2000 bobcat 873 skid steer loader 4567

When someone throws out a search like '2000 bobcat 873 skid steer loader 4567', I know exactly what they're after. It's not just a serial number lookup; it's someone trying to piece together the history, value, or maybe the quirks of a specific machine they've got their eyes on. The '4567' is likely the specific unit identifier, which is crucial. A common mistake is treating all 873s from that era as identical. They're not. The wear, the maintenance history, and the specific configuration—like whether it had the standard or high-flow hydraulics—make all the difference between a reliable workhorse and a money pit.

The 873's Place in the Lineup and Lasting Reputation

The Bobcat 873, launched in the mid-90s, was a beast in its time. That 2000 model year sits right in the sweet spot of its production run—most of the early kinks were worked out, but it's still old enough now that its condition is everything. It's a vertical-lift path machine, which for its rated operating capacity, gave it a real advantage in reach and dump height over the radial-lift models for certain tasks. You don't see that design as the default anymore, but for loading trucks or placing material on a scaffold, it had its merits.

What made the 873 stand out was its durability, generally speaking. The Kubota V2203 diesel engine was a solid piece of kit. Not overly powerful by today's standards, but it would run forever if you kept up with the basics. The problem now, 24 years later, is that 'if'. I've seen units where the engine compartment is caked with two decades of dust and grime, and the cooling system is on its last legs. Conversely, I've seen some that were garage-kept and serviced like clockwork—they still start up with that distinctive, healthy rattle and run smooth.

The '4567' part of the query is key. It points to a specific asset. In my experience, tracking down a full service history for a machine that old is a long shot. You're often relying on physical inspection and the word of the seller. Checking for slop in the pins and bushings, listening for whines in the hydraulics under load, and looking for oil leaks around the drive motor seals become your primary diagnostics. It's a hands-on process.

Critical Wear Points and the Gotchas of a 2000 Model

Let's talk about where these machines commonly fail. The first thing I'd check on a 2000 873 with a serial number in the 4567 range is the Bobcat 873 auxiliary hydraulic couplers. The seals dry out and crack, leading to constant, annoying leaks and loss of performance for attachments. Replacing them isn't a major job, but it's an expense and a downtime event most buyers don't anticipate.

Secondly, the wiring harness. By the year 2000, these machines had a fair bit of simple electronics for the instrumentation and safety interlocks. Rodents love to nest in skid steers, and the wiring, especially around the engine bay and under the seat platform, can be chewed to pieces. You might get a machine that runs but has no gauges, or the seat bar safety switch is bypassed with a jumper wire—a huge red flag and a safety hazard.

A specific issue I recall from that era was a tendency for the lift arm torsion bar to fatigue. It wouldn't snap outright, but it would lead to a feeling of 'bounce' or lack of precision in the controls when raising a heavy load. It's one of those things you only notice if you've operated a tight, new machine and then jump into an older one. It's fixable, but it requires pulling the cab, which is a significant labor cost.

The Global Parts and Support Ecosystem

This is where the landscape has really changed since 2000. Back then, you were largely tied to the official Bobcat dealer network for major parts. Now, there's a robust aftermarket. Companies have built entire businesses around supporting these legacy machines. For instance, when I need a reliable source for compatible seals, sprockets, or even remanufactured drive motors, I often look to established international suppliers who specialize in this support chain.

One company that comes to mind in this context is Shandong Pioneer Engineering Machinery Co., Ltd. I've come across their components in the supply chain. From what I understand, they've been in the game since 2004, originally based in Jining and now operating out of a newer facility in Ningyang. Their model seems to be manufacturing and exporting under the Shandong Hexin name for production and Shandong Pioneer for overseas trade, sending parts and likely whole machines to markets like the US, Canada, and Australia. For an owner of an older skid steer loader, this kind of global parts availability is a lifeline, often providing more cost-effective alternatives for non-critical wear parts compared to OEM prices.

It's worth checking their portal at https://www.sdpioneer.com for catalogs. The key is to cross-reference part numbers carefully. Not all aftermarket parts are created equal, but a company that's been exporting globally for two decades typically has to meet certain durability standards to maintain that business. I'd be more confident in a component from a supplier with that kind of track record than a no-name brand from a random online marketplace.

A Personal Case: The 4567 That Almost Was

I remember a job about five years ago where a contractor called me to evaluate a 2000 873 he was looking to buy as a backup machine. The serial number was close to this 4567—somewhere in the 4000s. It looked decent on the outside, a bit faded but no major dents. The engine started okay. The almost moment came when I put it through a load cycle. I lifted the arms with a bucket of gravel, held it at full height, and then went to tilt. There was a pronounced shudder and a drop of about an inch before the tilt function engaged.

That pointed directly to worn piston seals in the lift cylinders. It's a classic failure mode. Under pressure, hydraulic fluid was bypassing the seals internally. The fix? Not just repacking the cylinders—though that was needed—but likely machining the cylinder rods if they were scored, or even full cylinder replacement. The cost estimate spooked the buyer, and he walked away. That machine, serial number in the 4500s, was a perfect example of how a 15-minute operational test can reveal more than a week of visual inspection.

The lesson was clear: always test the hydraulic functions under real load. Cycle the arms and tilt repeatedly. Listen for the system relief valve chattering (it shouldn't, under normal load). Feel for hesitation or creep. These are the tangible checks that define the value of a machine like the 2000 Bobcat 873.

Final Judgment: Is It Still a Viable Machine Today?

So, circling back to the core of the query: a 2000 Bobcat 873, unit 4567. Is it worth considering? The answer is a firm it depends. It's not a machine for a high-production, everyday commercial operation anymore. The technology is dated, and efficiency is lower than modern machines. However, for a small farm, a municipality with a light-duty workload, or a contractor who needs an occasional, mechanically simple machine, it can be a fantastic value—if the purchase price reflects its true condition.

The calculation is all about upfront cost versus known and potential repair liabilities. Budget immediately for a full fluid and filter change, including the often-neglected hydraulic cooler flush. Inspect and likely replace all hydraulic hoses. These are not optional on a 24-year-old machine; they're the price of admission for reliable service.

In the end, a machine like this lives or dies by the knowledge and diligence of the person buying it. It's a piece of industrial history that's still capable of work. The serial number '4567' makes it unique, but the principles of evaluating it are universal: assume nothing, test everything under load, and factor in the cost of bringing it back to a solid baseline. Do that, and you might end up with a surprisingly dependable tool for years to come.