Melroe Bobcat 743 Specs: HP, Weight, Lift, and Parts

The Bobcat 743 is a diesel-powered compact skid-steer loader manufactured from 1981 through 1991, featuring a 36 HP Kubota engine, 1,300 lb rated operating capacity, and 4,720 lb operating weight. It measures 55.1 inches wide, has approximately 109 inches of lift height, and runs 11 GPM of auxiliary hydraulic flow. The 743 earned its reputation for durability across a decade of production under the Melroe Company name, before Bobcat officially became the corporate brand in 1995.

Melroe Bobcat 743 Quick Specs

• Engine: Kubota V1702 (early) / V1702-B (later) diesel, 36 HP (27 kW)
• Operating weight: 4,720 lb (2,141 kg)
• Rated operating capacity (ROC): 1,300 lb (590 kg)
• Tipping load: 2,600 lb (1,179 kg)
• Lift height (to pin): approximately 109 in (2,769 mm)
• Width: 55.1 in (1,400 mm)
• Auxiliary hydraulic flow: 11 GPM (42 L/min)
• Production years: 1981-1991
• Manufacturer at the time: Melroe Company (became Bobcat Company officially in 1995)

What Are the Complete Bobcat 743 Specs?

Beyond the headline numbers, the 743 carries a 12-gallon fuel tank, sits on 10x16.5 skid steer tires, and delivers a travel speed of approximately 5 mph. Ground clearance runs around 7.5 inches. According to Bobcat's own non-current model documentation on bobcat.com, the 743 was part of the early pre-1995 Melroe-era skid-steer lineup, sitting between the smaller 540 and 631 models and the larger 943 of the same period.

The 743B designation appears in some references. The 743B is a later production variant with minor updates to hydraulic and cooling systems. For most parts-ordering purposes, 743 and 743B share component commonality, but confirm fitment by serial before ordering major assemblies.

What Engine Is in the Melroe Bobcat 743?

The 743 was built with the Kubota V1702 four-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel throughout production. Displacement is 1.7 liters, rated power is 36 HP, and the engine is known for long service life with consistent maintenance. The V1702 is a pre-emissions-regulation diesel, which is an operational advantage for some buyers today: no DPF, no DEF, no emissions system complications.

The Kubota V1702 is one of the most widely deployed industrial diesels in its class, which means parts supply is excellent even 40-plus years after the earliest 743s rolled out.

Why Is It Sometimes Called "Melroe" and Sometimes "Bobcat"?

The company history explains the naming. Melroe Manufacturing Company invented the skid-steer loader concept in the late 1950s and trademarked the "Bobcat" name for the product line. Through the 1980s and early 1990s, Melroe was the corporate name and Bobcat was the product brand. In 1995, the corporate name officially changed to Bobcat Company.

For a 743 produced in 1985, both badges apply: built by Melroe, product-branded Bobcat. You'll see data plates and parts manuals referring to both names depending on year and document. Either term is historically correct for 1981-1991 production.

How Much Does a Bobcat 743 Weigh?

Operating weight is 4,720 lb (2,141 kg). This is the running weight including operator and full fuel. Shipping weight (dry, no bucket) is approximately 4,400 lb. Trailer selection for a 743 plus bucket requires a trailer rated for at least 6,000 lb GVWR.

What Can a Bobcat 743 Lift?

Rated operating capacity (ROC) is 1,300 lb at 50 percent of tipping load (2,600 lb). The 743 is positioned as a light to medium-duty skid steer suited for landscape work, small farming, light construction, and yard work. For heavier material-handling jobs, the larger 853 or 943 from the same era are better matches.

What Years Was the Bobcat 743 Made?

Production ran from 1981 through 1991. The 743B later variant appeared in the mid-to-late 1980s with minor hydraulic and cooling updates. Production ended in 1991 when the 753 (G-Series platform) replaced the 743 in the product line.

Is the Bobcat 743 Still Worth Repairing?

Yes, for most typical failures. The 743's core systems (Kubota V1702 engine, hydraulic pump, drivetrain) are well-supported by aftermarket parts 40-plus years after earliest production. Repairs that make economic sense include engine rebuilds, hydraulic cylinder reseals, drive chain replacement, electrical harness refresh, and filter/service work.

Repairs that may not pencil out on a well-used 743: major transmission failures, severe frame damage, or seized hydraulic pumps where core exchange is not available. For a daily-use farm machine with solid fundamentals, the 743 is worth keeping alive.

Are Bobcat 743 Parts Still Available?

Yes, across the core maintenance and wear categories. Based on our catalog data, in-demand 743 parts include:

• Filters: oil, fuel, hydraulic, air
• Engine parts: gasket sets, rebuild kits, belts, water pump, starter, alternator for the V1702
• Hydraulic: cylinder seal kits, hose, O-rings
• Drive chains and sprockets
• Tires and rims (10x16.5 standard)
• Glass (where cabs are equipped) and weather stripping
• Bob-Tach levers and quick-attach hardware
• Electrical: switches, sensors, glow plugs

Browse Bobcat 743 parts.

What Are the Most Common Bobcat 743 Parts That Need Replacing?

For machines in the 743's age bracket, the top five replacement categories are hydraulic cylinder seal kits, drive chains (stretch over time), filter sets, starter and alternator components, and V1702 engine gaskets (valve cover, oil pan, head gasket). All are available aftermarket and all are manageable DIY or small-shop repairs.

Where Do I Find the Serial Number on a Melroe Bobcat 743?

The 743 serial plate is typically on the right side of the frame, stamped into a metal data plate that also shows model designation. On later production 743B units, the plate may be relocated to inside the engine compartment. Serials are 9 digits following Melroe's legacy numbering format.

For a general Bobcat serial walkthrough including older Melroe-era formats, see our Bobcat skid steer serial number guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can a Bobcat 743 lift?

Rated operating capacity is 1,300 lb at 50 percent of tipping load (2,600 lb). Stay within ROC for safe flat-ground operation. Derate for slopes and uneven terrain.

Can a Bobcat 743 run a brush cutter?

Yes, with the right attachment. The 743's 11 GPM auxiliary hydraulic flow can run lower-flow brush cutters designed for compact skid steers. Higher-flow mulchers typically require more hydraulic capacity than the 743 provides, so match the attachment's flow requirement to the 743's output.

What year did Bobcat make the 743?

Production ran from 1981 through 1991. The 743B later variant appeared in the mid-to-late 1980s. The 753 replaced the 743 in 1991-1995 timeframe.

What is a Bobcat 743 worth?

Value depends on hours, condition, cab equipment, and local market. Well-maintained 743s continue to work on small farms and landscape operations 40 years after original production. For parts-sourcing purposes, a running 743 is worth keeping because core wear parts remain aftermarket-available.

What engine is in a Bobcat 743?

Kubota V1702 four-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel, 36 HP, 1.7L displacement. A pre-emissions-era industrial diesel known for long service life with consistent maintenance.

What are common problems with a 743 Bobcat?

Age-related wear: hydraulic cylinder seal leaks, drive chain stretch, weathered belts and hoses, and occasional alternator or starter fatigue on high-hour machines. Rarely are these design flaws; they're routine age-related items for any 40-plus-year-old industrial machine.

Shop Bobcat 743 parts, or explore successor models: Bobcat 753 parts and Bobcat skid steer parts. For fitment verification on legacy Melroe-era equipment, email sales@partsonline.com with model, year, and serial.