Bobcat 863 Specs, Problems, Review

A skid steer is always the best choice if you need a fast-moving machine. It is lightweight and tends to move fast on flat surfaces. One of the most popular skid steer loaders is the Bobcat 863. In this Bobcat 863 review, I’ll list its features and specs so you can decide if it is the right skid steer loader for you.

The Bobcat 863 is a skid steer loader with a 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 73 horsepower. It carries materials in its bucket, moves them from one place to another, and loads them into trailers or trucks. This loader, which weighs 7,135 lbs, is popularly known for its maneuverability.

Read more about Bobcat 863, including its specs, features, and issues.

About Bobcat 863

Bobcat 863

The Bobcat 863 skid steer loader features a 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 73 horsepower (hp). Its purpose is to carry materials in its bucket, move them from one area to another, and load them into trailers or trucks.

This loader weighs 7,135 lbs and is popularly known for its maneuverability.

Bobcat 863 Specs

While you can still buy Bobcat 863 loaders in the market, they were only produced between 1997 and 2002.

Let’s take a look at its specs based on the following categories:

  1. Performance
  2. Dimensions
  3. Engine
  4. Drive
  5. Loader
  6. Operating Specifications

1. Performance

The Bobcat 863 engine is 73 horsepower, equivalent to 54.4 kW. Its rated operating capacity is 1,900 lbs or 861 kgs. In terms of bucket width, it measures 72 inches or 182 cm. Its bucket capacity is 15.6 cubic feet or 0.442 cubic meters.

2. Dimensions

The Bobcat 863 weight measures 7,135 lbs or 3,236 kg. Its height, including the top of the cab, measures 6.9 feet or 2 meters, while its height to the hinge pin is 120,984.3 inches or 307,300 cm.

This loader measures 9 feet long without the bucket, equivalent to about 3 meters. Its length with a bucket measures 11.3 feet or a little over 3 meters.

Regarding its maximum lift and dump reach, the measurement is 21.3 inches or 54 cm. Its width over tires measures 5.6 feet or 2 meters, while its wheelbase measures 3.75 feet or 1 meter.

3. Engine

This skid steer loader has a diesel engine with 73 horsepower. It has four cylinders and a displacement measuring 167 cubic inches, equivalent to 2.7 liters.

For the Deutz engine model BF4M1011F, the gross power is also 73 horsepower or 54 kilowatts. Its displacement is larger at 178.2 cubic inches or about 3 meters.

4. Drive

The front and rear tires of the Bobcat 863 both measure 12.00 x 16.5.

5. Loader

For the Deutz engine with model code BF4M1011F, the bucket width measures 74.1 inches or 187.96 cm. As for its tipping load (ISO 14397), the measurement is 3,800.8 lbs or 1,724 kg.

6. Operating Specifications

The fuel capacity of the Deutz engine with model code BF4M1011F is 25 gallons. Its maximum speed is 12.5 mph or about 20 kph. In terms of operational weight, it measures 7,046 lbs or 3,196 kg.

7. Lift Capacity

The Bobcat 863 lift capacity or rate operating capacity is 1,900 lbs. This loader is highly dependable. It is guaranteed to have jobsite versatility and incomparable serviceability, providing you with impressive power and ride.

Even for the toughest applications, the Bobcat 863 is the perfect loader.

Pros and Cons of the Bobcat 773

Bobcat 863 Problems

bobcat 863 specs

If you are considering buying a Bobcat 863 skid steer loader, there’s a big chance that you will get a pre-owned one. In this case, you have to expect that the unit might have some issues that need to be fixed.

Here are some of the issues you might encounter with a Bobcat 863 skid steer loader:

  1. Seals Leaking
  2. Operating Capacity Issues
  3. Overused Bobcat 863
  4. Cracks and Dirt

1. Seals Leaking

One of the first things you should check is if the seals are leaking. This is a common problem even for brand-new units.

2. Operating Capacity Issues

Then, check its operating capacity. The back of these loaders tends to feel light. This is especially true as you load and reach its operating capacity of 1,900 lbs.

If you encounter this issue, it isn’t because it is pre-owned. It is a common issue among Bobcat skid steer loaders, including brand-new ones.

To address this, you can replace the tires with tracks or install a counterweight on the loader’s back. Doing so may even increase the operating capacity limit of your Bobcat 863.

