I have a couple decades experience in mechanics, trucks, small engines and equipment etc.... I think you did a very thorough job of going over a machine and explaining things and what to look for. Very well done.

I grew up on a hobby farm. Having *any* powered machinery over manual labor made all the difference. The day my old man brought home a old 50s era ford dump truck with a bobcat w/bucket, I knew the days of prison labor type conditions had come to an end in my young life. Between those two machines and our old ford 8N tractor, we were pretty much good to go on most everything we needed to do (we kept 8 horses, a herd of cows, a whole mess of hogs and more fields to mow than I can ever pay a therapist to ever forget about).

The only reason they say not to blow out air filters is because people would use high pressure (around 100psi) to blow them out and it would put small holes in the filter. One big thing I've seen with people cleaning filters rather than replacing is they don't inspect the sealing material. Over time it will dry up and crack which will let dust past. But if you inspect your seals and don't use too high pressure there's no good reason not to re-use a paper filter a few times in my opinion.

4:25 the tracks weight more so the machine has a bit more counter weight. This allows its lift capacity to be higher and the number corresponds to the lift on these older machines. S185 is S = Skid, 185 = 1850lbs of lift, T190 is T= Track, 1900lbs lift

7:20 radial lift is good if your doing a lot of trailer loading and unloading since you get a bit more reach. but vertical lift is better when loading dump trucks since the bucket will be further forward when dumping.

Thanks for the video. I am looking to buy my first skid steer and now I know a whole lot more than I did one hour ago. The info you provided will make an excellent mix with my mechanical experience on cars, zero turn mowers, etc. But, this will be a whole new game. Thanks again.

I have wanted a skid steer for at least 5 years and for years I didn't have the extra funds or enough reason to buy one. That was until a few weeks ago, when I bought a 2002 New Holland LS180. It's thanks to you and your equipment videos that I learned a lot about them, and what to look for.

I’m about to buy my first used skid steer I’m happy I found this video thank you for sharing your knowledge

Thats a very awesome demo of the bobcat skid loader. I thought it was sophisticated machine but the demo proved otherwise Matt. It proves that its the machine to have, too bad i cant afford one. Thanks for all the facts and the demonstration man.

Thanks Matt, u check them over just like I do. The other thing I do is look and smell the hydraulic fluid to see if its dirty or burnt. Great video hear.

I call mine a Skid Kitty! Picked up a new Case SR210 last spring and put steel over-the-tire tracks on it. Absolutely love it. Best investment you could make for any homestead

This is very informative DC, thanks for taking your time to educate some of us, i have learnt a lot.

My 763 is a 1999 model that I bought from a Bobcat dealer in 2003. Standard foot controls and a normal arc lift. I have well over 1000 hours in the seat and I have yet to have an issue with the arc lift. A lot of the time was with forks too. I see the "advanced" instruments as just more to break and the mechanics I talked to feel the same way but it is totally personal preference. I agree it is a machine that once you have one, you never want to be without it. We are in the high desert and it is dry a lot. We are looking to move to Georgia so tracks will be in order. Blowing out the air filter, yep, I do it all the time but only from the inside out to prevent blowing dirt through the filter.

I am a first time Skid Steer Buyer doing my homework. Your video was fantastic. I am mechanically literate but you still presented things I would not have thought about. Thank you.

I would also be a little wary of a machine with fresh paint, or "just gone through". Having ran both tracks and tires, if you can find a Bobcat A770 I would recommend checking it out. Being able to switch from skid steering to 4 wheel/ all wheel steering is a lot more handy than you might think. As the all wheel steering keeps you from tearing up turf and tires when running on turf or concrete/asphalt. They all have their strengths, but air filled tires don't beat you up as much as tracks.

Awesome, thank you for this video! I am moving to a new home where I will finally have a larger amount of land (1 acre... very small compared to your place, but way more than the city-ish place I live now), and I have been slowly acquiring larger and larger machines/engines and having to jury-rig 2x6s and have friends help move air compressors or generator sets or whatever else, and/or having stuff taking up space in my van is getting old VERY fast.... I would LOVE one of these machines (or a forklift if I can score a deal... but prefer the versatility of the skid steer) and will be on the lookout on CL/marketplace... thank you for all of your insight, this is very helpful.

Very informative - especially about the controls. Was always curious about how those worked.

Thanks Matt, enjoy your explanation of your equipment and maintenance. Always interesting.....

Nice points to watch for when looking at skid steers !

