2019 Bobcat S740 Skid Steer Loader: What Buyers Need to Know

Quick answer: The 2019 Bobcat S740 is a large-frame skid steer with 74 hp, a 3,200 lb rated operating capacity, and high-flow hydraulics. It suits heavy lifting, site clearing, and attachment-heavy work. Key buying factors are machine hours, hydraulic condition, and service history.

The S740 is one of Bobcat's most capable skid steers. Before you put down a deposit, here's what separates a solid buy from an expensive mistake.

What are the key specs of the 2019 Bobcat S740?

The S740 sits in Bobcat's large-frame lineup. Know these numbers before you negotiate:

• Engine: Bobcat/Doosan diesel, 74 hp
• Rated operating capacity (ROC): 3,200 lb at 35% tipping load
• Tipping load: 9,200 lb
• Hydraulic flow (standard): 24.5 gpm
• High-flow option: 37.5 gpm — critical if you run hydraulic-intensive attachments like cold planers or mulchers
• Operating weight: Approximately 8,700 lb
• Lift path: Radial

The radial lift path is optimized for digging, grading, and loading at mid-reach. If your work demands maximum reach at full height — loading over high sides — consider whether the S740's lift geometry fits your job site before buying.

What should you inspect before buying a used 2019 Bobcat S740?

Hours tell part of the story. Condition tells the rest.

A 2019 unit with 2,500 hours and documented dealer service is a safer buy than one with 1,200 hours and no paperwork. Here's what to check in person:

Hydraulics first. Cycle every function — lift, tilt, auxiliary — and watch for hesitation, drift, or noise. High-flow systems work hard. Leaks around the quick-attach plate and aux couplers are common wear points.

Undercarriage and drive system. Inspect the tracks or tires depending on configuration. On tracked variants, measure track tension and look for cracking or missing lugs. Drive motor leaks are expensive — budget $3,000–$6,000 per motor if you find one.

Cab and controls. The S740 came standard with Bobcat's selectable joystick controls (SJC). Confirm the switchover between hand-and-foot and joystick patterns works cleanly. A sticky or glitchy controller is a repair, not a quirk.

Lift arm pins and bushings. Grab the arm and check for slop at the pivot points. Worn bushings are a $500–$1,500 fix — not a dealbreaker, but factor it into your offer.

Run the machine yourself before you commit. Any seller worth buying from will let you.

What do 2019 Bobcat S740 units typically sell for?

Market price depends on hours, configuration, and region. As a general guide:

• Under 1,500 hours, clean: $45,000–$55,000
• 1,500–3,000 hours, good condition: $32,000–$45,000
• Over 3,000 hours or needs work: Under $30,000 — verify repair costs before buying

High-flow hydraulics, enclosed cab with heat/AC, and a two-speed drive option all push price up. A base-spec machine with high hours and no options should be discounted accordingly.

Don't anchor to list price. Auction results and dealer asking prices diverge widely. Know recent comparable sales before you negotiate.

Is the 2019 Bobcat S740 the right machine for your job?

The S740 handles most demanding skid steer tasks — demo, land clearing, bulk material handling, attachment work. But size matters. At 8,700 lb operating weight, it won't fit every job site.

Choose the S740 if you need maximum lift capacity and high-flow hydraulic output in a skid steer package. If your work is lighter — landscaping, small utility projects — a mid-frame machine like the S650 or S595 will cost less to buy, run, and maintain.

Match the machine to the work. Overpowered equipment sitting idle costs you money every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rated operating capacity of the 2019 Bobcat S740?
3,200 lb at 35% tipping load. Tipping load is 9,200 lb. Do not confuse ROC with tipping load when comparing machines.

Does the 2019 Bobcat S740 have high-flow hydraulics?
High flow was optional on the 2019 S740, not standard. Confirm the specific unit you're buying has the high-flow package before assuming it's included.

How many hours is too many on a used Bobcat S740?
There is no fixed cutoff. A well-maintained unit at 4,000 hours can outperform a neglected one at 1,500. Service records matter more than hours alone.

What attachments are compatible with the 2019 Bobcat S740?
Any Bobcat Bob-Tach compatible attachment. High-flow attachments — cold planers, stump grinders, hydraulic breakers — require the high-flow option.