If you have Toolcat questions, ask them here...

[Eric V.]

Hoaleguy,

If you are interested in Fecon style cutter heads, Gyrotrac has come out with a low-flow Toma-ax tree cutter head. It has a working width of 51", weighs only 885 lbs. and has a flow range of 17-23 gpm. Sure, it’s not a Fecon, but it might accomplish what you want with a Toolcat. Of course, proper shielding would have to be retro-fitted to the Toolcat if in fact it could even be used with a Toolcat.
Go to http://www.gyrotrac.net/skidsteer/

Loftness US Attachments should also be releasing a new, medium duty tree cutter called a Tree Hammer 360 soon. Again, I’m not sure if a Toolcat will handle it, but I am sure that it will be lighter than a Fecon. Check their site periodically to see if they post any specs. or photos.
Go to http://www.loftness.com/hammer.cfm?cat=

Eric V.

 

[Haoleguy]

Eric V. - Many thanks for the links. Interesting choices. Skid-steers seem to be the vehicle of choice. Some of these mulching attachemtns get pricey. Thanks again.

 

[fresh2ob]

What is the air pre-cleaner and why is it a must for mowing? fresh2ob

 

[Eric V.]

fresh2ob,

The pre-cleaner kit for the Toolcat is a device that separates large dust particles/debris from the air (by centrifugal force) before it contacts the primary engine filter. In other words, it is a secondary means to filter air, and no, it has nothing to do with the a/c air filter.

I feel it is a must for mowing applications because mowing creates a high dust/debris environment and high dust environments will shorten an engines life span considerably.

The Toolcat pre-cleaner kit consists of an extension pipe that leads from the primary engine air filter to a clear, plastic bowl. The debris will collect in the bowl, so it needs to be changed often. On the Toolcat, it is mounted on the top right rear post of the cab. There is a photo of one mounted on a C-series machine at the link listed below (page 9, "18 mph transport speed" photo).

http://www.bobcat.com/products/twm/pdf/toolcat.0606.pdf

You will have to look close at the photo to see it (look for the clear bowl). Nearly all the air cleaners that Bobcat uses are made by Donaldson Co. Inc. Hope all this helps.

Eric V.

 

[Rolando]

Hey guys, I'm mowing about 10 acres and thanks to the A/C cab I can mow in the heat of the day when the grass is dry and conditions are dustier. Also, I like to keep the grass short, so I need to be mowing once a week. Should I be thinking about adding the costly pre-cleaner kit to my Toolcat?

 

[Eric V.]

Rolando,

If you are mowing often in dry and dusty conditions, then I would add one for sure. Although the upfront cost is high, it will save you money in the long run. Just look at any heavy-duty machine (road graders, tractors, street sweepers, etc.) they all have one.

By the way, what series is your Toolcat and have you had any overheating issues, especially when mowing?

Eric V.

 

[Rolando]

Hi Eric,
I have the C-Series Turbo with the High-Flow Hydraulics and no, I haven't had any overheating problems. In fact, I mow in the heat of the day, which here in north-central Florida means mid-90's right now. And even with the A/C going full blast the needle never gets much higher than about 1/3 of the way up. I know they improved the filter placement and function in the C's in response to the overheating in the previous models. Do you also have a C?

 

[Eric V.]

Rolando,

Although I do not own one yet, I am considering to purchase two new fully loaded, c-series Toolcats (with mower and FC200 flail cutter) for commercial/industrial mowing applications as well as right-of-way maintenance and light brush/weed control. I am currently using Toro Groundsmaster mowers and tractor mounted flail cutters (I would like to replace both with Toolcats).

Because mowing can be particularly hot and dusty in deep south Texas, I was a little worried about overheating issues (as was the case with older a-series and b-series machines). I am glad to hear that your machine performs well in the heat!

Eric V.

 

[UFM82]

I agree with Eric on this one- despite the high cost of the pre-cleaner kit, in the long run, it can only be a plus. It really doesn't take much to score a cylnder and damage an engine. Figuring a lifespan on a machine at over 10 years that comes out to be less than $70 a year. Cheap insurance for your machine.

The Toolcats have done very well with the municipalities who do right-of-way maintenance. The 4 wheel steering and the A/C cab have made them favorites. The excellent visibility and ride also make them popular. Face it, riding a tractor all day with no suspension and a high center of gravity make for a tiring day. The Toolcats are like driving a truck and are much more comfortable.

