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com/

B o b c a t ®
OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK
This Handbook is for Bobcat Skid Steer Loaders With The Bobcat Interlock
Control System (BICSTM) Models 653, 751, 753, 763, 773, 853, 863, 873 & 963

A WARNING
AVOID INJURY OR DEATH
• Never use the loader without instructions. Read loader signs (decals), Operation & Maintenance
Manual, this Handbook and the EMI Safety Manual.
• Always fasten seat belt and lower the seat bar before operating the loader. Keep feet on pedals.
• Never use loader without operator cab which has ROPS & FOPS approval.
• Always carry bucket or attachment as low as possible.
• Do not travel or turn with lift arms up.
• Load, unload and turn on flat, level¡ ground.
• Do not exceed rated operating capacity.
• Before leaving the operator seat:
Lower lift arms.
Place attachment flat on ground.

Stop the engine. Remove the key.

Engage the parking brake.

Raise the seat bar and move pedals until both lock.
• Never modify the loader or add attachments not approved by Bobcat.
• Never carry riders. Keep bystanders away from the work area.

Learn about the loader from this Handbook, Operation & Maintenance Manual and signs
(decals). See Operation & Maintenance Manual for full detailed illustrations for each
model of loader. Illustrations below are general for several models. Replace damaged or
missing signs (decals) as shown in the Operation & Maintenance Manual.
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Ask the dealer about equipment for each application. Refer to the Operation & Maintenance
Manual and dealer regarding buckets and attachments for rated operating capacity of
the loader. For special jobs, ask your dealer about necessary approved equipment;
such as, enclosures, warning devices or special lights. The dealer is also a source
for the Bobcat Skid Steer Loader Operator Training Course and other training
materials for service and attachments.
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INSTRUMENT PANEL STANDARD (Early Models)

1. Traction Lock Override Button 11. Hazard Switch (Optional)

(Seat Bar Raised) 12. Beacon Switch (Optional)
For backhoe use or for service. 13. Auxiliary Hydraulics Switch (Optional)
2.*Press to Operate Button - Press once for momentary operation.
(Seat Bar Down) - Press second time for continuous
3. Key Switch operation (Example: backhoe
4. Turn/Hazard Indicators (Optional) attachment).
5. Transmission Warning Light - Press third time to disengage.
6. Engine Warning Light 14. Engine Temperature Gauge
7. High Flow Switch (Optional) 15. Fuel Gauge
8. Bucket Level¡ Switch (Optional) 16. Hour meter
9. Pre-Heat Switch 17. Voltmeter
10. Light Switch (Optional)

* Seat Sensor Override Button (Seat Bar Down) - Only on soma loaders and early
loaders which have had the BICSI'm Controller and Traction Lock Override Switch
replaced.

INSTRUMENT PANEL
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1. Rear Wiper / Washer (Optional) SIDE PANEL (Opt. Later Models)

2. Hazard Switch / Hazard Indicators (Optional) (Standard & BOSS Option)

3. Rotating Beacon or Strobe Light Switch (Optional)

1. Traction
Lock Override
Button
8. Light Switch
(Seat
Bar Raised) 9. Hazard Switch (Optional) for
backhoe use or for service. 10. Beacon Switch (Optional)
2.*Press to Operate Button 11. Display Panel (Ref. 13 thru 26)
(Seat Bar Down) 12. Auxiliary Hydraulic Switch (Optional.
3. Key Switch -Press once for momentary operation.
4. Turn/Hazard Indicators (Optional) -Press second time for continuous
5. BOSS® Diagnostic Port Operation (Example: backhoe attachment).
6. High Flow Switch (Optional) - Press third time to disengage.
7. Bucket Level¡ Switch (Optional)
Button (Seat Bar Down) - Only on some loaders and early loaders
* Seat Sensor OverrideICSTM
which have had the B Controller and Traction Lock Override Switch replaced.

INSTRUMENT Panel
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13. Fuel Level 20. Hour meter & SERVICE CODE

14. Battery Voltage Display Area
15. Engine Oil Pressure 21. Charge Pressure & Filter
16. Engine Coolant Condition.
Temperature/Level (some models) 22. Air Filter Condition
17. Low Fuel Indicator 23. Glow Plug (Diesel)
18. Shut – Down Symbol 24. Engine over Speed
19. Warning Symbol 25. Parking Brake (Non - Functional)
26. Hydraulic Fluid Temperature.

NOTE:
The engine can be restarted for 30-second periods to move the
loader after shut-down condition.

NOTE:
See Operation & Maintenance Manual for further descriptions and for SERVICE CODES.

