USE RESEARCH TO MAKE THE BEST PURCHASE DECISION.
Research Articles
Resources to help you make the best compact equipment purchase decision.
Finding an information hub can be difficult. That's why we assembled this collection of videos, articles, checklists and more to give you the educational resources you need, from customer perspectives and product comparisons, to business advice and more.
Compact Tractor Maintenance Made Simple
Routine maintenance should be as easy as tying your shoes. Use these tips to easily service and maintain your Bobcat compact tractor so it runs for years to come.
LIVE Tractor Talk Q&A Recap: Our Equipment, Your Questions
Buying a compact tractor is a significant decision and investment – one that should come with questions and research. But how do you know if you’re getting the right answers to your questions? Where do you get the information you need? Back in December, viewers had the opportunity to go right to the source – our Bobcat team. In our live Tractor Talk online broadcast, we showcased our CT2535 tractor along with several attachments and answered real questions from real people – live on social media.
Time-Saving Forestry Attachments for Your Next Project
When it comes to landscaping or forestry site maintenance, you need more than just the right equipment for the job. Round out your fleet with the perfect attachment for your next landscaping or forestry-related task.
Make Forestry Work Safer With These Bobcat Equipment Tips
Forestry work is a unique work environment. Use these tips to help keep your operators safe and your machines protected when operating forestry-clearing equipment.
Why R-Series is the Most Powerful, Durable and Comfortable Lineup of Loaders Ever Made
Get inside a Bobcat R-Series loader and you’ll see why no other machine compares.
5 Ways Bobcat Equipment Can Increase Your Productivity Without Growing Your Crew Size
Having trouble finding skilled labor? Here are five ways to elevate your productivity without adding to the payroll.
R2-Series: The Mini Excavator That Will Revolutionize Your Work
Try one of the Bobcat R2-Series excavators and you’ll never want to operate anything else.
Competitive Comparison: Bobcat E35 vs. Cat 303.5E2-CR Mini Excavator
See the Bobcat E35 and Cat 303.5E2-CR mini excavators face off and find the best machine for your construction work.
Competitive Comparison: Bobcat E50 vs. John Deere 50G Mini Excavator
Looking for a 5-ton compact excavator? We took a side-by-side look at two top models: the Bobcat E50 and the John Deere 50G. See which one came out ahead.
Bigger Jobs, Bigger Solutions: 5 Benefits of a Large Excavator Rental
While there are many benefits to equipment ownership, large excavator rentals are a great option for those who want to tackle larger jobs before committing to a purchase. From fixed monthly costs to saving money during tax season, here are five benefits of renting a large excavator.
Competitive Comparison: Bobcat T770 vs. Kubota SVL95-2 Compact Track Loader
Have a lot of earth to move? Time to get a large-frame compact track loader. Pick the best machine for your work with this head-to-head look at the Bobcat T770 vs. the Kubota SVL95-2 loader.
Competitive Comparison: Bobcat T76 vs. Cat 289D
Get a head-to-head look at two powerful compact track loaders: the Bobcat T76 vs. the Cat 289D3.
8 Attachments You Need to Turn Your Equipment Into a Snow Removal Machine
With the right Bobcat attachment, you can turn your Toolcat™ Work Machine, mini track loader, skid-steer loader, compact track loader, small articulated loader or compact tractor into an excellent snow removal machine. Here are eight Bobcat attachments to help you retire traditional snow removal tools, like shovels, and plow your way through even the deepest snow drifts.
Competitive Comparison: Bobcat T66 vs. Kubota SVL75-2 Compact Track Loader
There are lots of loaders to choose from; you want the one that works best for you. Let’s compare two popular compact track loaders: the Bobcat T66 and the Kubota SVL75-2.
Competitive Comparison: Bobcat E42 vs. Kubota KX040-4 Mini Excavator
With so many mid-size compact excavators in the market, it’s important to pick a machine that will do the best job tackling your projects. Let’s take a look at two popular mid-size compact excavator models – the Bobcat E42 vs. the Kubota KX040-4.