3. Overused Bobcat 863

Check the usage hour if you are getting a pre-owned Bobcat 863. If it more or less indicates 1,000 hours, it is worth buying, and you will still most likely get good value for money. But make sure that all its other parts are well maintained.

4. Cracks and Dirt

Before buying a pre-owned Bobcat 863, check if there are cracks on the body. Also, check if the hydraulic compartment and the engine are clean. If they are clean and there are no cracks on the body, you can assume it is a well-maintained unit.

Ensure that the Bobcat 863 unit you are eyeing has reasonable usage hours. At the same time, make sure that they are well maintained. That way, you would not have to deal with Bobcat 863 problems.

Bobcat 863 Review

YellowDog SVC is a buyer of Bobcat 863 skid steer loaders in the United States. He said his units are impressively reliable and robust, even those he bought from the second-hand market.

He regularly sells or trades his units when it reaches about 1,100 hours. But he says that even those with 1,300 usage hours are still in excellent condition as long as they are well maintained.

The first sign that the first owner has adequately maintained the machine is the cleanliness of the hydraulic component and the engine.

YellowDog SVC can attest that the operating capacity of the Bobcat 863 can be more than the rated 1,900 lbs. You can add solid tires, tracks, or counterweights at the back. This will allow your unit to carry heavier loads.

He guarantees that the Bobcat 863 skid steer loader is reliable, not to mention that it is convenient to use and maintain:

In this video posted by Back to the Basics 101, the Shop Foreman for Bobcat provides a full rundown of maintenance for the Bobcat 863 skid steer loader.

Again, what years did they make Bobcat 863? Bobcat was produced from 1999 to 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions – Is the Bobcat 863 Skid Steer Loader Worth Buying?

bobcat 863 problems

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Bobcat 863 skid steer loader:

What Years Did They Make the 863 Bobcat?

The Bobcat 863 skid steer loader was manufactured between 1997 and 2003.

How Much Horsepower Is the 863 Bobcat Capable?

The Bobcat 863 skid steer loader features a diesel engine that delivers 73 horsepower. It has four cylinders, and its weight measures 7,135 lbs.

What Motor Does the Bobcat 863 Have?

The Bobcat 863 loader has a Deutz engine with model code BF4M101F. It has a gross power of 73 horsepower or 54 kilowatts and has four cylinders. Its displacement measures 178.2 cubic inches.

How Much Can a Bobcat 863 Lift?

This loader has a rated operating capacity of 1,900 lbs. The Bobcat 863 G Series loader has always been known for its reliability, jobsite versatility, and impressive serviceability.

How Do I Know If My Bobcat 863 Has High Flow?

Bobcat loaders have a tiny sticker on them, indicating that it has high flow. However, not all Bobcat models have a sticker on them. And if you are getting a pre-owned Bobcat loader, chances are that the sticker is still there or if it is still readable.

So, the best way to know this is to run the loader and press the high flow button. If the light turns on, then it has a high flow. If not, your unit only features standard flow.

What Type of Fuel Do Bobcats Use?

There are Bobcat loaders that have diesel engines. But there are also those with small turbocharged engines, which have separate ethanol and gasoline fuel injectors for each of their cylinders.

As the gasoline system, it mixes air and fuel in the intake manifold of the engine through port injection.

What Is the Most Popular Skid Steer?

There are many brands of skid steer loaders to choose from. However, the most popular of all, based on statistics, is Bobcat. As of 2021, its overall resale channel market share has exceeded 30 percent.

The top three brands of skid steer loaders are Bobcat, Caterpillar, and Deere.

Do You Need High Flow Hydraulics Skid Steer?

You need a high-flow hydraulics skid steer. The auxiliary hydraulic system of a skid steer loader is responsible for the hydraulic flow that drives the machine’s attachments.

However, it is essential to remember that not all attachments have varying hydraulic flow requirements. The standard flow auxiliary hydraulics package is the most common system of all.

What Does High Flow Mean on a Bobcat?

High flow hydraulics is an optional system that delivers added hydraulic power. This then boosts the performance of the attachments, such as the stump grinder, planer, trencher, and flail cutter.

Bobcat machines that have this option feature dual flow ranges. This way, attachments that need lower flow only can still operate by choosing the standard flow button.

What Bobcat Attachments Need High Flow?

The attachments that typically require high flow hydraulics are snow blowers, trenchers, rotary cutters, mulching heads, and augers.

What Is the Difference Between Standard Flow and High Flow Skid Steer?