SSERVICE CODES
DISPLAY
SUBJECT READS CONDITION
Engine Coolant Leve¡ ECL-1 SHUTDOWN, No Coolant (Not 863, 873)
Engine Coolant Temp. EC-1.1 SHUTDOWN, Engine Temperature
EC-2.1 WARNING, Engine Temperature
EC-3 Wiring Not Connected
EC-4 Wiring Shorted
EC-6 High Sensor Voltage
EC-7 Sensor Out Of Range
Engine Oil Pressure EP-1 SHUTDOWN, Pressure
EP-2 WARNING, Pressure
EP-3 Wiring Not Connected
EP-4 Wiring Shorted
EP-5 High Sensor Voltage
EP-7 Sensor Out Of Range
Engine Speed ES-1 SHUTDOWN, Engine Speed Too High
ES-2.1 WARNING, Engine Speed Slight1y High
ES-6 Sensor No Signal
ES-7 Sensor Out Of Range
Fuel Level FUEL.2 WARNING, Low Leve]
FUEL.3 Wiring Not Connected
FUEL.4 Wiring Shorted
FUEL.5 High Sensor Voltage
FUEL.? Sensor Out Of Range
Hydrostatic Charge HF1-2 WARNING, High Restriction
Filter Condition HF1-6 Sensor No Signal
Return Filter Condition HF2-2 WARNING, High Restriction
(853, 863, 873 Only) HF2-6 Sensor No Signal
Hydrostatic Oil HC-1 SHUTDOWN, Temperature
Temperature HC-2 WARNING, Temperature
HC-3 Wiring Not Connected
HC-4 Wiring Shorted
HC-5 High Sensor Voltage
HC-7 Sensor Out Of Range
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Hydrostatic Fluid HP-1 SHUTDOWN, Pressure

Pressure HP-2 WARNING, Pressure
HP-3 Wiring Not Connected
HP-4 Wirinq Shorted
HP-5 High Sensor Voltage
HP-7 Sensor Out Of Range
Air Filter AF-2 WARNING, Restriction Too High
AF-6 Sensor No Signal
Battery b-2.1 WARNING, Bad Battery
b-2.2 WARNING, Battery Voltage Low

BOBCAT INTERLOCK CONTROL SYSTEM (BICSTM)

Troubleshooting Chart
The following list shows the effects which can happen to the loader and the probable causes when the
BICSTM System Controller lights are off or flashing. Have the service procedure performed ONLY
BMALIFIED BOBCAT SERVICE PERSONNEL

Indicator Light ON Light OFF Effect on Flashing Indicator Means

Light Operation System Problem
Of loader (See Your Bobcat Dealer for
Service)
When Light Is Number of Cause
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Flashes
Lift, tift and System Activated ciruit
PRESS TO PRESS TO 2 shorted to
SYSTEM traction
OPERATE OPERATE battery voltage*.
ACTIVATE functions will
button is button not System Activated circuit
D not
activated activated 3 shorted to
operate. Ground.
If Equipped (See Note 5)
SEAT Operator in No Operator Lift and tift 2 Seat sensor circuit shorted to
Seat in Seat functions battery vol1aqe'.
will not 3 Seat sensor circuit shorted to
operate. ground.
SEAT RAR Seat Bar Seat Bar Up Lift, tift and 2 Seat bar sensor circuit shorted
Down traction to
functions will 3 battery
Seat barvoltage'.
sensor circuit shorted
not to
operate. ground.
1 Valve output is open.
Lift and tilt 2 Valve output circuit shorted to
Control Control Valve
functions battery voltage`.
VALVE Valve Cannot Be
Can Be UsedUsed
will not 3 Valve output circuit shorted to
operate. ground.
3 Valve output circuit not
Traction lock hold
1 coi¡ circuit is
open.
Loader can
Loader cannot Loader 2 Traction lock hold coil
be circuit
be cannot be shorted
TRACTION
moved
moved moved 3 Traction to battery
lock voltage*.
hold coi¡
forward circuit
forward and forward and 4 shorted
Traction to ground.
lock pul¡ cot circuit is
&
backward. backward. open.
backward.
5 Traction lock pul¡coi¡ circuit is
shorted to battery voltage*.
6 Traction lock pulí coi¡ circuit is
shorted to ground.
POWER BICSTM BICS 'm
System Lift, tift and
System traction
Controller is Controller is functions will
not
operating operating not
correctly. operate.
correctly.

