I handle parts orders for a mid-sized construction fleet. For about 4 years now. And in that time, I've made some mistakes that still make me wince when I think about them. The worst one cost us $890 in parts we couldn't use, plus a week of downtime on a Bobcat E35 mini excavator.
The culprit? A parts diagram I read wrong.
This FAQ is built around the questions I wish I'd asked before that order. And a few I learned the hard way.
What exactly is a Bobcat parts diagram, and why should I care?
A Bobcat parts diagram is an exploded view drawing of a specific machine or component, like the hydraulic system on an E35. It shows every single part, how they fit together, and a reference number for ordering. You'll find them on the official Bobcat parts portal, through your dealer, and on various third-party sites.
Why care? Because ordering the wrong part because you guessed at a number is expensive. I know. The $890 mistake was exactly that. I was looking for a specific seal kit for the E35, saw a diagram, and ordered based on the picture, not the part number. What I mean is, I assumed the picture was for my model, but I clicked on a diagram for an older revision. The kit didn't fit.
How do I find the right diagram for my Bobcat machine?
The machine serial number is the key. It's not the model number (like E35). The serial number is specific to your unit. You'll find it on a plate on the frame.
Three things: Locate the serial number. Enter it on the Bobcat parts portal. The system will show you the correct diagrams for that exact machine. I should add that your dealer can also pull these up from the serial number, which is what I do now for anything expensive.
Why did I order the wrong part from a Bobcat diagram?
This goes back to my $890 mistake. The diagram was technically a Bobcat diagram. The issue was I was looking at the diagram for the standard undercarriage when my E35 had the high-flow / heavy-duty undercarriage option. The parts are not interchangeable.
The question isn't 'is this a Bobcat part diagram?' It's 'is this the diagram for my specific configuration?'
Here's something vendors won't tell you: the same model can have multiple production variations. The diagram for a 2019 E35 might use different hydraulic hoses than a 2021 model. Always verify the serial number range on the diagram.
Saved hours of frustration by checking the 'Valid Serial Number From' field on the top of the diagram. It's small print, but it's critical.
I found a diagram online. Is it trustworthy?
Look, I'm not saying third-party sites are always wrong. I'm saying the stakes are too high to guess. The official Bobcat parts portal is the only source I trust for getting the exact part number. For a quick reference? A diagram from a reputable parts house might be fine. For ordering parts? Official source only.
What most people don't realize is that diagrams change over time as Bobcat revises designs. A diagram from two years ago might show a part that's been superseded by an improved version. The official dealer parts system will show the current, correct part number, even if the diagram is old.
Prices as of Q1 2025 for a major seal kit for the E35 from the official catalog versus a generic search? I've seen price differences of 15-30% for the same OEM part, but I'll still pay the premium for the guarantee it's the right one. The generic diagram didn't show the updated version of the seal, which is what my local dealer had in stock. If I'd ordered based on the old diagram, I'd have gotten the old part, which might have worked, but wouldn't have been the latest revision.
Can I use a diagram from a different Bobcat model?
Sometimes, parts are shared. The drive motor on an E35 might be the same as one on an E32. But never assume. The diagram will list the specific model applications. If it doesn't show your model, the part is very likely different.
Between you and me, we tried to save money by ordering a common part from a diagram for a skid steer loader for our E35. It looked identical. It was not. The mounting holes were off by 2mm. It was a $90 mistake, but it felt worse than the big one because I should have known better.
—though I should note that Bobcat does publish cross-reference lists for some high-wear, shared components like certain track sizes or fluid filters. Those are official cross-references, not guesses.
What should I check before I finalize a parts order?
The official parts list (after you've verified the serial number). Then check the part number against the diagram again. Then check the price. Oh, and check if the part is a 'KIT' or an 'ASSEMBLY'.
Why does this matter? Because you might think you're ordering one seal, but the part number might be for a 'Gasket Kit' that includes three seals and an O-ring for a higher price.
The checklist: Machine serial number correct? Diagram matches serial number range? Part number from diagram matches the one in the cart? Is it the right 'revision' of the part? (Check the 'Supersession' info on the catalog). In that order. I've caught 7 potential errors this quarter using this method.
My dealer shows a different part number than the diagram I have. Which is right?
Trust the dealer's system. Their system will show the most up-to-date information, including any parts that have been replaced by newer versions. The diagram you're looking at might be for a different sub-model or an older revision.
My experience is based on about 200 parts orders. If you're working with vintage Bobcat equipment (say, pre-2000), your experience might differ significantly. I can't speak to how the parts system works for that era. For that, you'll likely need to work directly with the dealer's parts specialist.
Real talk: if you're spending more than $200, just call your dealer. Screenshot the diagram and email it to them. The $20 in markup on the part is worth the guarantee you're not buying it twice.
