Guide to Compact Tractor Sizes

We break it down in simple terms. Read this guide to feel confident before you head into a dealership.

Your Compact Tractor Questions, Answered    

Compact tractors are do-it-all machines designed to solve the unique challenges of acreage owners, hobby farmers or anyone maintaining land. Get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about this versatile machine.

Improve Grade Accuracy with Bobcat Depth Check System

Achieve an accurate dig depth and a precision grade without exiting your mini excavator by using the Bobcat depth check system.

3 ways Bobcat Machine IQ can save you money

Read how the telematics system on new Bobcat equipment can enable you to see the most important information about your equipment from any internet-connected device. Learn how to access your Bobcat Owner Portal, where you can see your machine’s location and more.

4 Jobs the Bobcat Pro Clamp System™ Does Better

Go beyond the capabilities of a typical excavator clamp attachment with the Pro Clamp™ system from Bobcat Company. The advanced system allows you to perform demolition or tear-out work, create smooth trench bottoms, clean up spoil piles and install or repair utilities.

How to Expand Your Business With Construction Equipment Attachments

For decades, equipment owners have found this strategy to be a successful one for expanding their service lines and adding new customers. Learn how adding attachments can be a productive business strategy.

Know the Basics: Compact Excavator 101

Introduced to North America in the mid ‘80s, mini excavators are known for their reduced size and impressive versatility. Learn all you need to know about this popular piece of equipment with our mini excavator breakdown.

How to Tow a Bobcat Skid-Steer or Compact Track Loader

Properly transporting your Bobcat® skid-steer or compact track loader from one job to the next is important when considering the well-being of your crew and equipment. Help protect your people and your investment with these guidelines.

4 Tips to Select the Right Loader Bucket for Your Compact Loader

Buckets are one of the most commonly used attachments for compact equipment, specifically compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders. But with so many types to choose from, how do you know which bucket is best suited for your application? Don’t leave your job to chance. Consider these tips to find the right fit for your fleet.

Top 10 Attachments in Your Industry

Different work requires different tools. We identified the top compact equipment attachments in construction, landscaping, grounds maintenance and agriculture to boost your productivity.

Ten Tips for Boosting Compact Excavator Uptime

Maximize compact excavator uptime and productivity with these excavator maintenance tips.

Best Bobcat attachments to rent

Don’t have the right attachment for the job? Take on the task with Bobcat attachment rentals. Find out which attachments are most popular to rent.

How to streamline your parts and service appointment

If a part on your Bobcat equipment needs attention, it’s crucial to share detailed information with your Bobcat parts and service specialist. Make sure you’re prepared with these 4 tips.

9 Reasons Bobcat compact loaders offer dependable machine uptime

When your compact equipment is not running, you are not productive or profitable. Here we will look at compact loader features and benefits that can help you get more machine uptime protection and less time worrying about what to do if your machine broke down.

4 Benefits of renting a compact track loader

Need a temporary addition to your fleet? Renting compact equipment, specifically a compact track loader, may be the right option for you. Learn more.

Money-making ideas for your compact excavator

Your compact excavator offers versatility far beyond digging. Learn how the right attachments can help you bid on new jobs.

How to train your new compact equipment operators

Do your new operators need to know how to operate a Bobcat machine? Train your operators with these six steps for proper compact equipment operation and maintenance.

9 loader options and accessories to consider before ordering a new machine

You’ve made the decision to purchase a compact track loader or skid-steer loader. Now consider these accessories to tailor the machine to your jobsite’s needs.

How to reduce compact equipment theft

Despite ongoing efforts by construction firms and law enforcement, the number of equipment theft reports in the United States continues to grow. There are several steps you and your operators can take to reduce construction equipment theft from your jobsites. Learn how.

4 Benefits of Larger Excavators

Don’t let the term “compact excavator” – also known as a mini excavator – fool you. The Bobcat E85 compact excavator is small in size but big on power. As the largest excavator in our equipment lineup, it delivers heavy lifting and digging capabilities, while its compact size offers better maneuverability and mobility. See how the E85 can benefit you and your operation.

Selecting the Right Warranty

How well do you know your warranty options? Before adding to your fleet, consider these basic warranties and their benefits.

