Make:
Bobcat (Clark Equipment / Ingersoll Rand era)
Model Variant:
642 Skid Steer Loader
Machine Type:
Skid steer loader (compact track/wheel loader)
Production Years Covered:
Mid-1970s through mid-1980s 600-series production
Manual Type:
Factory service repair workshop manual reprint
Product Format:
Digital PDF download
Delivery Method:
Instant download after purchase
Binding:
Digital (no physical binding)
Target Audience:
Technicians, mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts servicing Bobcat 642 skid steers
Market Position:
The 642 was a mid-size, rubber-tired skid steer built for construction, agriculture, and landscaping work
Competitive Advantage:
Compact footprint, high lift capacity for its class, and the proven Bobcat hydrostatic drive system
Loader Design:
Vertical-lift path with rear-pivot boom
Drive System:
Hydrostatic drive with independent left and right wheel motors
Operator Station:
Open ROPS/FOPS canopy with side-entry seat
Attachment Interface:
Bobcat quick-attach compatible for buckets, forks, and specialty attachments
Service Manual Focus:
Complete repair procedures, diagnostics, and factory specifications
Coverage Areas:
Engine, transmission/hydrostatic drive, electrical, brakes, suspension/steering, cooling, fuel system, troubleshooting
Manual Type:
Service repair workshop manual
File Format:
Searchable PDF — zoomable, printable, bookmarked
Delivery:
Instant digital download — no shipping, no waiting
Access:
Download again anytime after purchase
Page Count:
N/A - exact page count not specified for this listing
Operating Systems:
Windows PC, Mac, tablets, and smartphones
Searchability:
Full-text searchable PDF
Printing:
Full print-capable
General Information:
Safety warnings, machine identification, and maintenance schedules
Engine Service:
Complete engine overhaul — disassembly, inspection, rebuild
Transmission & Drivetrain:
Hydrostatic drive and drivetrain service procedures
Electrical System:
Diagnostics and repair with wiring diagrams
Brake System:
Inspection and service procedures
Suspension & Steering:
Component inspection and service
Cooling System:
Cooling and heating system service
Fuel System:
Maintenance and repair procedures
Hydraulic System:
Loader lift, tilt, and auxiliary hydraulic circuits
Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting with diagnostic flowcharts
Electrical Testing:
Multimeter procedures and component function verification
Wear Inspection:
Wear limits and allowable tolerances for all components
Torque Specifications:
All factory torque values and bolt specifications
Special Tools:
Special service tool numbers with illustrations
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics included
Exploded Views:
Exploded-view parts diagrams with OEM part numbers
Component Identification:
Location guides for major components
Assembly/Disassembly:
Step-by-step procedural diagrams with tool usage illustrations
Diagnostic Trees:
Flowcharts and symptom-based diagnostic trees
Model Coverage:
Bobcat 642 skid steer loader
Engine Variants:
Refer to manual for specific engine variants covered
Year Applicability:
Refer to manual for specific model-year applicability
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine Type:
Four-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel or gasoline (refer to manual for exact variant)
Displacement:
Approximately 1.0–1.5 L class — refer to manual for exact displacement
Fuel System:
Mechanical fuel injection (diesel) or carbureted (gasoline) — refer to manual
Cooling:
Liquid-cooled with radiator and fan
Rated Horsepower:
Refer to manual for exact rated output
Operating Speed:
Refer to manual for rated engine speed
Torque Values:
All factory torque specs included in manual
Standard Transmission:
Hydrostatic drive with dual variable-displacement pumps and wheel motors
Optional Transmission:
N/A - hydrostatic was standard for this model
Drive Configuration:
Independent left and right hydrostatic circuits for skid steering
Steering:
Skid steer via differential wheel speed
Control Type:
Lever-operated hydrostatic controls
Service Coverage:
Hydrostatic pump and motor service procedures included in manual
Wheelbase:
Refer to manual for exact wheelbase specification
Overall Length:
Refer to manual for exact length with and without bucket
Overall Width:
Refer to manual for exact width over tires
Height to ROPS:
Refer to manual for exact height specification
Curb Weight:
Refer to manual for exact operating weight
Rated Operating Capacity:
Refer to manual for exact ROC for this model
Shipping Weight:
Refer to manual for exact shipping weight
ROPS:
Roll-over protective structure as standard on this model
FOPS:
Falling-object protective structure available/standard depending on configuration
Seat Belt:
Operator restraint provided at the seat
Parking Brake:
Mechanical parking brake on the drive system
Loader Lock:
Hydraulic lift/tilt lockout for service
Neutral Start:
Start circuit interlock to prevent starting in gear
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - off-road construction equipment, not rated under automotive crash test programs
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges for engine and hydraulic monitoring
Warning Systems:
Indicator lamps for critical conditions
Controls:
Lever-operated hydrostatic drive and loader valve controls
Charging System:
Belt-driven alternator with battery
Lighting:
Work lights available depending on configuration
Engine Oil:
Per manual maintenance schedule — refer to manual for exact intervals
Hydraulic Oil:
Per manual maintenance schedule — refer to manual for exact intervals
Air Filter:
Inspect and replace per manual schedule
Fuel Filter:
Replace per manual schedule
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for grade and capacity
Hydraulic Fluid:
Refer to manual for specification and capacity
Coolant:
Refer to manual for type and mixture
Grease:
Multi-purpose lithium grease for pivot points
Known Issues / Wear Items
Hydrostatic Drive:
Pump and motor wear over time; monitor drive performance
Tires:
Heavy wear in skid-steer applications; rotate or replace as needed
Pins and Bushings:
Loader arm pivot points wear; grease and inspect regularly
Belts and Hoses:
Inspect for cracking and replace as needed
Manufacturer:
Bobcat Company (originally Melroe Manufacturing, later Clark Equipment / Ingersoll Rand)
Founded:
Bobcat brand rooted in Melroe Manufacturing, established 1947
Skid Steer Legacy:
Bobcat pioneered the modern skid steer loader with the M-series in the late 1950s
642 Introduction:
Mid-size skid steer introduced during the 600-series era
Position in Lineup:
Slotted between smaller and larger 600-series machines
Production Location:
Gwinner, North Dakota, USA