Normal BICS operating voltage is less than the electrical system vol
age. If voltage is more, the circuit is shorted to system voltage.
NOTES:
(1) If the PRESS TO OPERATE Button is pressed, and SYSTEM ACTIVATED light is not
ON, check the system wiring for continuity.
(2) If the seat and/or seat bar sensor circuits are open, the corresponding
lights will be OFF If one of the lights stays OFF, check the circuit for continuity.
Refer to Operation & Maintenance Manual for more instructions.
(3) If al¡ five lights flash repeatedly, the voltage supply is greater than 16 volts or
less than 9 volts.
(4) Flashing patterns will repeat every 3.25 seconds.
(5) If seat indicator light does not go on (early models only), check for debris,
flirt or objects under or behind seat. The Seat Sensor Overríde♦ can be used if the
seat sensor cannot be activated.
♦ Only on later loaders, and early loaders which have had BICS Controller
and Traction Lock Override Switch replaced.
NOTE: On some early models with BICS Controller S/N 200,000 & Above only, if the
Seat Bar is lowered before the seat sensor is activated, a 10 second delay will
occur before the valve and traction lights come on.

AVOID INJURY OR DEATH

The Bobcat Interlock Control System (BICSTM) must deactivate the lift, tilt and traction drive functions.
If it does not, contact your dealer for service. DO NOT MODIFY THE SYSTEM.
Bobcat Interlock Control System (BICS TM ) requires the operator to be seated in the
operating position with the seat bar lowered before the loader can
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be operated.
BICSTM SYSTEM CONTROLLER
Five green lights on the BICSTM System Controller must all be BICSTM SYSTEM CONTROLLER
"ON" to operate the loader.
1. ON when operator is seated or the Press to Operate Button is
activated. (If equipped)
2. ON when seat bar is down.
3. ON when lift & tilt hydraulics can be used.
4. O N when loader can move forwar d and backward.
S. ON when Controller is operating correctly.
NOTE: Press the Press to Operate Button again if seat bar is
raised and lowered or key is turned off.

AUXILIARY HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

When the operator is seated and raises the seat bar, the
auxiliary hydraulic system will deactivate. Press the auxiliary
hydraulic switch to re—select operating mode. (Only on
some models).
LIFT ARM BYPASS CONTROL
Lift Arm Bypass Control is used to lower the lift arms
when the lift arms cannot be lowered during normal
operation. PA & hold t he c on t r o l k n ob up . Pu s h do wn t op
o f the lift pedal. On some models ' turn and l if t k no b
o nl y. T he l if t a r m s wi l l sl ow ly lower.
BICSTM SYSTEM CONTROLLER

LIFT ARM BYPASS CONTROL

A WARNING
AVOID INJURY OR DEATH
Before fore leaving the operator seat, lower the lift arms, stop the engine and engage the parking
brake. Raise seat bar and move pedals until both are locked.

BOB CA T INTERLOCK CO NTRO L SYS TE M (BICSTM)

TRACTION LOCK OVERRIDE

((Only Functions When Seat Bar Is Raised
traction Lock Override button (ltem l~ allows you to use the steering levers
to move the loader when using the backhoe attachment or for service.

PRESS TO OPERATE (lf Equipped)

(Only Functions When Seat Yar Is Down)
Press button (ltem 2) to operate loader after seat bar is lowered.
NOTE: Press the Press to Operate Button again if seat bar is raised and lowered or
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key is turned off.

SEAT SENSOR OVERRIDE (lf Equipped)

(Only Functions When Seat Bar Is Down)
Seat Sensor Override button (ltem 3) allows operator, when seated with the seat
bar l o w e r e d , t o u s e l i f t , t i l t , a n d t r a c t i o n functions when the seat sensor
cannot be activated.

KNOW ALL THE CONTROLS

1. Steering Levers 9. Continuous Flow Control for

2. Pedal Interlocks, lock control Auxiliary Hydraulics (Optional)
pedais when seat bar is raised. 10. Auxiliary Hydraulic Control for
1. Lift Arm Bypass Control A t t a c h m e n t s v a l ve ( O p t i o n a l )
2. Lift Arm Pedal (With Float Position) 11. Water Kit Control (Optional)
3. Tilt Pedal High Speed Switch (963only)
4. Brake Pedal 12. Auxiliary Hydraulic Control for rear
5. Engine Speed Control attachments (optional)
3. Auxiliary Hydraulic Control for 13. Turn Signal (Optional)
4. front attachments (Optional) 14. Horn (optional)

INSPECT THE BOBCAT BEFORE OPERATING THE

LOADER EVERY DAY BOBCAT LOADER
1. Check seat belt and replace
if damaged.
2. Check Operator's Cab (ROPS
& FOPS) and its f1teners.
3. Check seat bar and interlocks.
When bar is raised both
pedals must be locked.
4. Check Bobcat Interlock Control
System (BICSTM).
5. Repair broken and loose parts.
6. Clean engine of flammable
material.
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7. Clean foot pedal ares.
8. Check engine oil leve¡.
9. Check the hydraulic fluid level¡.
10. Check the tires and tire pressure.
11. Monitor the instrument panel 1. Use steps, safety treads, and grab
for fuel level¡, coolant level¡ handles when entering loader.
& air cleaner condition.
2. Adjust the seat so controls are
Read the Service Schedule Decal in easy to reach.
The engine compartment for servicing
I nstr uc tio ns. See Oper atio n &
Maintenance Manual for Maintenance
Procedures.

