Purchase Information

[jmfox]

I worked for years looking back over a 3pt. hitch, and frankly I like the idea going forward. As to workability I believe that attachment options are the key to its good use. I'm looking forward to shearing, clearing, land sculpting, mowing and snow removal. While doing my attachment homework I ran across this option for those who would like to preserve their pto investments: Wide Range Enterprises Inc. - Skid steer loader (Bobcat) 3 point hitch equipment adapter with powered PTO

jmf

 

[panther1400]

jmfox, I found that too and I like that idea better than putting it on the back.

 

[radman1]

The 753 is probably not a good comparison to the toolcat. 753 could lift about 1300-1400 lbs, 4700 lb wt., 43.5 hp, 14.3 gal/min hydraulic. Toolcat beats all of those specs except lift height. 753 up to 109" vs toolcat 84". I believe the 753 was last made in 1999 or 2000. Toolcat cost is much higher than a new 753. Toolcat price is probably near that of a new loaded S250 or 300 which is near the higher end of skidsteers in capacity. However, the toolcat can do a lot of things a S250 can't and can do lighter duty tasks probably better and quicker. It is always a trade off depending upon use.

 

[panther1400]

The toolcat will run with 2000lbs easy all over the yard.

 

[radman1]

I believe you on the 2000 lb lift. I think that is a strong point for the toolcat. Bobcat specs it out at 1500 lb capacity but it certainly will lift more. Can't have too much lift on any loader IMHO.
Have you had time to get your machine dirty yet? Do you use it on a farm, business or personal use? I used my bobcat 873 on our farm and moved brush and dirt last weekend for 4-5 hours. It is a lot of fun. 8000 lb machine, 70+ hp and sometimes I wish I still had more.

 

[UFM82]

The Toolcats previous to the D series ran a solid axle assembly with double-cardan joints at the wheel ends, much like you would see on a large rough terrain forklift. Very heavy duty IMHO. I've never seen a failure on that component.

I am reading this entire thread with some mixed feelings. It definitely makes for some interesting reading.

 

[panther1400]

I believe you on the 2000 lb lift. I think that is a strong point for the toolcat. Bobcat specs it out at 1500 lb capacity but it certainly will lift more. Can't have too much lift on any loader IMHO.
Have you had time to get your machine dirty yet? Do you use it on a farm, business or personal use? I used my bobcat 873 on our farm and moved brush and dirt last weekend for 4-5 hours. It is a lot of fun. 8000 lb machine, 70+ hp and sometimes I wish I still had more.

Little dirty, I use it for all 3. Load pallets of seed and chemical, move and load round bales, dirt and rock work, mowing lawn shortly

 

[jmfox]

Interesting reading and interesting people.

The new D-Series did move the goal posts a little, and a new look is required. My hesitation is that the machine is a reaction to market forces rather than forces of nature. Most of us here know that there is a big difference between a vehicle built for travel, and construction machinery. Trucks and buggies like to play in the dirt but when it comes time to move it, there is nothing like a tractor. It's a stretch for a pickup to plow snow, but for a tractor it's effortless. We all know what would happen if you put the corner of a truck plow in some packed dirt and tried to cut a swale. Bobcat tells me not to worry about the drive train changes, but I'm not yet sure if they're talking about the Toolcat machine or the Toolcat utility vehicle.

jmf

 

[dsb5610]

jmf,

Not sure I share the same concern. In the years I spent farming we pulled fuel tanks, anhydrous ammonia tanks, implements, etc through the fields with 4x4 pickups. There were times running around checking cattle I thought for sure this time it would leave us sitting. Never happened.

The new suspension looks similar to that of an ATV which takes an amazing beating and keeps right on going. The Toolcat suspension is on a larger scale. It remains to be seen if it is enough but if not Bobcat will be on the hook to fix it. My 'A' series had axles replaced.

