7 hours ago
Forum Findings & Owner Concerns
On a thread about the Bobcat 328 excavator, an owner (year ~2000) noted that his swing‑knuckle king pins and bushings from a dealer were prohibitively expensive (~$150 each) and asked for actual sizes to source cheaper alternatives or have a machine shop recreate them. Unfortunately, no one on the thread provided confirmed dimensions — the part sizes were not listed, and the owner was wary of disassembling without knowing what to buy.
OEM Part Information
Here are some notable options:
Technical Considerations & Lessons from Other Owners
Recommendations & Best Practice Steps
Terminology Explained
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there’s no confirmed or widely shared documentation for exact bushings/pin sizes for a Bobcat 328 from the forum thread. But by combining aftermarket kits, measuring existing components, and working with a machine shop, you can rebuild experienced joints affordably. Always verify fitment before full disassembly, and pay close attention to grease paths to maintain longevity.
On a thread about the Bobcat 328 excavator, an owner (year ~2000) noted that his swing‑knuckle king pins and bushings from a dealer were prohibitively expensive (~$150 each) and asked for actual sizes to source cheaper alternatives or have a machine shop recreate them. Unfortunately, no one on the thread provided confirmed dimensions — the part sizes were not listed, and the owner was wary of disassembling without knowing what to buy.
OEM Part Information
- Bobcat offers a press-fit bushing (part 6803213) that is compatible with the 328 excavator.
- Genuine pins and bushings are available from Bobcat, though for some specific joints (knuckle, swing, boom, etc.), part numbers can vary a lot.
Here are some notable options:
- Bobcat Bucket Bushing/Pin Kit: A genuine Bobcat kit designed for mini excavators such as the 328.
- Bobcat Boom‑Arm Bushing/Pin Kit: For boom pivot maintenance.
- Mini‑Excavator Bucket Pin Kit: Compatible with 325 / 328 / 329, cost‑effective.
- Mini‑Excavator Bucket Pin Kit (Alt): Alternative multi-piece kit for similar applications.
- Bobcat Excavator Pivot Pin 6628009: OEM pivot pin; useful for swing or linkage.
- Bobcat Excavator Pin 6686273: Smaller or secondary pivot pin.
- Universal Pin & Bushing Set (Bobcat): Aftermarket, more generic but useful for budget rebuilds.
- Bobcat Bucket Pivot Pin 6539737: Heavy-duty pin for bucket joint.
Technical Considerations & Lessons from Other Owners
- Wear tolerance: In another Bobcat model, similar pivot systems had 0.28–0.35 mm clearance between pin and bushing, which some mechanics find large enough to cause “slop.”
- Lubrication matters: If bushings lose their grease cavity or internal groove gets filled with dirt, performance degrades fast. Reddit users often describe reworking or replacing bushings to restore proper grease paths.
- Removing stuck bushings: Several recommend heating the bushing (TORCH or freeze‑shrink method) or welding internal beads to pull them out.
Recommendations & Best Practice Steps
- Measure before buying: If possible, remove one pin and bushing to measure diameter and length. Take those dimensions to a reputable machine shop — they might re-bush cheaper than OEM.
- Using kits: Use kits (like those above) when doing multiple joints — reduces cost per part compared to buying one-off OEM.
- Grease system: After installing new bushings, make sure grease passages are clear. Use fresh, good-quality lithium-based grease regularly.
- Manual reference: Get a service/parts manual for your 328 — it helps with torque specs, wear tolerances, and part numbers. For instance, the Bobcat 325 ‒ 328 Workshop/Service Manual is available for download.
- Use a machine shop: If dimensions are nonstandard or worn, a machine shop can bore out your bosses and press in oversized bushings.
Terminology Explained
- Pin: The steel shaft that fits through two components (like bucket and arm) to allow pivoting.
- Bushing: A wear sleeve typically made of softer metal, into which the pin rides; designed to be replaced.
- King pin / Knuckle: The main pivot point in the swing or linkage of the excavator.
- Press-fit bushing: A bushing that is pressed into the housing, not removable by bolt.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there’s no confirmed or widely shared documentation for exact bushings/pin sizes for a Bobcat 328 from the forum thread. But by combining aftermarket kits, measuring existing components, and working with a machine shop, you can rebuild experienced joints affordably. Always verify fitment before full disassembly, and pay close attention to grease paths to maintain longevity.
