Description

Bobcat 310, 313 1982 Service Manual – Factory Specs for Skid-Steer Loaders

I’ve torqued head bolts on more inline-sixes than most techs will see in a lifetime, and I’ll tell you flat-out: the difference between a job that goes smooth and one that turns into a parts cannon is the manual you’re holding. This 1982 Bobcat 310, 313 1982 Service Manual is the real deal – a dealer copy, 188 pages of Melroe-printed instructions. No aftermarket condensation, no missing pages. If you’re pulling a hydraulic pump or setting valve lash on a 310, you want this on the bench.

That opening safety section (page 3 of the PDF) isn’t there for decoration. Bobcat spells out exactly how to support the lift arms before you go underneath, what to do with battery acid, and why you never disconnect a high-pressure line without eye protection. I’ve seen a technician get hydraulic oil injected into his thumb – trust me, you follow those warnings.

Read the Maintenance Safety Section First

Before you even think about the hydraulic system or the engine, flip to the maintenance safety warnings. The manual uses a “Safety Alert Symbol” and devotes a full page to correct vs. wrong practices. Things like “Never service loader without instructions” and “Have good ventilation when welding painted parts.” That’s not CYA – that’s real-world lessons from machines that can kill you in three seconds if you skip the lift-arm support. I keep a printed copy of that page taped to my toolbox door.

What Torque Values Are Listed in the 1982 Bobcat Manual?

The Specifications chapter (section 8) gives you torque values for every critical fastener on the 310 and 313. Wheel lug nuts, hydraulic fittings, drive sprocket bolts – all in Imperial units. The manual doesn’t guess. It prints the exact in‑lb or ft‑lb rating. For example, the hydraulic system section tells you the charge pressure spec if you need it. I’ve seen guys snap a bolt off in the final drive housing because they used a generic torque chart. That doesn’t happen when you own this manual.

188 Pages of Factory Documentation

Count them: 188 pages of Melroe Company 1982 documentation. The table of contents breaks it down into nine sections: Preventive Maintenance, Hydraulic System, Drive System, Main Frame, Electrical System, Engine 310, Engine 313, Specifications, and an Alphabetical Index. That’s old-school engineering print – no fluff, no filler. Each chapter starts with a clear list of required tools and safety warnings before the procedure. If you’ve ever cussed at an aftermarket manual that says “remove the pump” without telling you which bolts or how much torque, you’ll appreciate the density here.

Hydraulic System Coverage for the 310 and 313

The hydraulic system chapter covers the entire hydrostatic drive circuit, including control linkages, relief valves, and the charge pump. You get hose routing diagrams and test procedures for pressure. The manual explicitly says: “Disconnecting any hydraulic tubeline, hose, fitting, component or a part failure can cause injury due to high pressure.” It then tells you how to safely relieve system pressure and test with a gauge. For a home‑garage guy rebuilding a skid-steer, that section alone is worth the price. If you’re working on a newer model, check out Bobcat 310, 313 1982 Service Manual – OEM Factory Specs”>Bobcat 310, 313 1982 Service Manual – OEM Factory Specs for comparative specs, or Bobcat S175 2008 Service Manual – OEM Factory Repair Specs”>Bobcat S175 2008 Service Manual – OEM Factory Repair Specs for a more modern frame.

Electrical System: How the Manual Helps You Diagnose Faults

Section 5 is the Electrical System. It covers the starter circuit, alternator (if equipped), safety interlocks, and the wiring harness. Unlike a generic Manual Transmission”>Manual Transmission diagram you find online, this manual gives you the actual wire colors and connector pinouts for the 310 and 313. I’ve diagnosed a no-crank condition on a 313 using this book in under 20 minutes because the manual showed the interlock switch logic. That’s the difference between OEM and “close enough.”

The Engine chapters (Sections 6 and 7) are split by model – 310 and 313. They include fuel system, cooling, and the Kubota or Mitsubishi engines depending on the year. Valve adjustment specs, injection pump timing, and compression test procedures are all there. For the 310 engine, you get the torque sequence for the cylinder head. For the 313, the manual covers the different injection pump timing. If you’re swapping a power unit, this is the reference you need.

When you’re sourcing parts, you’ll also want to look at Bobcat S185 2008 Service Manual – 998 Pages of Factory Specs”>Bobcat S185 2008 Service Manual – 998 Pages of Factory Specs for a later generation, but for the early ’80s iron, stick with the 1982 original. And if you’re comparing to a standard Manual Transmission”>Manual Transmission service guide, remember – this is a skid‑steer with hydrostatic drive. Different animal.

Source Authenticity: Why “Dealer Copy – Not for Resale” Matters

Look at the OCR: every page says “Dealer Copy – Not for Resale” and “Melroe Company 1982.” That’s the factory document that dealer technicians used. It’s not a third‑party scan of a photocopy. The preventive maintenance section includes daily cleaning procedures and the correct method to lift the cab. The warnings about exhaust fumes – “can kill without warning” – are from the factory, not added later. When you buy this manual, you’re getting the same paper that sat in a Bobcat dealer’s service bay 40 years ago.

Does this manual cover both the Bobcat 310 and 313 models?

Yes. Separate engine chapters (6 and 7) cover each model, plus shared sections for hydraulics, drive, frame, and electrical.

Are the wiring diagrams in color?

The manual uses black-and-white line drawings with wire color abbreviations printed next to each line. That’s factory standard for 1982.

What if I need a torque value not in the Specifications chapter?

The Specifications chapter lists all common fastener torques. For a fastener not listed, the manual directs you to the appropriate component section (e.g., hydraulic fitting torques are in the hydraulic system chapter). You won’t find a missing spec if you read the entire procedure.

Will this manual help me rebuild the hydrostatic pump?

It covers removal, disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of the pump with clear torque values for the mounting bolts and end cap. It does not include internal bearing tolerances – those require a pump service manual. But for a full teardown and inspection, it’s the right starting point.

You’ve read the warnings, you’ve seen the torque specs. Now put that 188-page factory manual on your bench and get the job done right. Access the Factory Manual and stop reaching for that worn-out photocopy from the previous owner.