Tractor News Bobcat Small Articulated Loader

[Buxus]

This looks like a really nice companion to a utility tractor for estate maintenance.

Anyone seen one?

Wish it could power a small out front bush hog.

Any idea of price?

L23 Small Articulated Loader - Bobcat Company

 

[dusty3030]

If you want something similar that can mow, look at the Bobcat Toolcat. Not articulated but has 4 wheel steering so same effect.

Toolcat Utility Work Machines - Bobcat Company

 

[aczlan]

It should be able to handle a approximately 4 ft mower.
Per the bobcat spec page it has a 12 GPM aux hydraulic connection on the boom that runs at 2900 PSI. That works out to about 20 horsepower which should be good for around a 4 ft bush hog.

Aaron Z

 

[BrokenTrack]

Kubota makes a small loader as well, and the co-instructor I work with, says a gravel pit where he pulls gravel from, has one, and it is really nice.

But BCS makes an articulated tractor that is compact sized, but more of a traditional tractor. I am not sure if it is available in the United States, but I really liked the looks of it. I have yet to see one with a loader on it, but Europe does not put loaders on their tractors like we do here. I think it would be possible too install one though..,

I really like articulated tractors. What I really like is their stability. As long as you turn the right way, you can turn them around on some pretty steep hills because their tire stance actually widens on a turn. And in some ways they go through the mud better, because you can "duck walk" them through the mud by using hydraulics to push themselves from side to side to get traction. But at the same time, the rear tires always follow the front tires, so that can work against you too.

The BCS articulated tractor: no idea on price and if you can get it in the USA.

 

[ptsg]

Kubota makes a small loader as well, and the co-instructor I work with, says a gravel pit where he pulls gravel from, has one, and it is really nice.

But BCS makes an articulated tractor that is compact sized, but more of a traditional tractor. I am not sure if it is available in the United States, but I really liked the looks of it. I have yet to see one with a loader on it, but Europe does not put loaders on their tractors like we do here. I think it would be possible too install one though..,

I really like articulated tractors. What I really like is their stability. As long as you turn the right way, you can turn them around on some pretty steep hills because their tire stance actually widens on a turn. And in some ways they go through the mud better, because you can "duck walk" them through the mud by using hydraulics to push themselves from side to side to get traction. But at the same time, the rear tires always follow the front tires, so that can work against you too.

The BCS articulated tractor: no idea on price and if you can get it in the USA.

BCS is not bad but I would rather go with Antonio Carraro. It's far superior and have been in the market since at least the 60's making this style of tractors. I do live in a area where this style of tractor is used a lot and I've told that BCS is a much cheaper version, although it does use Kubota engines I believe. I also have checked both in person and the differences are noticeable. I almost ended up with a AC tractor instead of the Branson.

Antonio Carraro is indeed sold in the US. They make tractors from 30 to 100 HP, both articulated steering or regular front axle steering. The main advantage of these style of tractors is that they make some models where the operators platform is reversible, so you're facing the back of the tractor with all the controls handy and it's ideal for mowing. Specially with a reversible flail mower (where you can attach the mower from the back as well).

They come standard with front and rear axle lockers. They have options like 3 pt down pressure, 3 pt suspension. Loads of remotes available. The way it pivots (basically the front half of the tractor) makes it very nice and stable on use on hills and uneven ground with a max of pivoting 15ｺ angle each side.

Also comes with a common feature in the Europe, which is to PTO modes: one is the regular mode linked to the engine and the other is linked to the diff, so it matches the ground speed. Used a lot in powered trailers that have a diff.

Lower HP models use Yanmar engines while the higher HP ones use Kubota engines.

There are loaders for it but I wouldn't recommend. It's just not the style of tractor to put a loader on it. The mounting is weird, reducing the lift capacities and it has a long nose. Rear 3 pt loaders are used much more on this tractor than a front loader. Again, the reversible feature makes it very pleasant.

 

[MossRoad]

It should be able to handle a approximately 4 ft mower.
Per the bobcat spec page it has a 12 GPM aux hydraulic connection on the boom that runs at 2900 PSI. That works out to about 20 horsepower which should be good for around a 4 ft bush hog.

Aaron Z

My little PT425 only has 8GPM and has no problem spinning a 4' brush cutter or a 60" finish mower. That thing should do fine with those specs.

 

[MossRoad]

One thing about articulated machines... as you turn them, the center of gravity changes dramatically. If you make a tight turn, the rear of the machine gets closer to the front of the machine buy quit a bit, and the center of gravity shifts towards the direction you are turning quite a bit.

For example, if I have a heavy load in my bucket, bucket off the ground, not even moving, just sitting still, I can turn the wheel to the right and the bucket will drop to the ground and the left rear of the machine will come off the ground. If I had the bucket high enough before turning the wheel, the entire rear end will come off the ground. As I turn the wheel back towards center, the rear will come back down and the bucket will raise off the ground.

Also, if you're right on the edge of balance, and moving forward, and you suddenly take your foot off the pedal, the unit can tip forward onto it's nose. Can't happen going in reverse.

Just some things to be aware of on an articulated machine.

 

[ruffdog]

Yep, seen articulated units on their sides by novices turning tight with a full bucket.

 

[Buxus]

Thanks for all the suggestions and information. The Toolcat is a great option, but a bit bigger and more expensive than I'd like. I've often eyed the Avant online but no dealer support here. A 4ft brush mower would be all I'd need, so if 12gpm is enough for that that would be great.

The ability to take it on turf without destroying it, the out-front mower, and out-front bucket/implements is a nice combination. I've always thought that if I had Xfaxman's skills I'd do to Kubota F series what he did to the Toro Groundmaster. Alas, I have no such skills. Maybe this articulated Bobcat would work for me. What do you think - $30K new?

 

[aczlan]

You might also look at a Power Trac such as MossRoad has, they are available with such a mower.

Aaron Z