3. Connect the two halves of the seat belt together. Adjust the seat belt
so that the belt fits snug around the lower parí of your hips and the
buckle is in the center.

BEFORE OPERATING THE BOBCAT LOADER (Cont'd)

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PUTTING ON THE ATTACHMENT

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WARNIN
G
Push down on the Bob-Tach levers until they are in the locked position. Check to be sure wedges are
fully engaged.

RELIEVING, HYDRAULIC PRESSURE FOR CONNECTING

HYDRAULIC QUICK COUPLERS
With engine running, turn the key switch quickly to the left (counterclockwise) past
the OFF position. Hold key for at least 5 seconds alter the engine comes to a
complete stop. This relieves pressure that can be trapped in the auxiliary hydraulic
circuits which can make it difficult to connect quick couplers together from an
attachment.

STARTING THE BOBCAT LOADER (STANDARD)

1. Put the foot pedals & steering 4. Turn the key to START position.
Levers in neutral (N) position. Release the key when the engine
engine starts and move the engine
speed control backward to
2. Turn the key ON, to run position. decrease Engine speed
5. In cold weather, let the engine warm
up for 5 minutes: ten release the
parking
3. Holdq diesel Pre-heat Button brake before operating loader
if re uired. (See decal in cab of
loader.) 6. Press the Press to Operate Button
on left instrumnent panel (if Equipped)

NOTE: See Operation & Maintenance Manual or decal for further descriptions and
length of time to hold Pre-heat Button.
NOTE: If loader will not move with brake pedal released or when Traction Lock
Override button is pushed, move steering levers either forward or backward
a small amount to uniock the traction drive.

AWARNIN Never
AVOID INJURY OR DEATH
carry riders. Keep
bystanders
work ares. away from the
G
-
ING THE,,.d,.~,jCAT LOADER (BOSS OPTION)
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rC N

410

PI-2629

1 Put the foot pedals & steering levers in neutral (N) position.
2 Turn de key ON, one beep will sound & the display symbols will be ON
3 If GLO is displayed, hold key in ON position until glow plug time counts
4 down to zero.

4. T u rn
5. In cold weather, let the engine

up for
operating 5 minutes then release the parking brake ~efore
loader.
6. Press the Press to Operate Button on left instrument panel. (If Equipped).
NOTE:
andSee Operation
forsee
service & Maintenance
codes. Manual
Preheat need andfortime
further descriptions
is controlled by
BOSS, Operation & Maintenance Manual for details.

NOTE: If loader will

Traction not move withis brake pedal released or levers
when
backwardLock Override
a small button
amount to unlock pushed, move
the traction steering
drive.

GETTING OFF THE BOBCAT LOADER

GETTING OFF THE BOBCAT LOADER

1 . B e f o r e g e t t i n g o u t o f t h e operator seat, lower the lift arras, put attachment flat on the ground. Stop the
engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key.
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2 . P ul ¡ up on t he o ut er pa rí o f the buckle to disconnect the seat belt.
3 . Raise the seat bar. Move pedals until both pedals are locked.
4 . Use the grab handles, safety treads and steps when getting off the loader.

OPERATING THE STEERING LEVERS

FORWARD BACKWARD AUXILIARY
HYDRAULIC
CONTE3,0L
L
¡It
a
LEFT
TURN
RIGHT TURN 

See Operation & Maintenance Manual for more instructions.

ERATING THE LIFT ARMS, BUCKET, AND BRAKE

AWARNING
AVOID INJURY OR DEATH
When operating the loader, aiways
fasten seat belt snugly, lower seat bar
and keep feet on pedals. Always carry
bucket or attachment as low as
possible.
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AWARNING
Do not use the loader in an
atmosphere,- with explosiva dust or
gases or wherw,, exhaust can contact
flamm material. Explosion or fire can
rim

A WARNING AVOID INJURY OR DEATH

• Do not exceed loader rated operating capacity.
• Do not use attachments not approved by Bobcat
• Load, unload and turn on flat leve¡ ground only.

