If you own a Bobcat machine or a skid-steer loader, you have a turkey to thank. And with this week being Thanksgiving (a holiday almost synonymous with turkeys), we thought it might be a good time to discuss some interesting facts about both.
Here are some additional Shop Talk Blog posts you might enjoy:
- Tips for Identifying Your Bobcat Final Drive Motor
- Common Bobcat Final Drive Motor Issues
- Bobcat Final Drive Failures and Case Drain Filters
- Bobcat T190 Final Drives: Tips for Making Them Last
The Continuing Role of Turkeys in the US Economy
According to Stastista, there were almost 245 million turkeys produced in the US for 2018 alone -- and the vast majority are from either Minnesota or North Carolina. And the average cost of a 16-pound turkey this year is about $21, which very close to how much they cost last year. Oh, and keep in mind that the average adult turkey weighs in between 16 and 20 pounds.
While the holiday period between November and January may be one of the most popular times for Americans to consume turkey, turkey farms operate year round.
Bobcats and Turkeys
The original Bobcat skid steer loader was developed in response to the needs of a turkey farmer: wheeled machine that was could easily maneuver around support poles, was lightweight enough to lift up to the second floor of a barn, and powerful enough to move considerable amounts of turkey waste with ease. Unless a suitable machine could be found, this formidable (and no doubt smelly) task would have to be done by hand.
Keller, Melroe, and Bobcat
Bobcat wasn't the original brand name of the first skid steer loader: the first one was designed by Cyril and Lewis Keller n the 1950s and then mass manufactured by the Melroe company -- it wouldn't be called a Bobcat until the 1960s. And it would be a while before it looks like the modern SSL, too.
The early model skid steer you see in the image above does look different ... modern skid steers have four equally sized wheels, are quite a bit bigger, and provide more safety for the operator. They also achieve their extremely versatile motion differently. However, they are still compact, powerful, and rugged machines.
Bobcat Final Drive Motors
Here at Texas Final Drive, our main interest in Bobcat machines are their final drives and everything that goes into them. If you are having trouble with your Bobcat drive motor, give us a call. We may be able to help you troubleshoot over the phone and if necessary we can help you find a high-quality replacement motor at a reasonable cost.