What does a “Tier 4 engine” mean?

What does it mean when manufacturers say their machines meet Tier 4 engine requirements? How do you maintain a Tier 4 engine? Learn how.

How to choose the right mini track loader

While "mini" is in the name, mini track loaders provide great strength on the construction site. Mini track loaders can bring big productivity to a variety of jobsites – including maintenance, construction and development projects – but it’s important to consider your specific application needs before selecting the right model.

6 Tips to Maintain Your Compact Loader

Proper maintenance is essential to keep your compact equipment going. Minimize downtime by following these six routine maintenance procedures.

3 Benefits of Large Compact Track Loaders

Simply put: the larger your workload, the larger the compact track loader you need to handle the job. A bigger machine can carry, scoop and lift more material in less time, saving you money and helping you get to your next job faster. Take a look at the benefits of larger compact track loaders.

Shop Cleanliness Checklist: 6 Steps to Protect Your Equipment

When was the last time you or your crew cleaned your shop? A week? A month? A year? Reduce contaminants that could potentially damage your equipment and its components by adopting a clean-shop mindset.

Grow Your Business With Cold Weather Services

Cold weather may bring fewer jobs and contracts to your door. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Extend your working season and generate additional revenue once the snow flies by adding snow and ice removal services. See if it’s right for you.

How to Choose the Right Tracks for your Compact Track Loader

The growing demand for compact track loaders primarily owes its success to the maneuverability and productivity of their tracks. But before getting to work with your compact track loader, consider these four factors to decide which tracks are the best choice for your jobsite.

Telehandlers Move Bales and Much More

A popular machine for farming applications is quickly becoming favored by landscaping companies, construction sites and snow removers. With its compact size, lift capacity, maneuverability and attachment versatility, there’s little that the Bobcat VersaHANDLER telescopic tool carrier can’t do, and whole lot more that it can.

Snow-How: 7 Snow Safety Tips for Equipment Operators

Snow removal safety starts with you. Make sure you have an ongoing training program and clear communication about what’s expected before your crews hit the road. This article will explain tips to keep everyone safe when working on snow removal jobs.

4 Considerations Before Selecting Compact Excavators for Use in Confined Spaces

Today’s compact excavators are designed to overcome challenges when working in confined spaces where larger equipment cannot fit. Before bidding on a project and working in confined areas, evaluate these 4 considerations.

6 Training Tips for Rented Equipment

Many times you need to rent a machine to complete a specific job, or to bid on a project. Once that machine is rented the question becomes whether you or your operators know how to use the equipment? In this article we will cover what operators need to know when using a rented machine including fuel considerations, DEF considerations and quick reference guides.

Benefits of Buying Remanufactured Parts for Compact Equipment

Reman parts can offer like-new performance, reliable service life and substantial cost savings to help extend the life of your compact equipment.

5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Pre-Owned Equipment

Purchasing new Bobcat® equipment has its obvious advantages. But, there are times that it may make sense to invest in pre-owned equipment. Here are five questions to ask before adding pre-owned equipment to your fleet.

How to properly transport your compact excavator

Transporting your compact excavator to and from the jobsite is no small feat. But it’s time well-spent. Using the right-sized trailer as well as correctly loading, positioning and securing your equipment can help you protect your investment as well as reduce the risk of load violations while on the road.

5 Ways Bobcat Attachments Offer Big Benefits on the Farm

Highly maneuverable in tight spaces, Bobcat compact equipment is a natural fit on the farm. In this Q&A, Bobcat Company product manager of loaders Chris Girodat shares how ag producers can use attachments to get even more from their equipment.

What’s your parts plan? Make dealers your partners for parts and maintenance

How to Choose the Right Compact Excavator Size

The utility of the compact excavator has led to their increasing popularity on jobsites everywhere, from landscaping to demolition to excavation projects. With all the different sizes, options and configurations, how do you find the machine that’s right for you? Consider these factors to get started.

What Skid-Steer Loader Tire is Right for the Job?

Rock, asphalt, concrete, sand. Loaders can muscle through jobs on nearly any surface condition – if they’re outfitted with the right tire for the task. The type of tire you choose has the potential to not only boost your machine’s performance but also increase uptime and enhance profitability.

