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Compact Track Loader and Skid-Steer Loader Features and Optional Upgrades
Compact Loader Buyer’s Guide: Part 4 of 6
Table of Contents:
- Understanding Compact Track Loader & Skid Steer Loader Features and Options
- Comfort and Cab Amenities
- Performance
- Control Systems
- Advanced Display Screens
- Deluxe Instrumentation
- Rear-View Camera
- Telematics and Monitoring
- Bobcat Digital Products
- Choosing the Right Loader Features to Experience Unmatched Performance
- Continue the Compact Track Loader & Skid-Steer Loader Buyer's Guide
Understanding Compact Loader Features and Options
As the compact track loader and skid-steer market continues to evolve, so does the list of advanced features to enhance productivity, efficiency and operator comfort. This buyer’s guide will help you select the right features and optional upgrades to support your operation.
Comfort and Cab Amenities
When comparing compact loaders, it’s important to prioritize comfort and cab features to minimize operator fatigue. Common comfort and cab features include a suspension seat, HVAC or heated cab, pressurized cab, and more.
On a compact loader, Bobcat’s cab amenities create a comfortable environment for an unmatched operator experience – helping you maximize productivity while enjoying the ride.
Bobcat offers a variety of optional comfort features on their compact loaders. Available within select packages, operators can choose from comfort features such as a heated adjustable seat, advanced display, enclosed cab with automatic heat and air conditioning, and more.
Enclosed Cab with Heat and Air Conditioning
The enclosed loader cab offers climate control – with heating and air conditioning available on select models – to keep operators comfortable even in extreme weather conditions, from scorching summers to freezing winters. This level of comfort can increase operator productivity and extend your working season.
Infotainment
Infotainment systems expand on a standard touch display by integrating machine information, camera views, and connectivity into a single interface. Enhanced features can include multi‑camera support, Bluetooth® phone and audio functionality, integrated radio, and secure smartphone‑based machine access, streamlining operation and reducing the need for separate components.
Noise Reduction
Noise reduction features that minimize external noise and vibration are essential in keeping operator stress and fatigue to a minimum. Bobcat loaders are equipped with advanced sound-dampening features to create a quieter work environment.
Automatic Ride Control
Automatic ride control helps reduce vibrations while also dampening the loader’s arms when carrying material over rough terrain. This helps absorb the vibrations and reduce material spillage, allowing you to travel faster across uneven surfaces.
Easy Entry and Exit
Compact loaders are designed to be comfortable and accessible. Bobcat’s large swing-open doors and lowered door thresholds offer ample headroom for exit and entry, making it easy to get in and out. Inside, there is plenty of headroom when seated. Additionally, the swing-open door doesn’t take up cab space and can be removed without tools.
Phone/Cup Holders and Storage Compartments
A modular phone holder secures a wide range of phone sizes and can be easily repositioned within the cab without tools, keeping devices visible and within reach. Cup holders and multiple in‑cab storage areas help keep drinks, tools and personal items secure and organized throughout the workday.
One-Piece Sealed Pressurized Cab
A one-piece sealed and pressurized cab keeps dust and debris from entering the cab during operation. It also maintains the cab temperature and isolates you from engine and hydraulic noises.
Adjustable Air-Ride Seat
Adjustable air-ride seats are designed for maximum comfort and support. They adjust to your weight and smooth out bumpy rides, significantly reducing operator fatigue during long workdays. Some machines also offer a heated seat option, which can improve comfort and stiffness in cold weather or winter operations.
USB and USB-C Ports
Integrated USB and USB‑C ports provide convenient device charging within the cab, supplementing traditional 12‑volt power outlets.
Performance
Single-Direction Bucket Positioning
Single-direction bucket positioning allows you to keep an attachment level or at a designated angle when raising lift arms. This means the operator can focus on the task without having to manually control the attachment angle. This function can significantly speed up cycle times for repetitive tasks like loading trucks or stockpiling materials – all with a reduced risk of spillage.
Dual-Direction Bucket Positioning
Dual-direction bucket positioning allows you to keep an attachment level or at a designated angle when raising or lowering lift arms. This means the operator can focus on the task without having to manually control the angle. This function can significantly speed up cycle times for repetitive tasks like loading trucks or stockpiling materials – all with a reduced risk of spillage.
Two-Speed Transmissions
This feature provides loaders with top travel speed, helping reduce travel time across jobsites and increasing overall efficiency.
Auto Idle
Auto idle automatically engages when machine functions aren’t being used and “idle” will remain in place until the operator initiates work again. This helps save fuel and reduce noise.
Bobcat Engine
The latest Bobcat compact loaders feature a redesigned in-line engine with an innovative fuel system that maximizes efficiency and performance while maintaining a compact profile. There is no diesel particulate filter (non-DPF) within the engine, ultimately simplifying maintenance with fewer parts and eliminating regeneration downtime.
Torsion Suspension Undercarriage
The 5-Link torsion suspension undercarriage offers unprecedented levels of durability, reduced maintenance requirements and faster track cleanout. It also reduces noise and vibration while you’re working, a difference you’ll feel through the entire machine so you can stay in the cab longer and get more work done. Experience elevated levels of performance and comfort with this option. You’ll wonder how you ever got along without it.
