How to Streamline Your Parts and Service Appointment

Published on July 9, 2019

Does a part on your Bobcat equipment need attention? Your local Bobcat dealer is your go-to source for genuine parts that are designed specifically for your machine and service.

To expedite the process, it’s crucial to share detailed information with your Bobcat parts and service specialist. This includes the type of machine you own, the issues you’re having with your machine and the part that needs replacing. Whether you’re calling, texting or emailing your Bobcat parts and service department, sending your employees to your Bobcat dealer or stopping by the dealership yourself, make sure you have these details in tow.

Serial Number Tag

Prior to speaking to your Bobcat dealer, make sure you have the model and serial number handy. While your dealership has the ability to look up this information, taking a photo of the model and serial number or writing it down helps speed up the process. It’s always good practice to keep an electronic log on your cell phone of your machines’ serial numbers as well as the parts you’ve ordered in the past for quick reference.

Serial numbers reveal whether your machine was an early or later model as well as the engine model. Different models may require different parts or service procedures, so it’s critical that your Bobcat dealer knows the serial number of your particular machine.

Damaged or Broken Part

If you have a damaged or broken part, bring the part along with notes detailing where it was inside your machine. This ensures that you purchase the correct replacement. Taking a photo of the part while it’s still on the machine also provides helpful context as to the part’s location — especially for parts such as hydraulic tubes that are found in multiple places on the machine.

If you know the name of the damaged part and would like to know more about it, visit our online parts catalog. There you can filter by model and serial number to search for a specific part. By adding the parts you’re researching to your “pick list” you can then show a list of what you need to your local Bobcat parts and service specialist. This is a great way to explain exactly what you’re looking for.

In the case of a software issue, record the error code that your machine’s deluxe instrument panel displays and share that with your Bobcat dealer.

Description of the Problem

When ordering a new part from your Bobcat dealer, make sure to explain any issues your machine may be having that led to the failure of that part. Your Bobcat parts and service specialist can help determine whether the damage to the part was caused by normal wear and tear or if a more serious problem could be at play.

Priority Level

Be prepared to provide the parts and service department with a timeline of when you need the replacement part. Will you need it delivered to your business or jobsite, or can you pick up the part from your Bobcat dealer? Do you need overnight, 1-day or 2-day shipping, or can the part wait for regular ground shipping or the dealership’s stock order? Having a time frame in mind will help the dealer better cater to your needs and prevents miscommunication concerning timing.

It’s also important to keep in mind that shipping costs depend on the price of the part due to rush fees. The more expensive the part, the more expensive the rush fee will be.

For more information on Bobcat parts and service, contact your local Bobcat dealer.