Top Options to Consider When Buying a Bobcat Compact Loader

Summary

Before your loader starts down the assembly line, you'll want to decide which factory options to include. Think about the jobs you take on most, the conditions you work in, and whether priorities like operator comfort, attachment versatility or advanced technology will have the biggest impact on your day.

Optional Classic Features

1. Selectable Joystick Control or Hand and Foot Controls

Selectable Joystick Control allows operators to select between ISO or H pattern by simply pressing a switch. These low fatigue joysticks allow you to control your loader and attachments with precision, ease and comfort. They also feature fingertip control of numerous machine functions – so there’s no need to let go of the joystick.

For operators who prefer a traditional feel, hand-and-foot controls are also available across all Classic models and on select Pro models and packages.

2. Open or Enclosed Cab

An open cab provides an unobstructed operating environment with no doors or roof enclosure, offering maximum airflow and visibility. It's a practical choice for operators working in mild climates or jobs where frequent entry and exit is required. Enclosed cabs with HVAC fully surrounds the operator with a sealed environment and a heating and air conditioning system, keeping you comfortable and protected from the elements year-round. Classic enclosed cabs unlock additional comfort features like sound reduction and hands-free Bluetooth radio on select packages.

Performance Options to Drive Productivity  

4. Power Bob-Tach Attachment Mounting System 

Power Bob-Tach® allows you to quickly change non-hydraulic loader attachments without leaving your seat. For hydraulic loader attachments, all you need to do is hook up the hoses after you have secured the attachment to your compact loader.

5. Two-Speed Travel 

Two-Speed travel boosts your top travel speed. This helps operators reduce travel time across jobsites, increasing efficiency and profitability.

7. Automatic Ride Control 

Automatic ride control reduces material spillage, allowing you to travel at faster speeds across rough terrain. Thanks to its dampening effect, this option also increases operator comfort by offering a smoother ride. 

8. Single or Dual-Direction Bucket Positioning

Single-Direction Bucket Positioning (Classic loaders) Automatically keeps the bucket level as the lift arms rise — reducing spills and making it easier to carry a full load to height without constant correction.

Dual-Direction Bucket Positioning (Standard on Pro loaders) Maintains a consistent bucket angle throughout the entire lift cycle — both up and down. So whether you're raising a load or lowering back into a pile, the bucket stays level automatically, reducing spills and operator input in both directions.

9. Optional Pro Features

LED Lights (available on Classic and Pro)
Available for the front and side of the machine, LED lights offer a brighter and longer-lasting alternative to halogen. Upgrade to premium LED lighting to shine brighter and farther.

Bobcat View Camera Systems: Rear Area or Broad Area (available on Classic and Pro)
Bobcat View Camera Systems provide extra awareness around the machine via an integrated digital display — giving operators greater jobsite awareness without taking focus off the work.

1. Rear Area (available on Classic and Pro) Delivers a live rear camera feed directly to your display, helping you identify obstacles and stay aware of what's behind the machine while maneuvering on the jobsite.
2. Broad Area (available on Pro) Expands on the rear view by adding side camera feeds for a wider field of awareness — particularly useful for monitoring track edges, navigating tight spaces and staying aware of obstacles on all sides, so you can maneuver with greater confidence.

Bobcat Sense Detection Systems: Rear Object Detection & Avoidance or 360° People Detection (Pro loaders only)

Bobcat Sense Detection Systems are radar and camera-based systems that actively monitor the area around the machine and alert operators to potential hazards, adding an extra layer of jobsite awareness.

1. Rear Object Detection & Avoidance uses radar to detect both objects and people within the rear field of view, triggering visual and audible alerts. Operators can choose how the machine responds based on jobsite conditions:
2. Stop Mode — the machine automatically stops to avoid a collision
3. Alert Mode — the operator is warned but maintains full control
4. 360° People Detection Expands awareness to the full perimeter of the machine, detecting only people within a monitored 360-degree zone. Combining the functionality of the broad area camera with active detection capabilities, it delivers both visual coverage and person alerts simultaneously. Unlike Rear Object Detection & Avoidance, it does not slow or stop the machine.

Jobsite Companion (Pro Advanced package only)
Jobsite Companion is an in-cab AI assistant that streamlines machine operation through voice commands, automatic attachment settings, job profitability tracking and real-time insights — keeping operators' hands on the controls rather than stopping to adjust settings between tasks. The result is a more fluid, productive day from start to finish.

Drive Modes (Pro loaders only)
Pro loaders feature four selectable drive modes — Balanced, Agile, Dynamic and Charged — giving operators the ability to select a machine response to match their skill level, working style and the demands of the job. Each mode delivers a distinctly different feel, so you can experiment and find the one that works best for you.

1. Balanced — Smooths acceleration and deceleration for a relaxed, comfortable operating experience. Ideal for new operators, precision tasks or anyone working in tight spaces where control takes priority over speed.
2. Agile (factory default) — The classic Bobcat feel. Responsive, intuitive and well-suited for a wide range of everyday jobs — from moving material on a construction site to landscaping and farm work. If you've run a Bobcat before, this mode will feel right at home.
3. Dynamic — A noticeably quicker, more assertive response for experienced operators who want to push productivity on demanding jobs. The classic Bobcat feel, turned up a notch.
4. Charged — Maximum responsiveness with minimal filtering. Every joystick input translates directly to machine movement, giving skilled operators an instinctive, fully connected feel for large, open jobsites.

Machine IQ Telematics (available on Classic and Pro)
Machine IQ is Bobcat's official telematics service, giving owners and fleet managers remote access to machine location, performance and maintenance data from any device. Machine IQ helps reduce downtime, improve fleet efficiency and protect your investment with robust security features like geofencing and remote engine disable.

Classic loaders offer Machine IQ as an option in certain model packages or through a dealer-installed aftermarket kit (depending on the model). Pro loaders include a free 2-year Basics subscription standard across all packages, with a free 1-year Health & Security subscription available on Plus, Advanced and Land Management packages for expanded monitoring capabilities.

10. Rear View Camera

A rear view camera offers operators an additional viewpoint for identifying obstacles on the jobsite. For machines with the optional touch display, the rear view camera is fully integrated to switch from the display to the camera when moving in reverse.