Description

Bobcat 444, 500, 600, 600D, 610 1987 Service Manual

I’ve torqued head bolts on more engines than most people have had hot meals, and I can tell you the difference between a factory manual and an aftermarket PDF is the difference between a clean rebuild and a come-back job. The Bobcat 444, 500, 600, 600D, 610 1987 Service Manual is the dealer copy – not a reprint, not a scanned copy missing pages. This is the 100-page supplement that Melroe shipped to dealers in 1987. You need this if you are doing anything beyond fluid changes on these skid-steers.

You have to understand something: this manual is meant to be used with the main 600/610 service manual (pub 6556276). The supplement covers model-specific changes for the 444, 500, and early 600, plus the 600D and 610. Without it, you are guessing on wiring colors and hydraulic relief settings. Guessing costs you billable hours or a blown seal.

Hydraulic System: Factory Specs and Safety

The first chapter – Hydraulic System – starts on page 1 of this supplement. It gives you the OEM line routings, pressure test points, and the exact method to bleed the system after component replacement. Bobcat skid-steers use a closed-loop hydrostatic drive; if you don’t follow the sequence, you’ll have cavitation and a machine that creeps. Page 1 also includes the WARNING about never going under raised lift arms without an approved support device. I’ve seen what happens when someone skips that step. Read it.

Electrical System: Wire Colors and Connector Locations

Chapter two – Electrical System – starts at page 15. This supplement has the correct wire color codes for the 444 and 500, which differ from the later 600 models. If you are chasing a short in the harness, you want the original schematics, not a generic diagram. The manual traces each circuit from the battery to the solenoid to the warning lights. It also lists the fuse ratings in amps. No guesswork.

3 Engine Sections: Wisconsin, Onan, Kohler

Engine service occupies about half the manual – pages 27 through 100. Three separate sections: Wisconsin (page 27), Onan (page 47), and Kohler (page 59). Each one covers cylinder head torque sequences, valve adjustments, fuel pump pressure checks, and governor settings. You cannot swap parts between these engines without checking the specs. The Wisconsin uses a different crankshaft seal than the Onan. The manual tells you the right part numbers and clearances.

Does This Supplement Cover the 600D and 610?

Yes. The cover states it is to be used with the 600, 600D, 610, 611 service manual. The 600D is a diesel variant; the supplement includes diesel-specific fuel system procedures. The 610 has a heavier hydraulic pump setup. The troubleshooting section on pages 45–46 gives you a quick flowchart for hydraulics and engine starting issues. If your loader won’t move, start with those pages before tearing into the hydrostatic pump.

Torque Specs and Fluid Capacities – Page References

Every fastener that matters has its torque listed in the engine section. For example, the Wisconsin cylinder head bolts need to be tightened in a specific pattern with a final angle. The manual spells out the ft-lb values and the sequence. I’ve watched guys strip threads using a generic spec from a forum post. Don’t be that guy. For those working on manual transmission-equipped models, refer to Manual Transmission and Manual Transmission for background on gearbox theory.

If you want the complete package, check out Bobcat 444 500 600 1987 Service Manual for the full PDF. For daily operation and maintenance schedules, the 2005 Bobcat 444 Operators Manual – Operation and Maintenance is a good companion. And for a bound paper copy, consider Bobcat 444 500 600 1987 Service Manual – OEM Shop Guide.

One last thing about source validity: this is an official Melroe Company manual from 1987. Not a third-party reprint. Not a photocopy of a photocopy. The OCR excerpt shows the original dealer language – ‘Dealer Copy — Not for Resale’. That means the torque values, wiring diagrams, and hydraulic pressures are the same ones factory techs used. Aftermarket manuals often skip steps or round off specs. You are paying for accuracy when you get the OEM version.

FAQ

Is this manual complete for the 610 model?

It is a supplement to the main 600/610 service manual. You need both for full coverage.

What safety warnings are included in this manual?

The Maintenance Safety section on page 3 of the supplement (reprinted from the main manual) covers everything from hydraulic fluid injection risks to battery explosion prevention. It explicitly states: “Never service or adjust loader with the engine running unless instructed to do so in the manual.” It also warns against modifying equipment or adding attachments not approved by Bobcat Company. The lift arm support procedure is reiterated throughout. I keep a printed copy in the shop for every tech to read before they touch a Bobcat. That page alone can save a life.

Don’t waste time chasing aftermarket data that might be wrong. Access the Factory Manual and get the same information that Bobcat dealers used in 1987. Your rebuild deserves factory specs.