Jobs Made Easier With a Mini Track Loader
Whether you’re looking to downsize to something more maneuverable, or you want to upgrade from wheelbarrows and hand tools, the mini track loader allows you to bring a powerful machine onto tight jobsites. Check out some of the most popular jobs that can be made easier with the help of a mini track loader.
7 Signs That You Should Upgrade to a New Compact Tractor
Compact tractors are powerful machines that can turn backbreaking chores into fun, quick-turn projects. But what happens when an old compact tractor becomes more trouble than it’s worth? Here are seven telltale signs that it’s time to upgrade to a newer model.
Top 10 Attachments for Your DIY Landscaping Projects
See how you can take on projects to improve your outdoor space using powerful, versatile and rentable landscaping attachments.
Large Excavators: Are They Right for You?
If you’re in need of a versatile tool built for powerful trenching and excavating, a large excavator is likely the right choice for your fleet. Find out if a large excavator is the best option for your next project with these three important considerations.
How to Choose the Right Mini Track Loader
Even with "mini" in their name, mini track loaders can bring big productivity to a variety of jobsites – including landscaping, grounds maintenance and construction projects – but it’s important to consider your specific application needs before selecting the right model.
Compact Tractor Attachments For Your Projects
As the seasons change, so do your compact equipment needs. With the right compact tractor attachments or implements, you can transform your machine into the perfect tool for efficiently knocking out multiple projects on your land.
Telehandler Uses: Hay Moving Equipment and 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 a whole lot more that it can.
What Makes the E42 and E50 Mini Excavators Different?
The new R2-Series compact excavators boast enhanced performance, control, efficiency and operator comfort. So what makes the two excavators different? Take a side-by-side look at the E42 and E50 compact excavators to help you decide which one best meets your needs.
How to Select a Well-Built UTV
Utility vehicles (UTVs) are a popular means of transportation, whether it’s on a jobsite or an acreage. Selecting a well-built, dependable utility vehicle is the best way to ensure it provides you with years of service.
UTV vs. ATV
If you’re in the market for a do-it-all machine, a utility vehicle (UTV) might be the best option for you. While it’s possible to get around your jobsite or property with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), utility vehicles offer benefits that give them a leg up on the ATV.
How to Find the Best UTV for You
A utility vehicle (UTV) just might be the most productive and versatile vehicle you ever own. To choose the best utility vehicle for your job application, it’s important to evaluate the machine’s comfort, ease of use, safety and overall capabilities. To help you make the most of your next purchase, we broke down what to consider when test-driving utility vehicles.
The Anatomy of a Bobcat Small Articulated Loader
A spacious cab for comfort during extended work days, versatile attachments to make the most of your investment, and a tight turning radius to enhance maneuverability are just a few of the features that make up the Bobcat small articulated loaders.
5 Productivity-Focused Technologies Available with Your R-Series Compact Loader
The next generation of compact loaders are here, and they’re packed full of exciting, new technology to not only improve operator comfort and usability but to reduce downtime, too.
Radial Lift or Vertical Lift — Which Is Right for Your Skid-Steer?
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.
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 You Need to Know About the Redesigned R-Series Loaders
Our most powerful, durable loaders are coming. We’ve rounded up all the new features in R-Series loaders that’ll help you work smarter and more efficiently.
What’s your parts plan? Make dealers your partners for parts and maintenance
Unexpected maintenance can slow you down – costing you time, money and lost income. That’s why partnering with your dealership for parts and planned maintenance can be beneficial.
How to Maximize the ROI of Your R-Series Loaders With Features On Demand
R-Series loaders are designed with the technology to do more, faster than ever before. R-Series loaders equipped with the Features On Demand performance package help you to maximize your ROI by enabling select machine features at the point of sale, plus the ability to turn on other features at a later date without significant cost or machine upgrades.
Find Used Bobcat Equipment for Sale with Bobcat Certified Pre-Owned
You can find used Bobcat equipment with less stress using Bobcat Certified Pre-Owned. Learn how we certify a pre-owned machine.
