Fuse Box on a 753?

[MikePhua]

The Bobcat 753 is a compact skid-steer loader in the 1,200–1,300 lb rated-capacity class that was widely used for landscaping, light construction and rental-fleet work. Its G-series variants carry about 43–44 horsepower and an operating weight near 4,740–4,800 lb, so they’re small, nimble machines that see a lot of hours and a lot of field fixes.
Problem Summary
A common field symptom reported by operators is a headlight (or front-light) that won’t energize while rear lights still work. In the specific case described here, the front lamps had no power at the lamp harness and tested dead with a probe; after inspection the operator found a fuse in the machine’s fuse box that had rattled partially out of its clip — once reseated the front lights returned to normal.
Fuse Box Location by Series

• For G-series Bobcat 753 machines (roughly the late-1990s and early-2000s refresh), the fuse panel is typically tucked under a metal cover located just behind the operator’s legs — basically behind the lower front of the cab and beneath the driver’s knee area.
  
• Older C- and F-series 753 machines locate fuses along the engine compartment side, above the battery; layout can vary by model year and country of build.
  

Step-by-Step Diagnostics Checklist

• Verify symptom: confirm rear lights work while front lights do not. Use a simple circuit tester or multimeter to check for voltage at the lamp connector.
  
• Locate fuse box: identify your machine’s series (G, F, C) and check beneath the operator’s legs (G series) or engine-side cover (older series).
  
• Inspect fuses visually: pop the cover and look for loose or rattling fuses; a loose fuse can break contact and appear blown even though it’s physically intact.
  
• Wiggle test: with power off, wiggle each suspect fuse in its clip to check for poor retention or corroded contacts.
  
• Check connectors and grounds: if the fuse checks OK, confirm wiring at the light harness and the chassis ground point for the front lamps.
  
• Replace or reseat: reseat any loose fuses and replace suspect or corroded fuse clips; retest lights.
  
• If problem persists: trace the supply circuit back to the relay or switch, and bench-test the switch/relay or consult a wiring diagram specific to your serial range.
  

Practical Solutions and Parts Advice

• Reseating the fuse solved this case and is the quickest, least expensive fix.
  
• If fuse retention is poor, replace the fuse holder or the entire small fuse block; on older machines these plastic clips become brittle and lose spring tension.
  
• Keep an inline fuse tester or a small kit of common blade/mini fuses and crimp-on fuse holders in the machine’s service box — a simple time-saving practice on rental sites.
  
• When replacing parts, match the series and serial number. Wiring harnesses, covers and fuse-block assemblies are often series-specific; the G-series layout differs from earlier C/F series layouts.
  

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Repeat Failures

• Inspect fuse box and wiring annually or at major service intervals. Look for corrosion, melted plastic, or chafing where harnesses pass through panels.
  
• Use dielectric grease on fuse clips and male/female connectors in damp environments to reduce corrosion.
  
• Secure loose wiring with zip ties and add rubber grommets where wiring passes through sheet metal.
  
• Replace brittle or cracked fuse covers — they protect the diagram chart and the clips themselves.
  

Tools and Materials to Carry

• Small multimeter or 12 V circuit tester.
  
• Assortment of common fuses (blade and mini), fuse puller.
  
• Replacement fuse clips / small fuse block (matched to series).
  
• Dielectric grease, electrical tape, cable ties.
  

A Short Field Story
A landscape crew arrived at a site with a 753 that had the same symptom — dead front lights, rear lights OK. The crew chief popped the cover behind the operator’s legs and heard a faint rattle; one fuse had vibrated out of its clip. A two-minute reseat and a quick test turned night into day for the crew, who went on to finish the evening jobs on schedule. Little fixes like that are common on machines with high vibration and frequent transport.
Glossary

• Fuse block — the assembly that holds multiple fuses and distributes fused power to circuits.
  
• G-series — Bobcat model family designation used in later model years for the 753; layout and panels differ from older series.
  
• Harness — a bundle of wires delivering power/signals to lights, switches and sensors.
  
• Dielectric grease — a non-conductive lubricant that helps prevent corrosion on electrical contacts.
  

Useful Data Points

• Typical G-series 753 spec highlights: about 43.5 hp and roughly 4,740 lb operating weight. These small loaders are economical and common on rental fleets, which increases exposure to wiring wear and vibration-related issues.
  

Final Recommendations
Start with the simplest checks: confirm the machine series, open the indicated panel (behind the operator’s legs on G-series machines), and listen/look for loose or rattling fuses — the fix is often faster and cheaper than chasing relays or switches. Keep a basic electrical kit in the toolbox and document any repairs with the machine serial number so future owners or shops order the correct replacement parts. If you want, I can convert the checklist into a printable one-page troubleshooting card sized for a toolbox; say the word and I’ll make it.