As someone who's ran all pattern types, have to say ISO is most preferred. Learned on foot controls, never cared for them. Went to H pattern and really liked it. Last taught myself the ISO on the boss's machine and by far have the best finesse and control of the machine. In time you learn to control each track individually with the single stick. Love the videos keep em coming bud.

Oh god. Algae in the fuel. I was an M2 Bradley turret mech in the Army in the 90s. We fueled up half a dozen M2 Bradleys from a contaminated fuel tanker on Stewart on a field op on base. We had to pull the fuel tanks out and replace them. Unfortunately, they're located under the turret floor. As the battalion turret services mechanic, I had to prep each of these machines for turret removal in the field. Once the turret was out, hull mechanics came in and replaced the tanks and did whatever else they needed to do to kill the problem. Once that was done, I was on tap to reinstall the turrets. It was a total fucking nightmare. Long story short, if you think you _might_ have an algae problem, hit it hard, hit it fast, hit it _immediately._ The longer you wait, the more work and money you're going to have to throw at it to cure the problem, and you could end up replacing the _entire_ fuel system, from tank to injector. Do _not_ fuck around if you think you have an algae issue. It's like the clap, but for diesel vehicles.

I always liked operating those machines, they can be fun. Thanks for the info!

I have no experience with any heavy equipment. I don't need it either, I can watch your videos and imagine myself. This is reality TV. Thanks for keeping it real, thanks for the dog shots, thanks for failing sometimes, thanks for making my day on the other side of the country. Thanks Matt.

i brought a s130 bobcat a few months ago it has been really handy cleaning up all the junk my Dad had collected and doing a little landscaping. Then only thing i've really had to fix on mine was when the oil cooler line blew off... i had to get a stc seal kit to fix it and then refill the hydraulic oil. i serviced it a bit aswell

1.4K+👍's up DC thanks again for taking us all along with you for the great show

Great Video. I recently purchased a 2008 S185 from a guy that I had do some high lift work for me. After watching him every day greasing his high lift and he wouldn't move it for 20 minutes after the first start of the day. Before mentioning of his skid steer for sale he said he's always done that with all of his machines to get fluids warming up. I felt good about buying it as it is my first skid steer. It has the Bobcat brand over the tire tracks, foam filled tires which I have read it helps with counter balance but can also give a rougher ride. Heat/ac, hi flow option for the auxiliary attachment and a 7 pin connector. It has the joystick controls and has the option of ISO or H. I definitely like the ISO better. All of the pins are tight as I have been around some poorly maintained machines and have noticed worn pins on them. I am still learning about it and like watching videos such as this one. I've discovered that there is a 1000/2000 hour filter change and one of them being a cooling fan motor filter.

Extremely informative DC. Thanks for taking us along and take care.

Just thought I'd comment on the worn bush on your Bobtach plate. Bobcat do in fact sell those bushes separately. It does however still require you to grinding off the old worn bush, then re-weld the new one back on. It's an easier solution to having them welded up and jig bored back to size I think. Nice videos by the way :o)

Been binge watching all your vids love them and love the area you live. Keep them coming. Cheers from Australia.

One other thing I’d have mentioned is most Bobcat machines I’ve ever seen use a big belt to run from the flywheel to the hydraulic pump, and they can break. Case machines of the same size (1840,1845) are direct drive off the crank pulley. An easy way to tell is Generally if a machine has a transverse (side to side) mounted engine it’ll be belt driven, but if it’s a longitudinal mounted engine it’s likely direct drive. Both have their advantages, for instance starters are far easier to change on the transverse setups.

I REALLY enjoy these videos because I'm looking to pick up used equipment for the farm. Enjoyed your dozer video as well. Already have a crawler loader and backhoe. Looking for a skid steer to do the smaller jobs faster. Even used, this equipment is very expensive so we need to know what to look for with hopes of avoiding a money pit. Thanks for taking the time to make these review videos.

Thank you Matt for the complete how to for a skid machine. I am looking for one right now and will use this information.

Nice job with this. Very informative. I plan to get one in the future and this was very helpful.

One other good thing about ISO controls is that if you have an attachment that requires an operator to be outside the cab, like a backhoe attachment, you can just lean into the cab and move around a bit when you need to work down a ditch. Not that I've ever done that....

Nice video. I have a 2000 863g bobcat and it's been a tank of a machine. I bought the machine for winter time and it's been great. I went to the bobcat dealer to check on a new machine and the 1st think they asked was if I was going to trade in my machine. They said that there is a waiting list for the older ones that dont have any emissions on them. They are going for a premium price because the new ones are not that good. The new "r" models with the new cast arms are up to debate. Also the prices are now up into the upper prices and alot of people cant justify the price.