How to Choose the Right Compact Track Loader Tracks
The right compact track loader tracks can improve your machine’s performance, minimize ground disturbance and extend your working season in wetter months.
Bobcat Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Skid-Steer Loader From Taking a Snow Day
Before you let your skid-steer loader out to take on the snow, follow this seasonal maintenance checklist.
9 Loader Options and Bobcat Accessories to Consider Before Ordering a New Machine
You’ve made the decision to purchase a compact track loader or skid-steer loader. Now it’s time to tailor your loader to your specific jobsite needs and operating preferences.
Get More Working Days with a Bobcat Compact Track Loader
A Bobcat compact track loader is one of the few pieces of compact equipment that can help you stay productive more months of the year and provide a greater return on your investment.
Stay Agile With a Properly Balanced Skid-Steer Loader
When you evaluate skid-steer loader performance, don’t overlook the critical area of machine weight balance.
8 Reasons Bobcat Compact Loaders Offer Dependable Machine Uptime
Here are eight reasons why you can rely on Bobcat loaders to ensure most of your time is spent on the jobsite and not in a shop.
Pneumatic vs. Solid Tires — Which Skid-Steer Tire Is the Best for the Job?
The type of tire you choose has the potential to not only boost your machine’s performance but also increase uptime and enhance profitability. To select the best skid-steer tires for your machine, first determine the primary surface you’ll be working on as well as your main application.
Skid-Steer or Compact Track Loader? 3 Questions to Help You Decide
No matter what industry you’re in, a quality compact loader can be one of the smartest investments you’ll make. If chosen with your work in mind, a quality skid-steer, all-wheel steer or compact track loader will become more than just an auxiliary piece of equipment.
How to Choose the Best Compact Tractor Tires for Your Work
With the proper tire for the task, compact tractors are the perfect machine for tackling your land’s toughest projects.
6 Compact Excavator Maintenance Tips to Boost Machine Performance (Infographic)
Maintaining excavators is crucial in your line of work. If your compact excavator is not maintained, you may risk losing profits because the machine cannot be used on the jobsite. Decrease the risk of downtime by following these six maintenance tips.
Your Machine Maintenance Checklist: The Basics (Infographic)
Save time on compact track loader maintenance with our machine maintenance checklist infographic.
Compact Tractor Transmission Types: Hydrostatic vs. Manual
Understanding the differences between manual and hydrostatic transmission types can make it easier for you to decide which Bobcat compact tractor is right for you.
7 Options to Consider When Deciding What Compact Tractor to Buy
With many sizes and configurations on the market, there’s a compact tractor to match your work style. Here are 7 things to consider.
What Oil Do You Need? Match the Oil to Your Machine
Compact equipment relies heavily on fluids to meet emissions, performance and service life requirements. Protect your machine’s uptime by selecting the right oil with these considerations.
Backhoe vs. Excavator: Which Is Your Loader’s Perfect Match?
Bobcat loaders and excavators are a match made in productivity heaven. Learn why this perfect pair will boost your business and which combo fits your needs.
5 Advantages of Bobcat Solid Mount and Roller Suspension Undercarriages
Solid-mount and optional Roller Suspension system undercarriages (available on select Bobcat compact track loader models) provide five significant advantages for your work.
How to Increase Your Productivity With Bobcat Joystick Controls
Hydraulic joystick controls have gained popularity with advantages like reduced operator fatigue and adjustable settings to accommodate multiple operate preferences. The increased operator comfort and overall efficiency offered by this type of system typically increases productivity.
How Easy Access Means Easy Excavator Maintenance
Selecting an excavator that provides easy access to engine components and routine maintenance items is important for cutting down on service time. See how it helps you keep your excavator in good working order so you can reduce operating costs and stay profitable.
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 Owner Portal 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 to Choose: Increase your Compact Loader IQ
5 Steps to help you evaluate and select the best type of loader for your operation
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.....
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.....