UFM82

 

[odleefs]

Eric,
Your lawncutters will be the envy of every neighborhood with two TCs running about! For cost consideration, check out http://www.rockhound.com/72F Mower.pdf
The price is a scant 5k+/- and this is cheap as you well know for a flail cutter!
Steve

 

[Eric V.]

steve,

Thanks for the link. The Rockhound flail cutter seems to be very rugged and simple in design. And you're right, its about half the price of the Bobcat flail cutter.

The only concern I have is it's ability to oscillate and follow the contour of the ground. I can't tell by the photo, but it does not appear to have a floatation linkage. Do you know?

Eric V.

 

[odleefs]

Eric,
I am not certain as to whether it has flotation linkage, however, setting the front arm into float mode and possibly adding more wheels to the flail cutter may solve this dilemma and some bucks.
Steve

 

[fresh2ob]

I have purchased a series C Toolcat. The first one had a hydraulic filter plugged with copper and debris after only 50 hours. They took it back and gave me another new one. It was time for the 50 hour check up and this one has the same problem. The mechanic mentioned having another one at the shop with the same problem. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I use my unit for mowing CREP land. They dont seem to know what is causing this and it ends in catastrophic failure of the system. I am very concerned!! I had the overheating problem with the series B but that pales in comparison to this problem.

 

[dsb5610]

fresh2ob,

That is bad news. Hopefully they figure out what is going on. How are they discovering the debris?. Mine is an 'A' model and it does not call for a hydraulic filter replacement until 500 hours. The 'C' may be more frequent but 50 hours seems awful short. Are you experiencing other symptoms? Just want to make sure I am not missing something on mine.

dsb

 

[theoshin]

bad news,
which filter - the main hydro?
ends in catastrophic failure- did you experience any noticable side effects???

thx
ts

 

[odleefs]

Whoa! That is bad news...I will have the shop look at mine when it is in for routine maintenance! What were the symptoms?
Good luck
Steve

 

[fresh2ob]

Thanks everyone for your support. The symptoms of the problem are a noticeable whining sound when mowing in reverse, like at the end of a row where you have to turn around, and then when you go into forward again, and some loss of power going uphill.
Then the hydraulic filter warning light came on, and the code said 2-17, which is a plugged hydraulic filter or overheated fluid. When the little filter inside the locked compartment is removed, particles of copper and iron debris can be seen in the fluid. That's when the mechanic says "this is bad news..." Our dealer is very frustrated as well. The service manager told us this morning that Bobcat manufacturing has discovered that one of three suppliers of copper sleeves or casings for the pistons in the drive train evidently did not provide parts with the correct specifications. On units manufactured with this defect, the pistons start creating debris immediately when the motor is running, thus explaining the early catastrophic failure we have experienced on two brand new units. (The first happened at 35 hours, the second at about 50.) Yes, we are concerned about other damage to the drive train that might not be detectable now, and we are debating what to do--accept the repaired unit, ask for more extended warranty at no cost to us, ask for another new unit, etc. In the meantime, they are giving us back the old non-turbo unit with the chronic overheating problem to use until something else can be worked out. What a mess!

 

[odleefs]

FRESH2OB,
What is the serial # of your unit, if you don't mind me asking, as my C version Toolcat was very early in the production cycle, and therefore, I am now quite worried, even though I have not had any issues nearly 1/4 as bad as you have experienced! P.S. I would opt for a new unit with a complimentary extended warranty, if you don't mind me adding my 2 cents...
Steve

 

[theoshin]

DEMAND A NEW UNIT. FOR WHAT THEY ARE CHARGING FOR THESE UNITS
YOU SHOULD FEEL ENTITLED TO A NEW UNIT. MY FAMILY MANUFACTURES HYDROLICALLY POWERED HEAVY ROAD DEMOLITION EQUIPMENT AND METAL IN THE SYSTEM IS A RECEIPT FOR FUTURE PROBLEMS. ABSOLUTELY NOT ACCEPTABLE. DO NOT GIVE IN TO BOBCAT.

I WONDER IF BOBCAT WILL LET OUT THE NUMBERS OF THE POTENTIALLY BAD UNITS???

THEODORE

 

[fresh2ob]

odleefs
The S/N is 311896. I will keep you up to date on what happens. I plan to ask for a new unit and extended warranty.
fresh2ob