bobcat 610 owners

[Horners]

I am looking at Bobcat 610 to buy. I would like to hear the opinions of any 610 owner as to the pros and cons of the machine. I live in hilly and rocky NW Arkansas and would be working on a fairly steep hillside with approx. 15% grade. Also, I would have to travel 700 miles to pick up the machine, if I buy it, and would like to find one closer to NW Arkansas if anyone has a skid steer in the 1000 - 1500 lb load range in reliable condition for sale . The one I'm looking at is $3000. Thanks, Jim

 

[Anonymous-0]

Check on parts availabilty first. Getting a machine cheap is only good if you can use it when you need it. It's not hydrostatic but they were popular in their day. Dave

 

[Horners]

Thanks again, Dave, for the feedback. There must have been quite a few of the 610's sold -- I see alot of them on machinerytrader.com, ebay and other sites. Do you know how reliable they were/are. I would like to find a nice small hydrostatic machine, but my budget won't allow me to spend more than $4500 for a small machine to do light work around my place (20 ac). If you could recommend a machine or machines that you like, It would help. Thanks, Jim

 

[Leon Torkelson]

I have had a 610 for 12 years. It has done most of what I want it to do. I say most because sometimes it will not lift because the load is to heavy. I did hang some suitcase weights on the back and that helped. After having this machine I would not want to be without a skidsteer.
My 610 has a Wisconsin 4 cylinder 40 hp - I did have trouble with the fuel pump vapor locking. so I put on an electric fuel pump and that cured the problem. The first electric pump lasted about 7 years since then I have been replacing pumps about every 6 - 9 months. I am not able to get the same kind as the first pump. 12 years ago I paid $5000.00 for mine at an auction.

 

[Anonymous-0]

It's funny you should ask that. I've seen Thomas T133's like mine listed from about $4200 to $6200. Thomas went downhill after McCain(the food giant) sold them. There's nothing wrong with them and will work side by side with any machine. They use standard hyd. components and Kubota engines. There's a few things to check out but they are a good machine. One of the big advantages is that they are simpler machines to work on for most things. No complicated and troublesome electronic systems to give you fits. If you find a Thomas skid steer, they are usually cheaper because they aren't as popular. They are a good machine though. I know your budget is a little low but for a little more $$$ you could have a late 80's to 90's hydrostatic machine that's very similar to a Bobcat 743. Just some food for thought. Try googling Thomas T133. There should be some pictures and even a couple videos of them. Dave

 

[Catskill Pete]

If your going to be using a 610 on hills, make sure its equipped with a parking brake. It was an option on that model and unlike the hydrostatics the belt drives won"t hold on much of a slope.