Bobcat Skid Steers — 2016 Spec Guide
More Than a Dozen Tool Carriers from the Skid Steer Loader Original
Bobcat Co. has been a leader in skid steer loaders since it created the compact equipment industry more than 50 years ago when two blacksmith inventor brothers designed a small, three-wheeled loader for cleaning turkey barns. Today, the company has a 15-model lineup that includes both radial- and vertical-lift-path machines.
The M-Series skid steer loader line ranges from the S450 to S850, including the new 74-hp, Tier 4-compliant S740. The M-Series loader cab-forward design moves operators closer to the attachment and provides visibility in all directions. This is particularly helpful when working in tight areas, such as grading next to a building or working around existing landscaping. M-Series loaders have the largest cab door opening on the market, offering visibility to the cutting edge and corners of the bucket, says Bobcat.
M-Series loaders provide up to 20 percent more hydraulic horsepower. This increased power can be delivered to more than 70 Bobcat attachments that can turn the loaders into multi-purpose tool carriers that can auger, trench, grade, sweep and clear snow, just to name a few capabilities. A pressurized cab has a one-piece pressure seal that goes all the way around the door on the front and sides, says Bobcat, and fits into a special curved pocket. This minimizes the amount of dirt and dust that might enter the cab, creating more enjoyable working conditions and making it easier to clean the cab.
Attachments are as important as the machine, which is why M-Series loaders have been designed with stronger hydraulics for improved attachment performance. To easily change attachments, the Bob-Tach attachment mounting system is vertically integrated with the loader’s electronics, hydraulics and geometry. An optional Power Bob-Tach system is available for changing non-hydraulic attachments from inside the cab.
For operation on sensitive surfaces, Bobcat offers the exclusive A770 all-wheel steer loader, which is the only compact loader in the industry that offers both all-wheel steer and skid steer capabilities. The A770 platform model lets you switch from turf-saving all-wheel steer to ultra-maneuverable skid steer mode at the touch of a dash panel switch. The A770 is the perfect choice for landscaping, nursery, construction, industrial, utility and municipal jobs because it minimizes ground disturbance, tire marks and reduces tire wear — even on hard surfaces.
Advice to Buyers
“Customers should assess their applications before purchasing a skid steer loader,” says Mike Fitzgerald, loader product specialist with Bobcat Co. “They will get the most out of their skid steer loader by properly matching the physical size, rated operating capacity and horsepower to their specific job duties.”
