Melroe Bobcat M 444 repower

[@MrSamurai99999]

This is cool to see this really old Bobcat still working! Ive only ever seen an old IH skidsteer this old once that was still going..

[@2400PORSCHE]

You just inspired me!! I own a Melroe 600 with a tired engine, i now know what i need to do. Great Job, Thanks

[@livetoridemyxlh]

Hey Johnny, Glad to hear it. A few considerations: the bolts I was using to space the drive sheaves tore like twigs. I ended up having s buddy fabricate discs for me, and then bolting the whole thing together as one solid piece with 1/2 inch stainless steel bolts and lock nuts. In addition, I would suggest picking a slow speed, as it is easier on the crank shaft. If you do intend to reuse the variable speed drive, be CAREFUL removing it from your tired engine. I know a guy here is Mass who has figured out a way to do it without damaging the assembly. I could contact him if you want to know how. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions along the way. And don't forget to post some videos of your Melroe in action. Its our duty to save these old beauties from the scrapper!

[@coburnlowman]

Something that will make that machine so helpful you can't believe you've lived without it is adding a set of forks. While scrapping we ran across several side shift attachments for Wharehouse type forklifts and forks as well. The side shift attachment gets taken off and left off and it's light in weight but holds the forks perfectly. We have made them to fit 3 point tractor hitches they're many times better than the cheap fork attachment that is sold at tractor equipment yards. But made to fit the loader arms of your Melro it's like having a professional body builder on hand. If you wish send me a personal message and I'll take some pics as to how to fit it up,from scrap steel. I've pushed it by removing the good forks and putting a single bent fork and digging stump roots, and digging trenches. They can be had for free and are one of the best investments of weling rods to make 3 point or skid steer attached. Also when folks realize you can fit it you'll make up and sell a few as well.

[@donc81]

Hey buddy. Good job there. Appreciate you being so detailed

[@alien7772]

I cannot find that type of clutch anywhere online, can you share a link please, great work btw

[@TerraGreens-x4g]

I believe I have the same machine, no serial number plate. Purchased a few months ago and it doesn't want to turn without stalling the engine. It has been retrofitted with a 22hp Kawasaki. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@erekbailey3751]

10year have passed, do you still have the skid, if so did it last, if not still on this set up, how long did it last for you, did you end up changing the spacing/gearing,

[@billlloyd9142]

hello glen, i dont know if you answer old comments are not. i bought a bobcat 444 like yours with a blown onan. can you please tell me how you got the varitable sheave off of the old motor? i am trying to take the engine out. thank you

[@farmerphil]

Good job looks better than mine. If I find a good used vangaurd I may re power with one to, and am still looking for parts for the original Wisconsin v4. So far the engine I have in it is doing the job for what I need it for, and one old skid steer saved from the scraper. THANKS for the reply and again nice work. Phil

[@livetoridemyxlh]

I have to say, I am really impressed with the performance of the Vanguard 18HP. I think the modern engines with electronic ignition are much more responsive and accept loads more readily. The cost, though, is an issue, as these engines are at least 1k brand new. I'm in the red with this machine but I figure I'll do thousands in landscaping work over the next year so that'll help me rationalize the cost. Thanks again for your advice. It is a pleasure, and very rewarding to save this historic old piece, as she turns 50! - gc.

[@michaelr3057]

I have a bibcat 610 that has been really powered by a honda but belt is to loose and keeps tearing them apart any help would be appreciated

[@sonjalove387]

Hey Glenn, Can you tell me what brand of snowmobile that the clutch came from? I really appreciate your help!

[@jamesdepaul3410]

Glenn, you listed the stub shaft in the list of parts. Is this something you added to motor afterwards or did the Vanguard come with the stub shaft on it?

[@jenniferbrown6858]

Glenn what kind of hydraulic fluid is used in the model 444?

[@markdefreitas1223]

I'm trying to repower the same machine and looking for a clutch. Can you tell me what second clutch you used?

[@harley5661]

hi my name is frank do you know someone that would have a variable speed drive sheave . i have a onan motor in it. mine is a 444m thank you

[@livetoridemyxlh]

Hey Frank, I have one on a 600 I've been restoring but it is still attached to the Wisconsin and my project is on standstill cause I've got 20 irons in the fire right now. Those tapered shaft Variable speed drive systems are real hard to come by and I hear Bobcat charges an arm and a leg plus your back teeth. Is the Onan really worth keeping? They barely make parts for those engines and the ones available and pretty steep. That engine would have to be cherry to want to keep it in my opinion. Just my thoughts.

[@jacobfuller3448]

IS IT POSIBLE TOO GET A COPIE INCASE I MAY NOT BE A B TOO GET A REPLACEMENT THAK YOU

[@johnstuder847]

Hi Glenn, thanks so much for sharing. I have a 610 with a blown wisconsin. I have several options for repower, but need to work out the drive. The pulley you used looks like steel, most snowmobile drives I see are aluminum. What did yours come from? Keep up the good work! You mentioned to send you an email, but I don't see your email anywhere?

[@dr420nrg]

Did u use car tires on there? What size, and how do they compare to the stock tires as far as grip?

[@bobbyv125]

another great job..God-Bless America for sure ;)

[@coburnlowman]

Glad you made this. I have missed mine soooooooo badly since it went down. You didn't use the variable drive and just wander was it messed up or was there another reason you chose not to use it? I was given a Kohler V twin 20+ horse power. It ran well on the bench but after the instal it was to worn out to do any work. it would pull it on flat ground but that's it. The Wissconsin horizontal 2 cyl only turns 1800 rpm's and the later model engines turn 3600 rpm's. I wasn't sure if putting a Jack shaft to lower the input speed would let the newer engine work. I couldn't tell if you were running the drive belt direct or had it stepped. If you have answers to my rambling questions I'd appreciate the help.

[@jamesdepaul3410]

Thx very much for the vid.

[@louissutton2994]

im in the process of redoing my 1964 melroe bobcat it has a Wisconsin two cylinder in it with plenty of power but the hydraulic lines leak but what do i expect i use it to tear out concrete daily the biggest problem i have is i go threw drive belts about every 200 hours and suggestions

[@andredesouza9767]

Thank you

[@kmcwhq]

That it a GREAT job!

[@oscararmenta589]

Great Job

[@jacobfuller3448]

GOOD JOB THERE I HAVE A MELKRO BOB CAT WITH A F2L410 I HAVE A F2L910 WANTING TOO SWAP FOR A ANOTHER F2L410 RUNNING ENYONE OUT THERE THAT MAY BE ABLE TO HELP ME THANK YOU S BOB WHITAKER

[@Redneckmfg]

Thumbs Up !!!!!!

[@tomhow12]

63-72 made

[@retrobilly1986]

Put a seatbelt on before you end up under the machine

[@swiftyjim2]

Errm, aahh. Err. Ummm. Ahhh. Jesus, another youtube clip with somone who shouldn't be making them.