Four tips to prep your loader for the busy season

The busy season is here. To help ensure maximum productivity and to minimize unexpected downtime, you should follow a preventive maintenance checklist for your Bobcat® compact loader.

Diversify your business with attachments

Looking to grow your business? Before adding a dedicated piece of equipment to your fleet, consider outfitting your skid-steer loader, compact track loader and compact excavator with Bobcat® attachments.

5 Steps to Keep Your Skid-Steer Loader From Taking a Snow Day

When the project calls for winter work, contractors count on skid-steer loaders to keep the operation running. Skid-steer loaders are tough enough to make the transition to the cold. Before you let your skid-steer loader out to take on the snow, make sure it’s ready to handle winter weather. Follow these seasonal maintenance tips to keep your machine in top shape.

Get More Working Days with a Compact Track Loader

What if you could extend your working season and generate additional revenue? While you can’t control the weather or change the seasons, you can control how you work through what Mother Nature delivers.

4 Ways Your Dealer Can Keep Your Fleet Healthy

Maintenance issues can crop up unexpectedly – like a cold or virus for your machine. You don’t have to diagnose and repair it yourself. Instead, take your machine to the doctor – your local dealer – for a quick checkup.

The Case for Rental in a Good Economy

Got a big project coming up? Consider renting. Renting equipment is a smart decision in any economic condition. These tips will help determine if it’s right for you.

6 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Undercarriage

Is improper maintenance shortening the life of your compact loader or excavator undercarriage? Follow these tips to keep the hardest working part of your equipment running strong for years to come.

How to Choose the Right Compact Track Loader Size

With so many sizes available, choosing the correct compact track loader may seem overwhelming. But by understanding what each size of machine offers — as well as your own specific application requirements — you can easily match a machine to your business needs.

New Trends in Compact Loader Design and Performance

Today’s loaders barely resemble the world’s first compact loader, introduced by Bobcat Company more than 60 years ago. The latest models feature many enhancements you can see and others that you’ll experience on the job.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leasing: The Fastest Growing Finance Option in the Industry

More companies have discovered that leasing is the best solution for bringing the legendary productivity of the world’s toughest brand to their business. Here are some frequently asked questions about leasing Bobcat® equipment and the advantages it can provide your business.

Succession Planning: Create Your Exit Strategy Early for a Smooth Transition

As a business owner, your days are full and the years pass quickly before you know it, retirement is not far away. If you’ve worked hard to build your own business, a well-thought-out plan for passing the reins to a successor can provide peace of mind.

Fuel quality impacts every compact machine in the industry. Are you prepared?

In the past, compact equipment was more forgiving of variances in fuel quality – so when fuel-related issues come up today, you might think there’s something wrong with your machine. The truth is, your fuel could be to blame.

4 important details you need when talking with the parts and service departments

Damaged part? When a component on your Bobcat machine is on the outs, your local Bobcat dealer should be your go-to source for a quality, Bobcat-branded replacement part that’s designed specifically for your machine’s model and unique needs.

Top 5 Bobcat Machines to Make Snow Removal Easy

Getting ready for snow removal season? Power through winter weather and keep high-traffic areas such as driveways, parking lots and sidewalks clear by using the right compact snow removal equipment. Whether you plan to rent or buy, choosing the right machine for your weather conditions and work can save valuable time and money.

8 Must-Have Attachments for Snow Removal

With the right attachments, your skid-steer loader, all-wheel loader, mini track loader, utility vehicle or utility work machine can become an unstoppable, snow-removing machine. Here’s our list of the eight must-have attachments for snow removal.

5 tips to safely lift objects with a compact excavator

It’s digging season and your compact excavator is getting a workout. But did you know that one of the most frequent — and often overlooked — jobs performed by excavators is lifting? Learn the basics.

How to Safely Lift and Move Loads With an Excavator

Other than digging, one of the most frequent jobs performed by hydraulic excavators is lifting. Understanding your machine’s lifting capacity helps you to lift and move loads safely, and knowing what to check before you lift can help prevent injuries and downtime.

6 Improvements to Bobcat Compact Track Loader Undercarriages

New solid-mount and optional Roller Suspension™ system undercarriages (available on select Bobcat® compact track loader models) provide significant improvements in six areas.

