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The Bobcat 743 Legacy
Introduced in the early 1980s, the Bobcat 743 was part of the company’s 700-series skid steer loaders, which helped define compact equipment for small contractors, landscapers, and farmers. Powered by a 36-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, the 743 featured a rated operating capacity of around 1,300 lbs and a hydraulic flow of approximately 11 gallons per minute. Its mechanical simplicity, reliability, and affordability made it one of Bobcat’s most successful models, with tens of thousands sold globally before production ended in the early 1990s.
Bobcat, founded in North Dakota in 1947, pioneered the skid steer concept and remains a dominant force in compact equipment. The 743 was a milestone in their evolution, bridging the gap between early mechanical loaders and more refined hydrostatic machines.
Why Convert to Tracks
Skid steer loaders like the 743 are traditionally equipped with pneumatic or solid rubber tires. While effective on hard surfaces, they struggle in soft terrain, mud, snow, and sand. Converting to a track system improves flotation, traction, and stability—especially in wet or uneven conditions.
Operators working in forestry, excavation, or disaster recovery often find that tracks allow them to work year-round, even when tires would sink or spin. In one case, a contractor in British Columbia retrofitted his 743 with tracks to navigate steep, muddy slopes during a landslide cleanup. The conversion allowed him to haul debris without getting bogged down.
Terminology Clarification
There are two primary approaches to converting a Bobcat 743 into a track machine:
Hydraulic and Power Implications
Tracks increase rolling resistance, requiring more torque from the drive system. The 743’s original hydraulic motors may struggle under heavy load, especially with full track conversions. Solutions include:
Frame and Clearance Modifications
Tracks require additional clearance between the frame and ground. To accommodate this:
Operator Experience and Field Feedback
Operators who’ve converted their 743s report improved stability, reduced rutting, and better performance in wet conditions. However, they also note increased maintenance, especially in cleaning track components and inspecting rollers. Fuel consumption may rise slightly due to added friction, and turning radius can increase depending on track width.
In one case, a landscaper in Florida used his tracked 743 to build a pond berm during the rainy season. The machine operated continuously for three weeks without getting stuck, outperforming a wheeled loader that had to be pulled out twice.
Recommendations for Successful Conversion
Converting a Bobcat 743 into a track machine is a viable and rewarding project for operators seeking better terrain performance. Whether using over-the-tire tracks or building a full undercarriage, the transformation enhances versatility and extends the machine’s working season. With thoughtful engineering and attention to hydraulic demands, the 743 can evolve from a tire-bound loader into a capable track machine ready for mud, snow, and beyond. Its legacy as a durable workhorse continues—now with a new grip on the ground.
Introduced in the early 1980s, the Bobcat 743 was part of the company’s 700-series skid steer loaders, which helped define compact equipment for small contractors, landscapers, and farmers. Powered by a 36-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, the 743 featured a rated operating capacity of around 1,300 lbs and a hydraulic flow of approximately 11 gallons per minute. Its mechanical simplicity, reliability, and affordability made it one of Bobcat’s most successful models, with tens of thousands sold globally before production ended in the early 1990s.
Bobcat, founded in North Dakota in 1947, pioneered the skid steer concept and remains a dominant force in compact equipment. The 743 was a milestone in their evolution, bridging the gap between early mechanical loaders and more refined hydrostatic machines.
Why Convert to Tracks
Skid steer loaders like the 743 are traditionally equipped with pneumatic or solid rubber tires. While effective on hard surfaces, they struggle in soft terrain, mud, snow, and sand. Converting to a track system improves flotation, traction, and stability—especially in wet or uneven conditions.
Operators working in forestry, excavation, or disaster recovery often find that tracks allow them to work year-round, even when tires would sink or spin. In one case, a contractor in British Columbia retrofitted his 743 with tracks to navigate steep, muddy slopes during a landslide cleanup. The conversion allowed him to haul debris without getting bogged down.
Terminology Clarification
- Flotation: The ability of a machine to distribute weight over a larger surface area, reducing ground pressure.
- Over-the-tire tracks (OTT): Track systems that wrap around existing tires, offering a hybrid solution.
- Dedicated track system: A full undercarriage replacement with sprockets, rollers, and track chains, similar to compact track loaders (CTLs).
There are two primary approaches to converting a Bobcat 743 into a track machine:
- Over-the-Tire Tracks
- Wrap around existing tires
- Quick installation and removal
- Lower cost (typically $2,000–$3,000)
- Suitable for occasional use in mud or snow
- May increase wear on tires and reduce ground clearance
- Wrap around existing tires
- Full Track Undercarriage
- Replace wheels with sprockets and rollers
- Requires custom fabrication or donor parts from a CTL
- Higher cost (can exceed $5,000)
- Permanent solution with better weight distribution
- Requires modification to frame, axles, and hydraulic routing
Hydraulic and Power Implications
Tracks increase rolling resistance, requiring more torque from the drive system. The 743’s original hydraulic motors may struggle under heavy load, especially with full track conversions. Solutions include:
- Upgrading drive motors to higher displacement units
- Installing a hydraulic cooler to manage heat buildup
- Replacing the charge pump with a higher-flow model
- Adjusting relief valve settings to prevent stalling
Frame and Clearance Modifications
Tracks require additional clearance between the frame and ground. To accommodate this:
- Remove or relocate fenders and side panels
- Reinforce lift arm pivot points to handle lateral stress
- Install skid plates to protect hydraulic lines and drive components
Operator Experience and Field Feedback
Operators who’ve converted their 743s report improved stability, reduced rutting, and better performance in wet conditions. However, they also note increased maintenance, especially in cleaning track components and inspecting rollers. Fuel consumption may rise slightly due to added friction, and turning radius can increase depending on track width.
In one case, a landscaper in Florida used his tracked 743 to build a pond berm during the rainy season. The machine operated continuously for three weeks without getting stuck, outperforming a wheeled loader that had to be pulled out twice.
Recommendations for Successful Conversion
- Start with OTT tracks if budget or fabrication skills are limited
- Use high-quality steel and bushings for custom undercarriages
- Upgrade hydraulic components to handle increased load
- Test clearance and articulation before final welding
- Maintain tracks regularly to prevent premature wear
Converting a Bobcat 743 into a track machine is a viable and rewarding project for operators seeking better terrain performance. Whether using over-the-tire tracks or building a full undercarriage, the transformation enhances versatility and extends the machine’s working season. With thoughtful engineering and attention to hydraulic demands, the 743 can evolve from a tire-bound loader into a capable track machine ready for mud, snow, and beyond. Its legacy as a durable workhorse continues—now with a new grip on the ground.
