Compact Equipment Magazine
Skid Steers
Bobcat Skid Steers Summarized — 2018 Spec Guide

Bobcat Skid Steers Summarized — 2018 Spec Guide

By CE Staff September 6, 2018 View Profile

12 Tool Carriers Offered from the Skid Steer Loader Original

Bobcat Co. pioneered the compact equipment industry nearly 60 years ago when two blacksmith inventor brothers designed a small, three-wheeled loader for cleaning turkey barns. Today, the company has a 12-model lineup — including the A770 all-wheel steer loader — that includes both radius- and vertical-lift-path machines. In fall 2016, Bobcat introduced its newest generation of skid steer loaders — the M2-Series. M2-Series skid steer loaders offer a variety of performance, operator comfort and visibility enhancements to help increase productivity and provide enhanced uptime protection. The M2-Series lineup includes Bobcat 400-, 500-, 600-, 700- and 800-frame-size skid steer loaders.

Features of the new M2-Series skid steer loaders include enhanced automatic ride control. When set to auto, automatic ride control will automatically turn on and off based on the hydraulic pressure in the lift circuit. This provides the benefits of ride control when it is needed in applications such as material moving, and it automatically shuts off when it’s not needed in applications such as grading. Automatic ride control reduces material spillage, allowing you to travel at faster speeds for increased productivity.

A new reversing fan option available for M2-Series loaders allows you to temporarily reverse the cooling fan direction — for several seconds — to blow dust and small debris from the radiator and rear screens. This M2-Series loader option helps minimize downtime and can reduce the cooling area cleaning frequency. Choose from the following three operating modes: automatic — reverses fan direction at a regular frequency to keep the loader’s engine coolant and hydraulic oil at proper operating temperatures; manual — purges material at your discretion; and off.

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 lets you switch from turf, tire and asphalt-saving all-wheel steer to ultra-maneuverable skid steer mode at the touch of a dash panel switch.

Advice to Buyers

“Cab comfort should be a consideration when looking at purchasing a skid steer loader,” says Mike Fitzgerald, loader product specialist with Bobcat. “Is an enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning ideal because of the conditions the machine and operator will be working in, or will a machine with an open cab suffice? Bobcat also offers sound dampening features that increase cab comfort reducing outside jobsite noise.”