Very good information. I am looking at a used machine in about the same condition as yours with a grapple and a bucket. I think it will do what I need it to do.

we have a 495 bobcat track. .nice machine.. keep those tracks adjusted and u be fine.. I noticed it's better to run 90 degree couplings bc if u don't u can slam attachments into the remote hook ups

GREAT information Matt, thanks!

One other thing to mention on the ISO controls. You mentioned inability to compensate for slipping in tough conditions. I find that if its tough going and you have to make the same trip over and over you tear things up more with ISO controls and end up making it even worse. With ISO you are really only powering one track in a hard pivot turn and if its muddy that one track is going to have to dig like hell to do it. With independent track control you can kind of jockey one track forward and one back to ease your way around a hard slippery corner without making it a full on mud bog after a couple trips. That said, ISO sure is nice most of the time and track machines are 1000% the way to go. Yeah tracks are expensive but if you take descent care they make up the difference in productivity and lack of getting stuck over their lifespan. LOVE the channel man, keep up the good work.

Man that was fantastic! It’s been 15 years since I used that and similar Bobcats, excellent refresher course. I’m in the market for a similar one! Thanks

The concrete contractor who poured my floor had a tracked machine. He wasn't very happy with the maintenance expense over his wheeled machine. I'm not overly knowledge on the differences. Agreed I don't think I could live without a bobcat. Great machines and a good video!

good info. i like the vertical lift also, seems to reach over in the bed of a truck to load easier.

Great video and information! Thank you Matt!

Lots to think about and as much research one can dig up about the type of machine your thinking about buying may save you big $$$ thank you Sir you did a fine job pointing out various parts that need servicing or wore out.

I'm from PA. I've been in Excavation for almost 20 years. It's a bob cat no matter what brand it is, or just call it a skid steer hahahaha. Tracks are the best.

Man this information is worth it's weight in gold! Planning on buying a machine by year's end and this is gonna be crazy helpful. Thank you sir. Be well and take care.

Thanks. This really gave some insight as what to look for when buying a used Bobcat skid steer. I sure would like to have one. The wife saw me watching all these skid steer videos and wondered if that was going to be my next "oh honey, surprise" purchase. I won't until I learn more what to look for. 👍🏽🙂

wow. TMI for me, but my "buy used and fix it" neighbors would love this video. I did enjoy the interior tour; I've never been inside a skidsteer and have wondered how hard it would be to operate.

The best Skidsteer video ever Great job and thanks!

Very informative, especially to someone just starting to dive in. Thanks!

great video, in the market myself this been a big help.

Thank you so much for sharing your obvious experienced knowledge!! dreaming about a skid steer and glad I found your vid.

Great video for shoppers of this equipment !

Good job on your showcase what to look for. The operator certainly needs to fix his machine soon because the bucket tilt cylinders might yet just be in the bushings. If so he will get by with low cost. The bogy also needs immediate attention. I think you need to spray some of that black rustoleum paint on you hydraulic cooler to stop bad things

im a happy T190 owner, wide track and heat and A/C.

excellent video. I have an older T190 and I just learned a few things . Thank you

you rock diesel creek...nice job ...high level of help here thanks...

Impressive I’d like to get a skid loader primarily for snow removal. I’d also like to work it for passive income! I’ll stay tuned.

Thanks for the educational video. Getting close to purchasing one...

I like how you put a roof between two storage containers. Nice cheap(er) barn, with out of the weather storage on either side.

...Well done , Matt.I always enjoy learning new things...

That "COVID" pop up text when you coughed. LOL

our deere skid steer is the foot control style we love it

Wow great Vajayo! I am a newb to owning this type of equipment and just bought a 22 year old ( low hour) TLB. You did a great job of explaining everything here and how to look at a piece of equipment. I don't have anyone to tech me this stuff as I am a home gamer on a few acers of land. Thank god for youtube and people like like you who can teach us this stuff!!!!

S185 means it has a rated operating capacity of 1850 lbs. T190 means it has a rated operating capacity of 1900lbs. Hope that helps you with how they numbered the older units. There is grease zerks for the handles on the quick attach on the side.

Great video, nicely done.

At my old job ISO controls were called english, and H-pattern was spanish. I still prefer spanish controls for grading.

What a great tutorial and informational Video Matt on what to look for when buying a Skidsteer 8:00 @Diesel Creek

Good stuff brother 👍

Thank you for making this video, I really enjoyed it. Very informative and in depth. I have operated several foot control machines and didn’t care for them. I operated a large cat track loader with the pilot controls and loved it. Very smooth and much easier to control. Great video, keep the content coming.