Visibility and Lighting
Bobcat cabs offer excellent visibility on a structural level with optional add-on lighting features to further enhance visibility and extend worktime. Operators can opt for rotating beacons or side lighting kits with standard or premium LED options. Offering bright illumination, the LED lights enhance visibility and minimize eye-strain when working in low-light conditions. They are more energy-efficient than traditional lights, minimizing the effect on the compact loader’s electrical system.
Control Systems
Bobcat compact loaders offer a variety of control systems, such as hand and foot controls and selectable joystick controls. With intuitive and highly responsive controls, operating the loader and attachment becomes second nature even during extended work hours.
Hand and Foot Controls
Hand and foot controls allow operators to use their hands and feet simultaneously to manage machine functions. Consisting of levers and pedals, these controls manage driving, steering, attachment positioning, lift, tilt, and more. Benefits include precision and versatility, ergonomic efficiency and a familiar operator experience.
Selectable Joystick Control (SJC)
The selectable joystick controls let operators select between ISO or H patterns by pressing a switch inside the cab. The low-effort joysticks provide precise control of loader functions and attachments, improving operator comfort and reducing fatigue.
Resource: How to Increase Your Productivity with Bobcat Joystick Controls
Selectable Joystick Control (SJC)
The selectable joystick controls let operators select between ISO or H patterns by pressing a switch inside the cab. The low-effort joysticks provide precise control of loader functions and attachments, improving operator comfort and reducing fatigue.
Resource: How to Increase Your Productivity with Bobcat Joystick Controls
Advanced Display Screens
Consider display size and functionality when selecting this feature.
Learn More: Displays & Instrumentation
LCD Display
With 4.3-inch display or 5-inch display options, you gain easy access to machine diagnostics and settings, allowing you to quickly troubleshoot issues and adjust machine parameters.
7-Inch Touch Display
The optional 7-inch waterproof LED touch display provides enhanced features, detailed machine performance data, effortless attachment control, and a continuous rear-view camera feed.
8-Inch Touch Display
Available on select models, 8-inch touch displays consolidate machine info, cameras, service data, and infotainment into a single, high‑resolution touchscreen.
Jobsite Awareness
Jobsite Awareness features use camera and radar‑based systems to provide operators with additional information about areas around the machine during operation, so they can maneuver confidently and stay focused on getting work done.
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Rear-View Camera
The rear camera automatically displays when moving in reverse, providing an additional viewpoint that can help identify potential obstacles.
Jobsite Awareness
Broad Area
Broad Area combines rear and side camera views on a single display to show areas around the back and sides of the machine.
Rear Object Detection & Avoidance
Rear Object Detection & Avoidance is a radar‑based system that detects people and objects behind the machine and provides visual and audible alerts, with selectable system responses ranging from alerts only to automatic machine slowing or stopping.
360 People Detection
360 People Detection is a camera‑based system that visually alerts operators to the presence of people around the machine without affecting machine operation.
Telematics and Monitoring
Anti-Theft Systems
Some compact loaders come equipped with anti-theft systems, featuring coded ignition keys, remote engine disable/enable via telematics systems, and even geo-fencing that notifies you if the machine gets outside a defined area.
Keyless Start
This feature allows you to start the machine using a security code instead of a key, adding an extra layer of protection against theft or unauthorized use. On some loaders, the owner can set an individual code for up to 20 operators. In addition, Bluetooth-enabled phone access is also available for specific models, allowing authorized users to gain instant access to the machine without typing in a passcode.
Anti-Vandalism Kit
This kit includes lockable covers to protect loader components from vandalism, reducing the risk of costly damage and downtime. It also helps prevent fuel theft or contamination, which can cause serious engine damage.
Technology & Operator Assistance
Embedded AI Assistant
Integrated in the latest display configurations, AI assistants help simplify machine operation by offering voice‑activated guidance, automated adjustments, and real‑time performance insights. By reducing manual setup and making information easier to access, these systems help operators stay focused on the work, adapt to changing conditions, and make informed decisions on the job.
Bobcat Digital Products
Machine IQ
Machine IQ is a telematics solution that lets you monitor your compact loader’s health, security and location from your smartphone or desktop. As essential as work boots, Machine IQ delivers proactive fault code and maintenance alerts to reduce downtime, comprehensive utilization reports to enhance efficiency, and robust security features like remote engine disable/enable to protect against theft.
Bobcat Owner Portal
The Bobcat Owner Portal is a web-based platform that provides equipment owners with access to essential machine and ownership information.
Sign up for the Owner Portal today to view:
- Digital owner’s manuals
- Maintenance intervals
- Warranty information
- Service bulletins
- Self-service troubleshooting tools
- Machine IQ telematics
- Advanced diagnostics software and schematics (Owner Repair)
Learn More: Bobcat Owner Portal
Bobcat® MaxControl
MaxControl allows you to remotely operate your compact track loader or skid-steer using a smartphone app. You can control the machine and its attachments from up to 300 feet away, making two-person tasks manageable.
Choosing the Right Loader Features to Experience Unmatched Performance
Selecting the right features for your compact track loader or skid-steer helps you maximize your investment and ensure your equipment meets the demands of both current and future projects.
From comfort features to performance-boosting systems and technologies, consider your needs, working conditions and budget to determine the best features for your compact loader.
Continue the Compact Track Loader & Skid-Steer Loader Buyer's Guide
- What Are Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders and Their Uses
- Explore Sizes and Specifications of Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders
- Key Factors When Choosing a Compact Track Loader or Skid-Steer Loader
- Features and Options for Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders
- Attachments for Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders
- Service and Maintenance of Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders