Description

Bobcat S175, S185 2004 Parts Catalog

If you’ve ever ordered a part for a Bobcat loader and got the wrong one, you know the headache. Aftermarket catalogs guess at part numbers. They swap supersessions without telling you. You end up with a hydraulic filter that doesn’t thread on or a seal kit for the wrong serial break. That’s money down the drain and a machine sitting. I’ve seen it cost shops a full day of billable time. That’s why I use factory documentation from the floor up. This Bobcat S175, S185 2004 Parts Catalog is a 477-page OEM print – the same binder Bobcat dealerships used when these machines were new. It’s not a reprint or a scan. It’s the real deal, covering S175 and S185 models with Turbo and standard engines, serial number breaks 5252 11001 & Above and 5253 11001 & Above.

When you open this catalog, you get exploded diagrams with every nut, bolt, and seal labeled. Quantity columns show exactly how many you need – sometimes marked with an “x” meaning “as needed”. No guessing. The manual uses abbreviations like NSS (Not Serviced Separately) and NAP (Not Available as Parts) so you don’t waste time ordering something that comes only as an assembly. Page 2 spells out the part number disposition codes: [A] for use up, [B] for use on other application – stuff the average parts counter won’t know. This level of detail keeps your repair moving.

477 Pages of Factory Part Numbers

This parts catalog runs 477 pages front to back. That’s not padding. Every page carries illustrations for a specific subsystem – engine, hydrostatic drive, lift arms, cab, electrical, you name it. The manual groups parts by assembly, so you don’t flip through random sections. Need the main control valve seals? You go to the hydraulic section, find the exploded view, and get the part numbers for the O-rings, the spool, and the springs. Each page notes whether the part is domestic or export (look for the machine serial number prefix – 5252 for domestic S185, 5253 for export S185, etc.). That matters when sourcing emissions components or special fittings.

The language on the page runs English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch – multi-lingual grid references at the bottom. That’s standard for OEM Bobcat literature. Don’t let it throw you; the part numbers are universal. And because it’s a 2004 publication, it matches the Tier II engine configuration exactly. No guesswork about changes made in 2008 or 2010. If your machine falls in those serial breaks, this is the correct catalog.

Why OEM Parts Catalogs Beat Aftermarket

Aftermarket parts catalogs often copy old printings or third-party compilations. They miss updates Bobcat made mid-year. This manual is printed by Bobcat Company itself, with the original artwork supplied by component manufacturers. The illustrations aren’t redrawn – they are the factory line drawings used in assembly. When a part superseeds, the manual sometimes notes it with a disposition code [C] (file PDR report with Bobcat Parts Sales) or [D] (part number error). You will not find that level of traceability in a generic online lookup. For a professional shop or a serious owner, this is the difference between a correct order and a return trip to the dealer.

I’ve told junior techs: do not trust a third-party website that lists a part number without an illustration. They copy from a database and don’t verify. This catalog gives you the drawing and the quantity. You can see the orientation of the part in the assembly – that prevents ordering the wrong bracket or hose. For high-wear items like the Bob-Tach pins or the drive sprocket seals, having the correct OEM number saves you from buying a part that looks the same but has a different bore size.

How to Use This Manual with Your S175 or S185

First, find your machine serial number. It’s stamped on the frame near the operator seat – forward operating position. The manual uses L.H. and R.H. from that seat view. Write down the full number. Then match it to the serial break on page 1: 5252 11001 & Above for S185 domestic, 5253 for export, 5250/5251 for S175 Turbo. If your serial is lower, you need an earlier revision. This catalog is for the 2004 production year with Tier II engines, so it aligns with the Bobcat Interlock Control System (BICS). Do not skip that check – ordering parts for a different serial break can give you a different steering lever or hydraulic pump.

Once you have the right section, look at the illustration. Each part has a reference number matching a row in the parts list. The quantity column tells you how many to order. Sometimes an “x” appears – that means use as needed (for shims, lubricants, etc.). Pay attention to the remark column for disposition codes. For example, if you see [B] next to a part number, that part is used on another application – cross-reference it before ordering. This manual also includes BTI bulletins (Bobcat Technical Information) that update part numbers after the catalog was printed. That information appears on the microfiche or in the manual’s final pages – check it.

3 Critical Things to Check Before Ordering Parts

1. Serial Number Break – Every assembly listing notes which serial break it applies to. Ignoring this is the number one reason you get the wrong part. The manual lists both standard and Turbo engine variants separately. S175 Turbo Export uses prefix 5251; S175 domestic uses 5250. Match exactly.
2. Abbreviations & Symbols – Page 2 explains NSS, NAP, and the disposition codes [A] through [D]. If you see “Adj.” in a description, it means the part is an adjustable component – you may need to set a gap or preload. Don’t just order it; understand what it replaces.
3. Quantity vs. As-Needed – When the column shows a numeric quantity, that’s the number of parts required for one assembly. When it shows “x”, you order per job (hose by the foot, wire, or thread locker). Never assume “x” means one.

One more thing: this catalog does not contain repair procedures. It is a parts catalog. If you need torque specs or step-by-step disassembly, get the matching Bobcat S175 S185 Service Manual. The service manual has the bolt torques and sequence. For later machines (2008+), consider the Bobcat S175 S185 2008 Service Manual for updated specs. And if you work on compact excavators too, check the Bobcat T3571, T3571L 2005 Parts Catalog – OEM Factory Specs.

Abbreviations and Symbols Decoded

Page 2 of this catalog contains the key to reading the parts lists. SALES means order from Gwinner Sales Department. NSS – not serviced separately, i.e., the part only comes as part of a larger assembly. NAP – not available as parts – you cannot buy this component from Bobcat; you must replace the entire parent assembly. The asterisk symbol denotes changed or added sections. Each page has a grid number at the bottom (Grid Nb 3 for French, 4 for German, etc.) so that instructions in multiple languages align with the same illustration reference. That’s factory engineering, not an afterthought. For a primer on how the automotive and equipment industries structure these manuals, you can read about the Automotive Industry Overview. Another useful resource is the Automotive Industry Overview for context on standardization.

FAQ

Does this Parts Catalog include engine rebuild instructions?

No. This is a parts catalog only – exploded views and part numbers. For rebuild steps and torque values, you need the matching service manual.

Will this manual cover my S175 if the serial number is below 5250 11001?

This edition is for serial numbers 5250 11001 & Above for S175. If your machine is older, you need an earlier revision. Check the serial break on the first page – that is your answer.

What is the difference between the S175 and S185 sections?

The S185 has a larger frame, different hydrostatic pump, and heavier axles. The parts catalog separates them by engine and serial prefix. Both are included in the same binder, with separate illustrations for each model. The S175 Turbo has its own engine section.

How do I interpret the disposition code [C] or [D] in the remark column?

Code [C] means a part number change was reported to Bobcat Parts Sales – a PDR (Product Discrepancy Report) was filed. Code [D] means the part number itself has an error and the correct number is listed elsewhere in the manual. If you see either, double-check with a dealer before ordering.

This catalog is the foundation of any accurate parts order for a 2004 Bobcat S175 or S185. Keep it on the workbench, not on a shelf. Access the Factory Manual now and stop wasting time on parts that don’t fit.