Bobcat 751: Problems, Durability, Repairs

Bobcat is a name that's synonymous with construction equipment, skid steers especially. If you're in the market for a Bobcat skid steer, the Bobcat 751 is a common name to come up. But you might wonder whether the Bobcat 751 is a suitable machine for your daily needs. What can it do? How durable is it, and what problems can you expect to face with it? 

The Bobcat 751 is reliable, but you'll need to stay on the lookout for balance problems and timing chain issues. This article will give you a detailed look at these problems, as well as the repairs required to fix them.

We'll tell you everything you need to know about the Bobcat 751 so you can decide whether it's the right loader for your needs.

What You Need to Know About the Bobcat 751

The Bobcat 751 is a compact skid steer in the truest sense. Physically, the machine is one of the smallest loaders you can find. Its compact frame readily fits into the smallest corners and spaces you can imagine.

The Bobcat 751 comes with a universal skid steer quick hitch that allows you to use a wide variety of attachments. The quick hitch also makes the process of switching out attachments quick and hassle-free. 

There are two types of Bobcat 751. There's the option with the engine by Peugeot, and another with an engine by Kubota. Many operators state that there's no observable difference between them. On the other hand, a good number of 751 operators claim that they have issues starting the Peugeot engine in cold weather. If you plan to use this skid steer in areas that are prone to cold mornings, you might want to consider getting the Kubota option.

How Durable is the Bobcat 751?

The Bobcat 751 is an old machine, but still reliable. The latest versions rolled off the production line over two decades ago in 2000, but many of them are still in good working order. 

The transmission system is one of the first parts to go in these vehicles, given their age. However, if you can find a Bobcat 751 that has been well-maintained, you'll be able to get a lot of usage out of it. 

The Bobcat 751 has a good lifespan as far as skid loaders go. You can expect the machine to last up to 5000 hours before a rebuild is needed.

With poor maintenance or improper use, the Bobcat 751 won't last up to 5000 hours. You'll notice problems developing with the transmission and engine. 

Generally, the Bobcat 751 is a durable machine, as long as it's handled properly and taken care of. 

What Problems Does the Bobcat 751 Have?

The Bobcat 751 is a durable skid loader, and a good choice if you need a compact, versatile machine. However, there are some common issues that you might experience with this loader. If you get a well-maintained or refurbished 751, you won't need to worry about these for a while, but it's still good to know what issues you should be on the lookout for. 

Let's take a look at the problems with the Bobcat 751. 

1) Tipping

The Bobcat 751 has a short wheelbase that makes it prone to tipping over when it's loaded. Naturally, this can cause a lot of issues. It might result in downtime because you'll need to underload the bucket and take more trips. It could also cause damage to equipment and property when the loader tips over. 

An experienced operator will be able to handle the machine and minimize tipping. However, the problem of tipping still remains because of how the machine's weight is distributed.

2) Stretched Timing Belt 

This is a common problem with the Bobcat 751. The timing chain stretches easily, which causes problems with the engine's timing. This can cause your engine to misfire, rattle and lose power.

As long as the timing belt is replaced often enough, a stretched timing belt is not a serious concern. 

The timing belt coordinates the movement of the engine's crankshaft and camshaft. When the belt stretches under the engine's force, it can cause these components to lose their timing. When this happens, the valves and pistons will no longer stay synchronized, leading to all sorts of trouble under the hood. 

3) Engine Problems 

Engine problems are a reality of life with any sort of vehicle, and the Bobcat 751 is no different. While both available engine options are reliable and perform well, they can still run into issues. Some engine issues that you might experience are:

• Oil leaks
• Worn glowplugs
• Clogged fuel injectors
• Worn gaskets

In the case of the Peugeot engine, you might experience hard starting in cold weather. With a car, this is an annoying issue that can result in you getting late to work. With a skid steer, it's a more serious problem that can result in downtime and lost profits. 

4) Transmission Issues

Transmission problems are one of the most feared issues that can come up in any sort of vehicle. If you decide to purchase a Bobcat 751, you'll have to be on the lookout for the possibility of transmission problems developing. 

Transmission issues in the Bobcat 751 mainly show up as either slipping gears or a grinding noise from the transmission. 

5) Old Age

The last Bobcat 751s were manufactured more than 20 years ago. While many of them are in good condition, a lot of them have been sitting unused for years. This neglect means that many of the 751s out there are in bad condition.

There could be corrosion in many engine parts, which could leave the engine unable to run. There could also be rust and debris building up in the fuel tank. This could damage the engine or block up fuel lines once it starts running again. 

If you're going to get a Bobcat 751, make sure to get one that's been well-maintained over the years. Another option is to get a refurbished 751 which will run as good as new. 

How to Fix Bobcat 751 Problems?

If you have a Bobcat 751, or if you're considering getting one, then you'll need to know the repairs you might have to carry out for common problems. 

1) Get a Weight Kit

One of the best ways of dealing with tipping is introducing a counterweight to the machine. Luckily, this is an easy solution for tipping with the Bobcat 751. You can purchase a weight kit that attaches to the back axle or the back door. This weight kit evens out the weight distribution of the machine, making it more stable and allowing you to load more without fear of tipping. 

2) Repair the Engine

Just like driving a car, eventually, your Bobcat's engine will run into some trouble. When this happens, you'll need to have your engine repaired. 

There's a wide variety of engine issues you could end up dealing with. You might be lucky and only need minor repairs that you can handle yourself. But sometimes you'll need a professional mechanic.

It's always a good idea to know where to start looking before attempting any repairs, so here are some of the most common engine repairs you might need to carry out with a Bobcat 751.

• Replacing worn glowplugs.
• Replacing worn or blocked fuel injectors.
• Replacing worn gaskets or seals.

3) Replace the Timing Belt

The timing belt is a major problem with the Bobcat 751. A stretched timing belt is one of the leading causes of engine failure with this machine. When this happens, the only solution is to replace the timing chain. 

If the timing chain isn't replaced on time, it can result in misfiring, and eventually severe engine problems. In serious cases, it can result in complete engine failure.

It's recommended that you replace the timing chain every 1000 hours. However, it's a good idea to frequently inspect the belt to make sure that it isn't stretching. 

4) Repair the Transmission

Once you start experiencing transmission issues, you'll need to act fast. You'll need to get an experienced mechanic to examine the transmission and find out what's wrong. Transmission issues can turn into very expensive repairs if they're ignored for too long.

If you're reluctant to have to deal with transmission issues eventually, then the Bobcat 751 is probably not for you. 

Bottom Line

The Bobcat 751 is a durable and reliable skid loader. Its main strength is its compact build that allows it to operate almost anywhere. However, that size is also a downside, because it leaves the skid steer prone to tipping when it is loaded. However, the tipping issue is easily solved by installing a weight kit to balance it out. 

The Bobcat 751 has our approval if you're looking for a reliable, versatile loader. Just make sure to get a Kubota engine if you're going to be working in cold regions.

If you're not prepared to invest in a weight kit, or you're worried about repairing the transmission, then you should probably look for a different skid loader.