A few things to focus on while choosing the right Bobcat skid-steer loader are:

• Size and Power: For home projects or tight places, compact is best for moving around. For bigger, more rigorous applications like construction or heavy material handling, choose a higher horsepower larger skid-steer with higher lift capacity (ROC).
• Lift Path: Decide whether you need a radial lift (perfect for digging and grading at lower heights) or a vertical lift (ideal for high-lift applications such as dump truck loading).
• Attachments: Choose a model that accommodates the attachments you’ll be using, such as augers, buckets, or grapples. Larger skid-steers enable you to add larger and newer attachments that can maximize the machine’s functionality.
• Terrain: Skid-steers offer unparalleled traction on the job site but if you’re working in areas that typically have sharp debris lying around, such as waste management or demolition, we recommend getting solid tires to eliminate the possibility of a flat tire to keep you working.

Learning to operate a skid steer loader is a matter of practice and training.

• Operator’s Manual: First, read through the manufacturer’s manual in its entirety so that you understand the controls, safety features, and what service needs to be performed.
• On-the-Job Training: Most Bobcat dealers and rental companies provide operator training. These walkthroughs provide basic operation, including starting and running and navigating the unit, attachment use, and general safe operating procedures.
• Practice: Find a clear area of ground to practice simple movements such as forward and reverse motion, turning, and elevating and lowering the lift arms. Get used to joystick operation to manipulate the unit with accuracy.
• Licenses: Depending on your location and job, you may need to be licensed. Check your local laws to see if a formal operator license is required.

A Bobcat skid-steer loader is a very versatile piece of equipment that can perform any range of functions, from construction to landscaping, agriculture, demolition, snow removal, and so much more.

A well-maintained Bobcat skid-steer loader can last up to 20+ years. Regular maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacements, and hydraulic system inspections are highly recommended to extend its life. Those factors, plus workload, operational conditions, and preventive maintenance, all play a significant role in adding the total length of life to the machine. Optimize the lifespan by having regular maintenance checks and using OEM components.

Bobcat offers the widest range of attachments for any industry and almost any task you have lined up. The most popular ones for skid-steer loaders are augers, breakers, angle brooms, a variety of buckets, sweepers, snowblowers, tree spades, trenchers and Brushcats, transforming your loader into the most versatile, do-it-all machine.

Skid-Steer loader service intervals are based on operating time instead of mileage like vehicles. Since these intervals vary by model, we’ll let you know when to expect your next maintenance. Most Bobcat skid-steer loaders now come with Machine IQ, which monitors your machine’s service intervals, as well as any other issue codes, to notify the owner when it’s time for maintenance.