The standard flow skid steer loaders range from 18 to 25 gallons per minute (gpm). These loaders are also typically known as low flow skid steer loaders or low flow skid steers. As for the high flow skid steer loaders, they move hydraulic fluid at rates ranging from 30 to 45 gpm.

Why Do You Need High Flow on a Skid Steer?

The skid steer loader will most likely deliver increased performance with the higher hydraulic flow. It will be able to power high-flow and high-performance attachments more than a standard system. In essence, the greatest benefit of all is increasing productivity resulting from increased efficiency.

How Do You Know If a Skid Steer Has High Flow Hydraulics?

You can tell if a skid steer features high flow hydraulics by multiplying the flow in gallons per minute, or gpm, by the pressure in pounds per square inch, or psi. Then, the resulting number should be divided by 1714. The result refers to the measure of the productivity of the auxiliary hydraulics.

It is important to note, too, that if you want to achieve maximum productivity, there must also be maximum attachment horsepower.

Can You Make a Standard Flow Skid Steer High Flow?

Running high-flow skid steer attachments is not possible on a standard flow machine. The pump will not fit enough to turn the attachment efficiently. Forcing this can damage the equipment or the accessory, or both.

Do You Need a High Cut Skid Steer to Run Brush Cutter?

A high-cut skid steer brush cutter lets you spend less money on your machine because it will not require high flow. You also won’t need to buy a brush cutter. Nonetheless, you get to work more efficiently.

What Skid Steer Attachments Use High Flow?

Production type high flow hydraulics power attachments use high flow. With high flow hydraulics, the attachments get to perform with maximum efficiency.

Shredders, chippers, small mulchers, and rock saws are examples of skid steer attachments that use high flow. These also include snow blowers and cold planers.

How Much Is High Flow on a Skid Steer?

The high flow on a skid steer ranges between 26 and 40 gallons per minute (gpm). When we say high flow, it refers to a wide array of skid loaders with different pressures and flows.

In terms of flows, it ranges between 26 and 40 gpm. Whereas, in terms of pounds per square inch or psi, it ranges between 3,000 and 5,000.

What Is the Most Reliable Skid Steer Brand?

Many skid steer brands boast of their reliability. But the one that sets the industry standard for high-quality performance, quality, and reliability is Bobcat.

How Many Hours Should a Skid Steer Last?

According to experts, a skid steer has an average lifespan of 5,000 hours. However, the life of your skid steer also depends on several factors, such as the difficulty of the work it will perform and how you take care of it.

How Hard Is It to Operate a Bobcat?

If the biggest equipment you have ever used is a riding mower, you should not worry about operating a Bobcat. You will indeed find a Bobcat skid steer convenient to operate and use.

Is 4000 Hours a Lot for a Skid Steer?

If you intend to sell your skid steer, 4,000 hours is already a lot. The value of a skid steer typically depreciates once it reaches 3,000 to 3,500 hours.

If the skid steer has already consumed 3,000 usage hours, it most likely needs a rebuild. Usually, machines with less than 2,000 usage hours are the ones that sell best.

What Should You Not Do with a Skid Steer?

There is a lot that you should not do with a skid steer. Some of these include not climbing out of the skid steer loader with a running engine and not starting the engine from the outside of the cab. Also, do not use the machine if the safety device is damaged or missing.

Do You Need Insurance on a Skid Steer?

Typically, businesses get a general liability insurance policy for their skid steer loaders. For a Bobcat skid steer that a business uses about three times a month, the cost can be about $84 per year or $7 per month.

In Closing: Should You Buy a Bobcat 863?

The Bobcat 863 skid steer loader features a 4-cylinder Deutz diesel engine that can deliver 73 horsepower.

It efficiently carries materials in its bucket, moves them from one place to another, and loads them into trailers or trucks. This loader, which weighs 7,135 lbs, is popularly known for its maneuverability.

It is alright to buy pre-owned Bobcat skid steer loaders, but you have to be careful in choosing the right one. Ensure that the skid steer you buy has usage hours of less than 2,000. If you can find one with only 1,000 hours, that’s a great candidate for a second-hand unit.

Also, check the engine’s cleanliness and its hydraulic components. Their cleanliness means that the unit is well maintained and not abused.

Many skid steer brands boast of their reliability. However, the one that sets the industry standard for high-quality performance, quality, and reliability is Bobcat, no less.

Read next:

How to Maintain Your Skid Steer or Tractor