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Bobcat 773 Overview and Legacy
The Bobcat 773 skid steer loader was part of the company’s 700-series lineup, introduced in the late 1990s and widely adopted across landscaping, construction, and agricultural sectors. Powered by a 46-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, the 773 featured vertical lift arms, a rated operating capacity of 1,750 lbs, and a hydraulic flow of 16.9 GPM. Its compact footprint and reliability made it a favorite among small contractors and rental fleets. Bobcat, founded in 1947, has long been a leader in compact equipment, with the 773 contributing to its reputation for durable, operator-friendly machines.
Case 440 Series Introduction
The Case 440 skid steer loader was part of the 400-series launched in the mid-2000s, designed to compete directly with Bobcat, Caterpillar, and New Holland in the compact loader market. The 440 featured a turbocharged 81-horsepower engine, a rated operating capacity of 2,200 lbs, and a hydraulic flow of 20.6 GPM. Case, founded in 1842, had already built a strong reputation in agricultural and construction equipment, and the 400-series marked a push toward more powerful, ergonomically refined skid steers.
Key Specification Comparison
Bobcat 773
The Case 440 offers significantly more horsepower and lifting capacity, making it better suited for heavier-duty tasks such as grading, material handling, and snow removal. However, the Bobcat 773’s lighter weight and vertical lift geometry make it more maneuverable in tight spaces and better for pallet work.
Operational Trade-Offs
While the Case 440 clearly outperforms the 773 in raw specs, the trade-off includes:
Market Value and Trade-In Considerations
In the late 2000s, a low-hour Case 440 (around 100 hours) was priced at approximately $23,000 USD. A well-maintained Bobcat 773 with 600 hours could fetch a trade-in value between $10,000–$14,000 depending on region, attachments, and condition. The upgrade cost would likely fall in the $9,000–$13,000 range.
Factors influencing trade-in value:
Field Anecdote and Operator Insight
A contractor in coastal Connecticut traded his 773 for a Case 440 after expanding into heavier excavation work. He noted that while the 440 had more pushing power and better breakout force, it was harder to maneuver in residential backyards. He eventually added a compact track loader to his fleet for soft terrain and kept the 440 for demolition and grading.
This reflects a broader trend in fleet diversification, where contractors use multiple machines tailored to specific job types rather than relying on a single all-purpose loader.
Recommendations Before Trading
Before committing to a trade-in:
Trading a Bobcat 773 for a Case 440 can be a smart move for contractors needing more lift capacity, hydraulic power, and engine torque. However, the decision should be based on job site demands, operator preference, and long-term fleet strategy. While the 440 offers clear performance advantages, the 773’s agility and simplicity still hold value in compact, high-cycle environments. A well-informed trade-in can elevate productivity—if matched to the right workload.
The Bobcat 773 skid steer loader was part of the company’s 700-series lineup, introduced in the late 1990s and widely adopted across landscaping, construction, and agricultural sectors. Powered by a 46-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, the 773 featured vertical lift arms, a rated operating capacity of 1,750 lbs, and a hydraulic flow of 16.9 GPM. Its compact footprint and reliability made it a favorite among small contractors and rental fleets. Bobcat, founded in 1947, has long been a leader in compact equipment, with the 773 contributing to its reputation for durable, operator-friendly machines.
Case 440 Series Introduction
The Case 440 skid steer loader was part of the 400-series launched in the mid-2000s, designed to compete directly with Bobcat, Caterpillar, and New Holland in the compact loader market. The 440 featured a turbocharged 81-horsepower engine, a rated operating capacity of 2,200 lbs, and a hydraulic flow of 20.6 GPM. Case, founded in 1842, had already built a strong reputation in agricultural and construction equipment, and the 400-series marked a push toward more powerful, ergonomically refined skid steers.
Key Specification Comparison
Bobcat 773
- Engine Power: 46 horsepower
- Rated Operating Capacity: 1,750 lbs
- Hydraulic Flow: 16.9 gallons per minute
- Lift Type: Vertical lift
- Machine Weight: Approximately 5,800 lbs
- Cab Comfort: Basic configuration
- Engine Power: 81 horsepower (turbocharged)
- Rated Operating Capacity: 2,200 lbs
- Hydraulic Flow: 20.6 gallons per minute
- Lift Type: Radial lift
- Machine Weight: Approximately 7,600 lbs
- Cab Comfort: Upgraded configuration (optional HVAC)
The Case 440 offers significantly more horsepower and lifting capacity, making it better suited for heavier-duty tasks such as grading, material handling, and snow removal. However, the Bobcat 773’s lighter weight and vertical lift geometry make it more maneuverable in tight spaces and better for pallet work.
Operational Trade-Offs
While the Case 440 clearly outperforms the 773 in raw specs, the trade-off includes:
- Increased fuel consumption due to higher engine output
- Larger footprint, which may be less ideal for confined job sites
- Radial lift design, which offers better digging performance but less reach at full height compared to vertical lift
Market Value and Trade-In Considerations
In the late 2000s, a low-hour Case 440 (around 100 hours) was priced at approximately $23,000 USD. A well-maintained Bobcat 773 with 600 hours could fetch a trade-in value between $10,000–$14,000 depending on region, attachments, and condition. The upgrade cost would likely fall in the $9,000–$13,000 range.
Factors influencing trade-in value:
- Tire condition and wear
- Hydraulic leak history
- Bucket and auxiliary attachment condition
- Service records and ownership history
Field Anecdote and Operator Insight
A contractor in coastal Connecticut traded his 773 for a Case 440 after expanding into heavier excavation work. He noted that while the 440 had more pushing power and better breakout force, it was harder to maneuver in residential backyards. He eventually added a compact track loader to his fleet for soft terrain and kept the 440 for demolition and grading.
This reflects a broader trend in fleet diversification, where contractors use multiple machines tailored to specific job types rather than relying on a single all-purpose loader.
Recommendations Before Trading
Before committing to a trade-in:
- Test-drive the Case 440 under load to assess hydraulic response and visibility
- Compare joystick and foot control layouts to ensure operator comfort
- Review service accessibility—Case loaders have different engine compartment layouts than Bobcat
- Consider resale value and long-term parts availability
- Evaluate whether a 420 or 430 model might better match the 773’s footprint if power isn’t the primary concern
Trading a Bobcat 773 for a Case 440 can be a smart move for contractors needing more lift capacity, hydraulic power, and engine torque. However, the decision should be based on job site demands, operator preference, and long-term fleet strategy. While the 440 offers clear performance advantages, the 773’s agility and simplicity still hold value in compact, high-cycle environments. A well-informed trade-in can elevate productivity—if matched to the right workload.
