Description

Bobcat S150, S160, S175, S185, S220 2003 Operators Manual

If you’re running a skid-steer loader without the factory Bobcat S150, S160, S175, S185, S220 2003 Operators Manual, you’re gambling with your equipment and your safety. I’ve seen too many guys skip the manual because they think “it’s just a loader.” Then they find out the hard way what happens when you don’t understand the BICS interlock system or the pedal lockout procedure. This 32-page document from Bobcat’s 2003 print run tells you exactly what every switch, pedal, and joystick does—and what to do before you even start the engine. No guesswork. No aftermarket rewrites.

BICS System: What the Factory Manual Covers

The Bobcat Interlock Control System (BICS) is the brain of these loaders. If you don’t follow the sequence—seat bar down, seat belt fastened, parking brake set—the machine won’t move. The manual dedicates several pages to this, including the exact procedure for overriding (which you shouldn’t do unless you’re a trained technician). On page 6, you’ll find the warning: “Nunca use a pá carregadora sem estar familiarizado com as instruções.” That’s Portuguese, but the English version reads the same: don’t operate without reading the manual. The BICS section alone is worth the price if you’ve ever had a loader that won’t start and you didn’t know why.

Pedal Controls vs. Joystick Controls – Factory Differences

Bobcat offered two control setups on these models: traditional pedal controls and Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC). The manual shows both configurations with labeled diagrams. For pedal models, you’ve got separate pedals for left/right drive and auxiliary hydraulics. For SJC, everything runs through two joysticks. The manual explains how to switch between them if your machine has the optional ACS (Advanced Control System). If you’re converting a used machine or teaching a new operator, this section saves you an hour of frustration. Bobcat S150 S160 2006 Service Manual has the detailed hydraulic schematics, but for daily operation, this operators manual is what you hand to the crew.

Safety Warnings You Cannot Skip – Factory Text

Page 2 starts with a bold warning: “Nunca use a pá carregadora sem estar familiarizado com as instruções.” In English: never operate the loader without reading the manual. Then it lists 15+ critical rules: lower the lift arms before stepping off, never exceed rated operational capacity, never carry passengers. The manual covers ROPS/FOPS cab requirements, seat belt use, and the correct way to lock the pedals. This isn’t generic advice—it’s the exact wording from Bobcat’s engineering department. If you get audited or have an accident, having this manual in your glovebox proves you provided the proper instructions. Manual Transmission on a loader? No, but the same principle applies: follow the book.

7 Models Covered – Which One Matches Your Machine?

This 2003 manual covers the S150, S160, S175, S185, S220, plus the S250 and S300. That’s seven skid-steer loaders in one document. If you’ve got a rental fleet with multiple sizes, one manual covers them all. The diagrams show generic layouts that apply across the range, with footnotes for specific model differences. For example, the S220 has a slightly larger engine compartment, so the daily inspection points are called out separately. The manual is 32 pages—short enough to read in a coffee break, dense enough to answer every operational question. Bobcat S150 S160 2006 Service Manual – Section: Engine gives you the repair data, but this is your start-up and shutdown bible.

Source Validity: Factory OEM vs. Aftermarket Reprints

I trust aftermarket manuals about as far as I can throw a loaded tool chest. They copy the info, miss the updates, and often skip the safety warnings. This document is a direct scan of Bobcat’s original 2003 operators manual. The part number is 6902600-PT (10-03). The page count is exact—32 pages. No reprints, no editorial changes. The Portuguese version we scanned came from a European market machine, but the English original is identical in content. What you get is what Bobcat printed in 2003. Bobcat S150 S160 2008 Service Manual – Section: Engine Lubrication System is a separate manual—don’t confuse the two. Operators manual for daily use; service manual for repairs.

FAQ

Is this manual only for operators, or can mechanics use it too?

Operators. Mechanics should get the service manual.

Does this manual cover the S220 model?

Yes, the 2003 Operators Manual covers S150, S160, S175, S185, S220, S250, and S300 models. That’s seven models in one manual. It includes the BICS system, joystick controls, pedal controls, and all the safety warnings you need. It does not include engine repair specs—that’s in the service manual. But if you’re running a job site and need to know how to safely operate or shut down a Bobcat, this is the factory document. It’s 32 pages, original OEM print from 2003, not a reprint. The Portuguese version we scanned is for European market, but the English version is identical in content. We have the English original as well. Check the product options.

Every time I see a skid-steer operator pulling levers without reading the manual, I cringe. The Bobcat engineers wrote this for a reason—to keep you alive and your machine running. Whether you’re a one-man crew or managing a fleet of loaders, this document belongs in the cab. Manual Transmission might not apply, but understanding your loader’s controls sure does. Access the Factory Manual now and put it in your machine. You’ll be glad you did.