Took a Toolcat for a spin today

[Spudgunner]

With the AWS I almost did spin the thing. All I can say is WOW. The Bobcat website does not do this equipment justice...it really needs to be experienced. I'm in the process of deciding between a NH 185 skid and a TC. When comparing new-to-new the skid is much cheaper. That's money I could spend on other toys/tools to enhance my business...so the TC, despite it's advantages, is starting to run second in my mind. (The skid obviously has its advantages as well.) BTW, I was looking at a D Series TC and whatever hardware I end-up getting will be used to augment my snow removal biz.

One clear advantage the TC has, which doesn't show-up well in brochures or web media, is the superior visibility the TC has as opposed to a skid. It's on the order of a tractor w/cab such as a Kubota 5x40HSTC, maybe. In any event, it's pretty impressive.

I did run into one other surprise...the max size of snowblower the Bobcat dealer recommended was their 66" unit. That seemed rather narrow but the dealer explained that a larger blower, if packed with very wet snow, might exceed the TC's boom lift capacity or somesuch. I think I might tend to call BS on that but I didn't have a bunch of slush to test my opinion on. Also, prospective buyers need to understand the electrical compatibility (or lack thereof) between third-party and Bobcat attachments.

Hope this helps inquiring minds...

 

[radman1]

I think your salesman needs to get his facts straight on the bobcat snowblowers. The 66" standard flow weighs 870 lbs. The 72" weighs 895 lbs. The high flow 72" weighs 1070 lbs. The toolcat is rated for 1500 lbs lift but will lift 2000 lbs to full height. That must be some extremely heavy snow to weigh close to 500-1000 lbs in extra weight. Bobcat does say the 66" is the recommended model but that is probably based on the width of the machine. Bobcat does make an approved 60" model but that would just cover the width of the machine. According to bobcat, all widths including the 60, 66 and 72" standard and high flow blowers are ok to use on the toolcat.

 

[theoshin]

i have the 72" 240 high flow - larger/taller with larger fan opening (i believe) - no problem for the tc.

 

[UFM82]

"Recommended" and what the machine will actually do are two different things. LOL The factory wants whatever the piece is to operate at peak efficiency and performance. That is to say that if you go out and but a machine and run nothing but "recommended" items on it, you will most likely never be disappointed in the performace. The Toolcat will run the 66" blower very well. It's the right size and width. However, that's not saying that it won't do a 72" or even larger well. I know of one owner here who adapted a 78" model to his machine and it does a fine job so he says. As theoshin says, the TC does fine with the larger blower. I find it hard to believe that the TC would not be able to lift a blower even if it was packed with snow.
If you are trying to decide between the TC and a skidloader for snow removal duties, the TC will win hands down. You can not only plow/blow snow from the front, you can also spread salt/sand from the spreader in the bed. It's a superior machine for that particular duty. However, if construction/material handling/excavation duties are in your future, the skid may be the better pick.

 

[Spudgunner]

In my original post I mentioned possible electrical compatibility issues due to what I perceived as a proprietary interface between the TC and the BC snow blower I was looking at. Further investigation on my part has tended to show that "adapter harnesses" are available. For instance, Erskine makes a harness that'll interface their throwers with a bunch of skid of makes...including BC.

My neighbor has an almost-new (1 light season) 84" Erskine thrower for sale so I'm probably going to end-up buying that from him. UFM82, yes, the machine I will enventually get will probably see some landscaping duty. But I think the TC will handle most of the tools I can envision using for that with the possible exception of the Quick-Attach "back"hoe.

 

[dylan]

I have a 72" to which i added a pull blade and extra hydraulics. I do notice the extra weight of snow but it is not enough to make a difference.

 

[Rip]

Spudgunner.... see my reply to your post about the 7 versus 14 pin connectors.

Even if the used Erskine blower does not come with a Bobcat-style 14 pin harness, you can order the correct harness and plug it in (as long as you have a 14 pin set up installed on your TC.)