsepower, a rated operating capacity of 1,300 lbs, and a tipping load of approximately 2,600 lbs. It was compact enough to fit into tight spaces but strong enough to handle serious material movement. Over its production run, tens of thousands of units were sold globally, making it one of Bobcat’s most widely distributed models.
Durability and Simplicity Define Its Legacy
One of the key reasons the 743 remains popular is its mechanical simplicity. Unlike newer machines loaded with sensors and electronic controls, the 743 relies on straightforward hydraulic and mechanical systems. This makes it easier to diagnose, repair, and maintain—especially in remote areas or for owners without access to dealership support.
Terminology:

• Hydraulic Drive System: Uses pressurized fluid to power the wheels and lift arms, offering smooth control and fewer moving parts than gear-driven systems.
  
• Tipping Load: The maximum weight at which the loader begins to tip forward, used to calculate safe operating capacity.
  

Owners often describe the 743 as “bulletproof.” Even machines with thousands of hours and visible wear continue to start reliably and perform basic tasks. One operator in rural Montana shared that his 743, covered in oil and parked for most of the year, still fires up every winter to clear snow without complaint.
Resale Value and Market Perception
Despite its age, the 743 often commands higher resale prices than newer models like the 763, especially in regions where simplicity and reliability are prized. This phenomenon is driven by several factors:

• Parts availability remains strong due to widespread production
  
• Mechanics are familiar with its systems, reducing labor costs
  
• Owners trust its performance based on decades of field use
  
• Smaller frame fits into tight job sites and trailers
  

In 2024, a used equipment auction in Iowa saw a 743 with 3,200 hours sell for $11,500—nearly the same price as a newer 763 with similar hours. The buyer cited ease of maintenance and proven reliability as deciding factors.
Operator Experience and Ergonomics
While the 743 lacks the creature comforts of modern loaders—no enclosed cab, no joystick controls—it offers a tactile, responsive feel that many seasoned operators appreciate. The mechanical levers provide direct feedback, and the visibility from the open cab is excellent.
Terminology:

• Mechanical Control Levers: Physical handles that directly actuate hydraulic valves, offering precise control without electronic mediation.
  
• Open Cab Design: Exposed operator station without enclosure, improving visibility but reducing comfort and safety.
  

That said, newer operators often prefer machines like the 763 or S185, which offer smoother ride quality, better suspension seats, and enclosed cabs with climate control. A demolition contractor in Finland noted that after switching to a 763, he found the 743 “bouncy and outdated,” though he admitted the older machine still performed reliably.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
The 743’s design encourages proactive maintenance. With fewer electronics and accessible components, owners can perform most tasks themselves. Common service points include:

• Hydraulic fluid changes every 250 hours
  
• Engine oil and filter every 100 hours
  
• Greasing pivot points weekly
  
• Checking tire pressure and wear monthly
  

Terminology:

• Pivot Points: Joints where loader arms and cylinders rotate, requiring regular lubrication to prevent wear.
  
• Hydraulic Filter: Removes contaminants from fluid to protect pumps and valves.
  

A small farm in Illinois reported that their 743 had been in service for over 20 years with only two major repairs—a starter replacement and a hydraulic hose swap. The owner emphasized that regular greasing and fluid checks were the key to longevity.
Comparisons with Successor Models
The Bobcat 763, introduced in the mid-1990s, offered several upgrades over the 743:

• Higher horsepower (46 hp vs. 36 hp)
  
• Increased rated capacity (1,500 lbs vs. 1,300 lbs)
  
• Enclosed cab options
  
• Improved hydraulic flow for attachments
  

Despite these improvements, many operators still favor the 743 for its simplicity. In mixed fleets, the 743 is often assigned to utility tasks like snow removal, post-hole digging, or light grading, while newer models handle more demanding jobs.
Conclusion
The Bobcat 743 remains popular not because it’s the most powerful or comfortable loader, but because it represents a perfect balance of reliability, simplicity, and affordability. Its enduring presence on farms, job sites, and rental yards speaks to a design philosophy that prioritized function over flash. In a world of increasingly complex machinery, the 743 stands as a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.