FILLING THE BUCKET

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1. Tilt the bucket forward until it

makes contact with the ground. 2. Move the loader finto the material
and tilt the bucket backward. Drive
backward away from the material
when bucket is full.
EMPTYING THE BUCKET 4.
1. Keep the bucket low when moving
to the area where you want to empty
the bucket.
1. Push the bottom (heel) of the left
pedal to lift the bucket. Keep the
bucket leve¡ while lifting by pushing
the top (toe) of the tilt pedal (Models
without bucket positioning).
2. Move the loader forward at a slow
rate until the bucket is over the
dumping area.
3. Push the top (toe) of the tilt pedal
to empty the bucket.

DIGGING A HOLE
.15

B- B-14209 B-14209
14209
-
g '1
~ ~ '~.
íes_ ~~ 1. '
-
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*B-1,2874 —B-12870 B-1 2876

1. Push the top of the tilt pedal until the bucket makes contact with the ground.
2. Drive forward at a slow rate while tilting the bucket downward to go finto the ground.
3. Tilt the bucket backward a small amount while it is filling with material.
4. When the bucket is fui¡, tilt the bucket al¡ the way back.

USING THE BUCKET FOR

LEVELING FILLING THE HOLE

1. Raise the lift arms and tilt the bucket forward.

1. Push down on the top (toe) of the lift pedal until the pedal is in the locked position (Float Position). The bucket
will follow the ground as the loader moves backward.
2. Drive the loader forward to the hole with the bucket as low as possible.
3. Raise the lift arms and tilt the bucket down.

DRIVING UPAN[ A SLUPES

DRIVING UPAN[ A SLUPES

,A W ARNING AVOID INJURY OR DEATH

• Keep heavy end of loader uphill.
• Go directly up or down a slope or incline.
• Do not drive across slopes.

A W A R N IN G
AVOID INJURY OR DEATH
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• Keep lift arms as low as possible.
• Do not travel or turn with lift arms up.
• Do not leave loader with engine running, lift arms up or parking brake not

TRANSPORTING THE LOADER

A loader with an empty bucket or no attachment must be loaded backward onto transport vehicie.
Lower bucket or attachment to floor. Stop engine. Engage parking brake. Insta¡¡ chains at front & rear of loader to transport
vehicie. Be sure transport and towing vehicies are of adequate sine and capacity.
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SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

An approved lift arm support device must be used when lift arras are up for service.
See instructions on loader or read Operation & Maintenance Manual to e ng ag e an d di se ng ag e li f t ar m support device.
Replace if damaged.

See Operation & Maintenance Manual or Service Manual for instructions to:
(1) Lift and lower the cab.
(2) Block up loader.
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A WARNING
AVOID INJURY OR DEATH
• Stop and cool the engine before adding fuel. NO SMOKING!
• Disconnecting or loosening any hydraulic tubeline, hose, fitting, component or a parí failure can cause lift
arms to drop. Do not go under lift arms when raised unless supported by an approved lift arm support device.
Replace if damaged.
• Never go under or reach under lift arms or lift cylinder without an approved lift arm, support device installed. Replace if
damaged.
• Service the seat bar system if both pedals do not lock when seat bar is sisadand pedals are moved.
9
Contact your dealer if the Bobcat Interlock Control System (BiCSTM) does not deactivate the lift, tilt and traction drive
functions.
• Do not lift or lower operator cab (ROPS) without instructions from the Operation & Maintenance
Manual or Service Manual. Install jackstands or blocks under rear corners of loader.
• Never use ether or starting fluid on diesel engine with glow plugs. Use only starting aids as approved by engine
manufacturen.
• Keep the rear door closed except for service.
• Keep the engine ares clean of flammable material.
• Do not wear loose clothing, long uncovered hair or jeweiry near machina.
• Wear eye protection when servicing, and hand hat or other protective equipment as needed.
• When connecting the booster battery for "jump" start aiways make last connection (negative cable) to engine,
nevar at battery. When removing the
é
lumpo, start cables, aiways remove the negative cable (-) from engine first. Never changa or jump start a frozen
battery.
• Lead-acid batteries produce flammable and explosiva gases. Keep aros, sparks, flamas and lighted tobacco away
from battery.
• Battery acid causes severa burns. In case of acid contact, wash immediately with water for severa¡ minutas and get
medica) attention in case of eye contact.
• Use a place of cardboard to check for leaks. Leaking fluids under pressure can enter the skin and cause serious injury.
Medica¡ attention is required.

This Handbook is available from your dealer in an English edition or one of many other languages. See your Bobcat dealer for more
information on translated versions.