WEST FARGO, N.D. (May 11, 2026) – Asphalt Contractor, the only publication serving asphalt contractors and producers, has named the Bobcat T86-2 compact track loader a recipient of its 2026 Top 30 Editor’s Choice Award, which recognizes the industry’s most innovative products and technologies designed to help contractors work more efficiently, productively and profitably.
The Bobcat T86-2 compact track loader, part of the Bobcat Pro loader lineup, delivers powerful performance by pairing a 115-horsepower engine with up to a 12-foot lift height to take on demanding asphalt applications. Designed to support productivity and uptime, the T86-2 features a redesigned electrical system to improve reliability, four selectable drive modes that allow operators to tailor machine responsiveness to the task and a refreshed cab with a standard 8inch touchscreen display and rearview camera to enhance awareness and ease of operation on busy jobsites.
Available optional technologies further elevate performance and jobsite awareness, including Jobsite Companion, the industry’s first AI enabled solution for compact equipment. Jobsite Companion combines automated machine intelligence, smarter controls, voice-activated assistance and real-time job cost insights to help operators work with greater confidence and efficiency. Additional jobsite awareness options, such as rear-view or broad area camera systems, support operation in congested paving environments where crews, trucks and equipment are working in close proximity.
“This year was an exceptional year for new and exciting products for our industry,” said Brandon Noel, Editor-in-Chief, Asphalt Contractor and Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction. “For 2026, the recipients of the Top 30 in asphalt and roadbuilding represent true achievements through advancement in efficiency, technology, and engineering. The result is a list not just of products, but of tools that help shape our industry while aiding the men and women who do the work every single day.”
To learn more about Bobcat’s pro loader line, visit bobcat.com.
About Bobcat Company
Bobcat Company empowers people to accomplish more, a mission it has honored since creating the compact equipment industry in 1958. As a leading global manufacturer, Bobcat has a proud legacy of innovation, delivering smart solutions to customers’ toughest challenges. Backed by the support of a global dealership network, Bobcat offers an extensive line of worksite solutions, including loaders, excavators, tractors, utility vehicles, telehandlers, mowers, turf renovation equipment, light compaction, portable power, industrial air, forklifts, attachments, implements, parts and services.
With its North American headquarters in West Fargo, North Dakota, Bobcat leads the industry with its innovative offerings designed to transform how the world works, builds cities and supports communities for a more sustainable future. The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat Inc., a company within Doosan Group.
©2026 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved.
About Asphalt Contractor
Asphalt Contractor provides cutting-edge information on the entire life cycle of asphalt pavements — from production to paving to preservation. It publishes in print 10 times a year, reaching asphalt contractors, HMA/WMA producers, and public works specifiers with road jurisdiction in paving, preservation and plants. Go to www.forconstructionpros.com/asphalt to learn more.
About IRONMARKETS
IRONMARKETS, formerly known as AC Business Media, is a leading business-to-business media and buyer engagement platform with a portfolio of renowned brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, landscape, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain markets. IRONMARKETS delivers relevant, cutting-edge content through its industry-leading digital properties, trade shows, conferences, videos, magazines, webinars, and newsletters. Learn more at www.iron.markets.