Rubber Tire or Compact Track Loader? 3 Questions to Help You Decide

No matter the industry you’re in, a quality compact loader can be one of the smartest investments you’ll make.

3 Reasons Why Today’s Diesel Was Not Your Father’s Fuel

Back in your father’s day, compact equipment ran on diesel fuel that was cheaper, easier to store and performed better in cold weather. Fuel systems were much simpler and less sensitive to contaminants. Parts were relatively.....

Sunrise to Sunset: Your Daily Guide to Winter Fuel Management

Weather conditions and work demands can change as fast as temperatures drop — and your diesel fuel should adjust with you. Increase cold weather uptime by taking extra steps to make you more productive from sunrise to sunset.

Checklist: Compare Skid-Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders and All-Wheel Steer Loaders

Which compact loader type is best for you? With the growing product choices, it is challenging to find the right loader for your needs. Begin by matching your needs with the strengths of each compact loader type.

Two Lift Arm Configurations — Which is Right For You?

Bobcat Company offers two lift arm styles for its loaders to meet your daily challenges. Compare lift arm designs and choose the configuration that matches your lifting needs.

Equipment Uptime Starts At The Pump

For today’s high-performance engines, clean fuel and the right fuel filter help deliver longer component life.

The Latest Loader Features You Can’t Live Without

When it comes to evaluating the pros and cons of a compact loader, a lot of people are tempted to give little notice to operator comfort. But industry experts say there are a lot of good business reasons to look for comfortable cabs.

Loaders Backed by Legendary Bobcat Durability

When shopping for a new skid-steer or compact track loader, the loader’s quality and serviceability are major drivers of value, because they can maximize your uptime protection.

How Joystick Controls Can Increase Productivity

Equipment manufacturers know that when you use your preferred control system and pattern, productivity typically increases and there’s less operator fatigue.

How to Choose: Increase your Compact Loader IQ

5 Steps to help you evaluate and select the best type of loader for your operation

Stay Agile with a Properly Balanced Loader

When you evaluate skid-steer loader performance, you may automatically assume that more horsepower equals higher capabilities and better results. While horsepower is a consideration, don’t overlook the critical area of machine weight balance.

3 Jobs You Didn’t Know You Could Do with Your Compact Excavator

Compact excavators are great at what they’re built for — digging in confined spaces. But you may not know they perform a wide variety of tasks beyond excavation. Paired with the right attachments and a coupler system that allows for quick and easy exchanges, here are three.....

Leasing Lowers Payments, Saves Money for Excavating Company

Leasing compact equipment is growing in popularity and can be an affordable option to traditional financing or buying compact equipment outright. Imperial Excavating is an established excavating company that has found success through the Bobcat PowerLease finance program offered.....

Why Utility Contractor Chooses Compact Excavator

For someone who says he quit learning in seventh grade, Ronald Cline certainly knows plenty about being a successful utility contractor. After 28 years in the business, he’s figured out what’s.....

Making Quick Work Of Utility Projects

After the first 30 minutes, Scott Wiese was already comfortable operating his newest Bobcat® excavator — a mighty E85 — complementing a much smaller Zero Rail Swing 418. He had a good feel for what the smooth, powerful machine could do. Within a few days he was producing results.....

6 Measures of Compact Excavator Excellence

After almost a decade of operating compact excavators — either belonging to a former employer or rented — Rocky Wisley’s young company had enough business to purchase its own machine in 2012.....

Reaching Beyond Seawalls

When the last recession hit, Honc Marine Contracting was strong enough to withstand a couple of lackluster years. Unfortunately, the bad economy continued for seven.....

Turning a Part-time Job into a Full-time Passion

With an unusual company name and one of the owners working 7,000 miles away half of the year, Rotten Rock Hardscaping and Tree Service Inc. is riding a five-year growth rate of 50 percent annually. The owners are doing it in a thoroughly modern way — relying heavily.....

Cold Weather 101 Checklist

Ongoing improvements to engines and diesel fuel have helped reduce emissions and contributed to cleaner air. Today, we have cleaner and more efficient diesel engines in Bobcat® compact equipment. The High-Pressure Common-Rail (HPCR) technology used on our larger engines uses.....

The Bobcat Tier 4 Advantage

Bobcat loaders feature the Tier 4 Bobcat Engine, which includes a non-diesel particulate filter (non-DPF) engine solution where a filter is not used. In addition to eliminating the need for a DPF, the engines used in Bobcat Tier 4 loaders have 4 to 12 percent increase in torque over older models. This increase in torque is produced over a wide range of engine RPM.....

Emissions Standards Resources

Tier 4 standards reduce emissions from a typical non-road diesel engine by up to two-thirds. Respiratory problems and disease caused by ozone and PM will decline – as will acid rain, crop damage and smog.....

The Secrets to Unmatched Compact Excavator Comfort

Durability. Reliability. Versatility. Of course, those are priorities when choosing a compact excavator to improve your productivity. But comfort? For some, it’s last on the list, but should be a priority.

Interpreting the Specs to Find the Right Compact Excavator

When it comes to compact excavators, you’ll find that nearly all of the key specifications relate to the machine’s size, power or performance. Here, we’ll break down a spec sheet to help you find the best compact excavator to fit your needs.

Top 7 Things to Look for When You Demo a Compact Excavator

So you’ve read the manufacturer’s literature, visited their website and pored over machine specs. Now, you’re at the dealership and ready to demo compact excavators. While you’re digging, pushing and lifting, what should you be paying.....

Advanced Hydraulics Help Power Compact Excavators

The most important way to determine an excavator’s performance is to feel the balance between the hydraulic system and the engine horsepower. It’s the guts that determines the true performance.....

Work flush against a wall with in-track swing frame

Bobcat® compact excavators are designed to operate in the smallest of workspaces. Exclusive to Bobcat excavators is the in-track swing frame, which allows you to get closer to your work.....

Rent or Buy: 10 Things You Need to Know

Deciding whether to rent or buy a compact track loader or compact excavator? Consider all the factors before making a commitment.

Excavator Q&A: How to Choose the Right Bucket

When you’re in the market for a compact excavator, the bucket is an important consideration. Compact excavator buckets come in a variety of sizes — choosing which is best for your environment and application can improve your machine’s performance and your productivity. So how do you find the bucket.....

Bobcat Tier 4 Technologies

Every Bobcat® machine with 25.5 horsepower (hp) or more features a Tier 4 compliant engine. Built for uncompromised performance, increased fuel efficiency, and cleaner emissions, Bobcat Engines utilize unique technologies to achieve Tier 4 status. Plus, Bobcat’s proprietary.....

Protecting Your Utility Vehicle Investment

If you expect your utility machine to provide years of service, choosing a well-built, dependable machine is the most important decision you can make. Buying a machine built with high-quality components and features such as a liquid-cooled engine, automatic machine shutdown.....

Utility Vehicles vs. Pickup Trucks

Pickups have long been the standard work vehicle, but utility vehicles offer unique advantages, like lower ownership costs, improved mobility and more. When you’re in the market for a second pickup for jobsite duties.....

UTV vs. ATV

When you’re in the market for a do-it-all type of vehicle, you might want to consider the lineup of Bobcat® utility vehicles. In terms of bang for your buck, the balance of comfort, power, maneuverability and ruggedness.....

Things to Look for When You Demo a Utility Vehicle

A utility vehicle might be the most productive and versatile vehicle you’ll ever own. With that in mind, it’s very important to evaluate a utility vehicle’s comfort, ease of use and safety. When you go to take a test drive, consider the tasks you perform most often, the gear.....

Why Suspension Matters for Utility Machines

With advanced suspension technology, it’s no wonder how tough machines like the Toolcat™ 5600 and 5610 utility work machines can deliver such a smooth ride and outstanding performance.....

Utility Vehicle Purchase Checklist

A new utility vehicle is a big purchase with a lot of considerations to keep in mind. A checklist reminding you of your top requirements and needs can help.....

Performance Features Give Toolcat Utility Work Machines the Edge

Four-wheel drive, power management, cruise control and a variety of other performance features make Toolcat™ utility work machines the go-anywhere, do-anything addition.....

Is a Utility Vehicle the Right Solution?

There’s a lot to consider before you take the plunge to purchase a utility vehicle. Ask yourself these questions to help make.....

Do Two Jobs in One Pass

With the Toolcat™ 5610 utility work machine from Bobcat Company, one machine can simplify your day, thanks to front and rear attachments. It has options for a 3-point hitch, PTO and rear remote.....

Nine Jobs for Your Compact Excavator and Attachments

It’s no secret that compact excavators can dig. But Bobcat® compact excavators reach far beyond the traditional role of digging.

Put Specs to the Test with a Jobsite Demo

When you’re shopping for an excavator, specs and promotional materials can help jump-start your research and narrow down your choices, but basing a purchase solely on a few numbers can be risky. Specs can be made to look good, and every manufacturer or salesperson.....

Excavator Q&A: How to Choose the Right Compact Excavator

With compact excavators enjoying a recent spike in popularity, the lineup of available models is more diverse and expansive than ever. Today, manufacturers produce enough variety in their equipment to allow you to tailor your machine selection....

Five Things to Consider Before Buying a Compact Excavator

Once you’ve determined that a compact excavator — also known as a mini excavator — is the right machine for you, the real work begins. It’s time to think about your business and how you’ll use the machine. But don’t let the terms “compact” or “mini” fool....

Get to Know Compact Excavators

Compact excavators take advantage of distinct features to deliver maneuverability, power, lift capacity, versatility and reach.

Fast Attachment Switching with Hydraulic X-Change

Time is money on the job. You know it, and so do we. That’s why Bobcat Company offers the fastest, most efficient attachment switching in the industry with the optional.....

How Easy Access Means Easy Maintenance

Because downtime costs money, it’s crucial to select equipment that provides easy access to engine components and routine maintenance items. When you can keep your excavator in good working order, you lower your operating costs and have the potential to make more.....

How to choose the best excavator arm configuration

With three available compact excavator arm configurations, these machines cover a wide variety of digging depths, from 6 feet to more than 15.5 feet. Discover which compact excavator can accommodate your jobsite.

Comparing Compact Excavators and Tractor Backhoe Loaders

Whether you are considering replacing a tractor loader backhoe with a compact excavator, or just trying to decide between the two, it’s important to know how they match up. Read on to see the advantages.....

Top Attachments for Compact Excavators

Traditionally known for their digging prowess, compact excavators have become a valuable addition to every equipment lineup. And when it comes to work, these attachment options make Bobcat® compact excavators the go-to choice for tough.....

Protect Your Turf with Selectable Steering

Do you worry when you drive machines over manicured lawns, patios and driveways? Are you tired of damaging sensitive surfaces and spending precious time and money repairing.....

Tailor One Machine to Fit All Your Needs

The key to any compact loader is simple: The more you use it, the more you get out of it. But how do you do more with your loader? The answer is simple: attachments increase versatility.....

Features that Make Mini Track Loaders the Right Choice

For many owners and operators, a loader offers the best combination of performance, versatility and comfort. However, you may have unique needs that require a different machine. Perhaps you frequently work in confined areas that require.....

How to Expand Your Business with Loader Attachments

The old saying goes: “It takes money to make money.” There’s a similar motto that applies to construction equipment: It takes the right tools and attachments.....

Improve Productivity with Smart Technologies

Compact equipment manufacturers have recently introduced some of the most sweeping changes in decades. Advancements include operator friendly designs, higher performance levels, increased working capabilities, smarter data capacity.....

4 Advantages of the Bobcat Roller Suspension System

You have many undercarriage options for a compact track loader. Each offers unique advantages for comfort, different job demands and your personal preferences. The Roller Suspension™ system from Bobcat offers an appealing.....

Why a Durable Chaincase is Key to Loader Longevity

The skid-steer loader’s chaincase houses the final drive sprockets and chains that power the axles. It's a major component of a.....

What You Need to Know About an Undercarriage

Why do some skid-steer loaders bog down in soft or wet conditions, while Bobcat® loaders pass through without slowing down? More often than not, the loader’s undercarriage.....

4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Compact Track Loader

If you are in the market to add a compact track loader to your equipment fleet, before you purchase, think about your job needs, working conditions, how easy equipment.....