I'm not sure the new design can withstand as much as the old design but I think it will meet the requirements of what the Toolcat is intended for. If I had to replace bushings every few years in exchange for a much smoother ride I would be all for it.

dsb

 

[jmfox]

dsb5610, what you describe is what I want I'm banking on. However, if you've ever seen the difference between a pickup that was used for plowing and one used for transportation only, you might think otherwise. It may well be that the low speed allows the Toolcat to be set up like a vehicle and work like a tractor.

Your point about the price of comfort is a good one depending on how often it needs to be paid.

My fear is that I will be digging out a 6 foot pine with ball intact in a soggy field, and snap an axle trying to back out of the hole; then, when I take it it up with Bobcat, they will shake their heads and say it can do things like that but as far as the long haul, it really is designed for spraying, mowing and driving in parades.

jmf

 

[dsb5610]

jmf,

If you buy right now and snap an axle within the first two years Bobcat will take care of it.

FWIW, I see comparisons between the Toolcat and skid loaders. If I needed a dedicated loader I would not have a Toolcat. Skid loaders are more compact and stronger for that. It's the other things you can do with a Toolcat in addition to the loader capabilities that makes the Toolcat attractive.

dsb

 

[jmfox]

jmf,
If you buy right now and snap an axle within the first two years Bobcat will take care of it.
dsb

Maybe I best get cracking.

Once I dig and sell the pines from of the back 40, I can mow it.

jmf

 

[UFM82]

IF you have a quality dealer and have a good working relationship with him, you'll do fine. I'm not vouching for all dealers as a dealership can only be as good as its people and some people simply don't deserve what they have. I know of two places I'd never buy a machine from because of the attitudes I get from the employees. However, the manufacturer has obligations that they must fulfill and standing behind their product is one that Bobcat has never failed to meet.
To clarify one point jm, there is only one Toolcat machine. There are no Toolcat utility vehicles, just the utility machine. Yes, that's confusing but the Toolcat and our utility vehicles like the 2200 and 2300 are two completely different lines. Don't confuse them.
Bobcat reads this site. They see the suggestions and comments of the users and try to address them. They look at many sites on the web regarding their product as it is a great cross-section of information and uses. I don't see them producing a machine that has developed a decent following and screwing it up. While I can't guarantee perfection, I'm guessing the machine will perform well for everyone.

 

[jmfox]

I'm thinking that Bobcat is confusing the TC with a utility vehicle by presenting them on the same web page. When you highlight the Toolcat icon on the home page you see "Utility Vehicles." As to warranties, they are nice to have but I rarely need them. I thoroughly research my purchases and thereafter maintain them carefully. Also, warranty coverage is not that comforting regarding under designed components. Working with a drive train that is proned to unusual wear, waiting for a break, is not a scenario I want to invest in. Bobcat doesn't seem to have any other experience with these type of axles, except maybe on there utility carts, so what I would like to hear (possibly from their vender) is that these same axles are used on other construction machines for years without problems.

jmf

 

[panther1400]

These axles are super tuff, I can tell you mine have lasted a solid 10 hours

 

[jmfox]

Thanks Panther1400, and just in time. Having the bigger axles and cv joints, I was thinking about putting a dirt bucket on the front of my Infiniti Sport Utility Vehicle.

jmf

 

[panther1400]

The axles and CV joints should be bigger on your car unless your car only has 56 hp. Axles and cv's only have to handle the hp and torque applied to them, what makes the difference is the A frame's and how much weight can be applied to them without breaking them, I know your lexus does not have cast A frame's probably the weakest stamped steel, even high performance cars switch to tubular A frame's for more strength so cast A frame's should beat them all.

 

[jmfox]

Speed is a factor, but so is torque. The gearing on the Infiniti would cause it to stall if I tried to push a bucket into a dirt pile or pull a stump out. It's not all about horsepower. My tractor has about 45 horsepower and the axles are huge by comparison.

jmf

 

[panther1400]

The axles on your tractor are load bearing and have to carry the weight of the tractor and what ever you are carrying, the axles on the toolcat have no load except to turn the wheels.

 

[jmfox]

My tractor weighs 3400 lbs, so it is lighter by a ton. It was not designed for any type of loader except that which you can attach to a 3 point hitch.

jmf