Put an ad up for Farmall parts on Craigslist and FB Marketplace and you’ll sell the tires/rims if they hold air (tires are expensive), wheel weights, rad, fenders, fuel tank, tin work if it’s not mashed, head if it’s good, rearend, and the wide front.

Maybe another video given the basics on what to look for and the instrument panels. On your other video you spoke about error codes! That would be good info. What is a good “try out” exercise for a skid steer? And price to expect for different types and ages.

Yep that style of tracks are the best I think also guy can go anywhere with those I've had both kinds

Nicely done!

I'm looking for a 1st machine & this vid was perfect timing! Love your channel & Thankx again..

Great video. I don't have a machine nor the work for one. I have a construction friend who let me play around with one. Just an inquisitive mind. I like to work on all kinds of equipment. Besides common, using the rest of your senses is essential to good operation and determining problem areas. Thanks

Most used tool/ not started in 3 weeks. lmao. Love the content, keep up the good work.

The sound of them tracks is music to my ears :D thanks for taking the time to do this video. Very informative.

Awesome video! Really like these long videos, keet it up :D

Thank you so much for sharing this.

Great video ! I learn something new in most everyone !

I didn't read all the comments so someone could have already mentioned this. but one thing you didn't mention is to check for excessive blow by, by pulling up/out the dipstick/ or the oil filler cap. ( seeing how much smoke comes out, to check for bad rings. ) other then that great vidjayo.

We used to lay an aluminum framed copper screen over the top mounted cooler or radiator. Really cuts down on what gets in and needs cleaned out

I’m buying my first skid steer, thanks for doin what you do

of all the skid loaders out there the one that seemed to be among the the best best midsized was the JCB robot, I like the side door entrance for one thing and that new JCB they have come out with is like swiss army knife in bigger machines bobcat has a great one

Excellent video. Thank you !!! Very informative. 🙂👍🏻

Most informative video I’ve seen yet thanks I’m in the market

Thanks for the run down.

I love your videos , I am subscribed keep the videos coming

Great video with very useful info for a newbie like me. Thanks!

The hawk in the beginning sounds wonderful

Dang that track machine is toast!! Have customers with machines like that too. They could care less, theyre like just fix it..

I'm a Mechanic and Even I blow out air filters to save money When it's time and blowing it out don't get it clean to my liking then I replace won't harm any machine or even automotive vehicle to blow out filters to get a bit more service life out them don't matter if it's equipment or heavy equipment or Automotive vehicles air filters are not cheap I agree with you Matt 30:28 @Diesel Creek

CAT dealers sell $15 mailer test kits for hydro oil/motor oil/antifreeze... 3 day turn around. Draw correctly to avoid contamination (not out drain plug). Tests help decide if machine is a problem child with unusual wear metals, or if you can run the oil a while longer before changing... Tests save $$$. Just passed on a 2018 466.6 hour Bobcat S570 with "large particles" in hydro system according to CAT lab... particles can be just one particle and jam a piston in hydro system and voila, you're down and out in a blizzard or stranded at job site. It's worth the test.

Just an FYI for you. I bought a 773 (think it was 2002, the last year of the old numbering) for $16,000 maybe 12-14 years ago. Bought a used 709 excavator attachment (I see you have the attachment brackets on your boom arms) for $3,000 a couple years ago. Sold the whole thing this summer for 25K. Amazing how those went up in value. (sold to buy a T595 - love it!)

Hello Matt, I hope this comment finds you and your family doing very well. You were talking about metal tracks over rubber tracks me and myself I would prefer metal tracks on a rubber tire machine over those rubber tracks because guess what the rubber tracks fill up with mud in the metal tracks on a rubber tire does not sure they're noisy but there are way better and I'm sure that's one thing we will agree upon. Stay safe stay well and as always God bless. Hope you get a big buck this year.

Great narrative and content. Thanks!

Thanks for the awesome content stay safe and take care

in my opinion, I think The case 1845c Is definitely Worth Buying I've had one for about 3 years now done regular oil changes And it still purs like the day I got it And I will say the Tires I run I don't get Stuf though I'm considering some wheel tracks

I was a service tech for 9 years and part my job was writing work warning letters for the equipment owners and got say you done great job letting future buyers on what to look out for If i was still in that type work your video would be on my job-site for all buyers ! I serviced mostly big trucks and forklifts Rv's anything that came in got the service over-site as a free inspection and gave us many future job's !