What a Bobcat compact track loader is and who uses one

A Bobcat compact track loader is a small earthmoving machine with a metal cab, an engine, and a hydraulic arm that lifts and moves material. Instead of wheels, it runs on two rubber or steel tracks — one on each side — which grip uneven ground and spread the machine's weight so it does not sink into soft soil. The tracks also let it turn in place without moving forward or backward, which is useful in tight spaces.

Contractors use them on construction sites to move dirt, gravel, and demolition debris. Landscapers use them to grade land and haul mulch. Property owners use them to clear land after storms or to dig foundations. Rental companies stock them because they are small enough to fit through a residential gate but powerful enough to do real work.

Bobcat is the brand name — the company that makes them. Other manufacturers make similar machines under different names, but Bobcat holds the largest market share and set the standard that other designs follow.

Key Takeaways

  • Compact track loaders cost between $35,000 and $60,000 new, depending on the model and attachments, and rent for $150 to $300 per day from equipment rental shops.
  • The tracks distribute weight across soft ground so the machine does not sink, and they let the loader turn in place without a wide turning radius.
  • Operating one requires no special license for private land, but you need basic training to avoid tipping, damaging the hydraulics, or hitting underground utilities.
  • Fuel consumption runs 3 to 5 gallons per hour under normal use, so budget for fuel and maintenance if you rent for more than a few days.
  • The most common problem is overloading the bucket or arm, which strains the hydraulic system and can cause leaks or failure in the field.

How the tracks and hydraulic system work together

The two tracks are powered independently by hydraulic motors. When the operator moves the right joystick forward, both tracks move forward at the same speed. When the operator pushes the joystick to the right, the right track slows or reverses while the left track keeps moving, which makes the machine turn right. This design lets the loader spin 360 degrees without moving forward — a feature called zero-radius turning.

The hydraulic arm is controlled by the left joystick. Pushing it forward lowers the bucket or attachment; pulling it back raises it. The arm can lift between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds, depending on the model and how far the load is from the machine. The farther the load sits from the pivot point, the less weight the arm can safely lift — a principle called load moment.

The engine powers a hydraulic pump, which pressurizes oil and sends it through hoses to the track motors and arm cylinders. If a hose ruptures or a seal fails, the machine loses power to that part and cannot operate it. This is why checking hydraulic fluid level and looking for leaks before each use matters.

New versus used: cost and condition

A new Bobcat compact track loader costs between $35,000 and $60,000 depending on the model size and whether it comes with a standard bucket or a specialized attachment like a grapple, auger, or breaker. Larger models with more lifting power cost more. Adding a cab with heat and air conditioning adds $3,000 to $5,000.

Used machines range from $15,000 to $45,000 depending on age, hours of operation, and condition. A machine with 2,000 hours is considered mid-life; one with 5,000 hours is near the end of its typical service life unless it has been well maintained. Before buying used, have a mechanic inspect the hydraulic system, tracks, and engine. Track replacement alone costs $4,000 to $8,000 per pair.

Renting is often cheaper than buying if you need the machine for fewer than 20 days per year. Daily rental rates run $150 to $300 depending on the model and your location. Weekly rates are usually 3 times the daily rate; monthly rates are 8 to 10 times the daily rate. Fuel is typically included in the rental, but damage beyond normal wear is your responsibility.

Operating requirements and safety concerns

You do not need a special license to operate a compact track loader on private land. However, if you operate one on a public road or in a commercial setting where OSHA rules explore, your employer must provide training and document that you have completed it. Many rental companies require renters to watch a 15-minute safety video before taking the machine.

The most common accident is tipping. The machine can tip forward if you raise the bucket too high with a full load, or sideways if you turn too sharply on a slope. Always keep the bucket low when moving, and never turn sharply on ground steeper than 20 degrees. The second risk is hitting underground utilities — call 811 before digging or moving soil, and have the site marked for gas, electric, and water lines.

Hydraulic fluid under pressure can cause serious injury if it sprays onto skin. Never touch a leaking hose or try to find a leak by hand. If you see fluid spraying, shut off the engine when ready and call for service. Wear steel-toed boots and a hard hat when operating or working near the machine.

Fuel consumption and maintenance costs

A compact track loader burns 3 to 5 gallons of diesel fuel per hour under normal digging and moving work. Idling uses about 0.5 gallons per hour. If you rent one for a week and run it 40 hours, budget 120 to 200 gallons of fuel — roughly $400 to $700 at current diesel prices, though this varies by region and season.

Routine maintenance includes checking hydraulic fluid level before each use, inspecting tracks for damage or excessive wear, and changing the engine oil every 250 to 500 hours. Track tension should be checked monthly; loose tracks wear faster and can slip off. A full hydraulic fluid change costs $800 to $1,200 and is recommended every 1,500 to 2,000 hours.

If you own the machine, budget $2,000 to $3,000 per year for maintenance if you use it 500 to 1,000 hours annually. If you rent, the rental company handles maintenance, but you pay for any damage you cause — a bent track, a cracked hydraulic hose, or a damaged bucket can cost $1,000 to $5,000 to repair.

Common attachments and what they do

The standard bucket is a general-purpose scoop for moving dirt, gravel, and mulch. A grapple is a claw-like attachment for grabbing and moving logs, branches, or demolition debris. A breaker is a pneumatic hammer for breaking concrete or rock. An auger is a rotating drill for boring holes in soil. A snow blade is a wide plow for clearing driveways and parking lots.

Changing attachments takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires disconnecting hydraulic hoses and unbolting the arm. Most rental shops charge $50 to $150 to swap attachments, or you can do it yourself if you are comfortable working with hydraulics. Some attachments reduce the lifting capacity of the arm — a grapple or breaker may cut your maximum lift by 20 to 30 percent.

Bobcat models and their differences

Bobcat makes compact track loaders in several sizes. The smallest, the T650, weighs about 4,000 pounds and lifts 1,500 pounds. The mid-size T750 weighs 5,000 pounds and lifts 1,800 pounds. The larger T850 weighs 6,000 pounds and lifts 2,200 pounds. The largest, the T870, weighs 7,000 pounds and lifts 2,800 pounds.

For most residential and light commercial work, the T650 or T750 is sufficient. The T850 and T870 are used on larger construction sites where you need to move heavier loads or dig deeper. Fuel consumption increases with size — a T650 uses 3 gallons per hour, while a T870 uses 5 gallons per hour under the same conditions.

Rental availability varies by region. Urban areas usually have all sizes in stock; rural areas may have only the T650 and T750. If you need a specific model, call ahead to reserve it, especially during spring and fall when demand is highest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I operate a Bobcat compact track loader without training?

On private land, there is no legal requirement for training or certification. However, rental companies often require you to watch a safety video, and insurance companies may require proof of training before covering damage. If you have never operated one, ask the rental company for a 30-minute walkthrough of the controls and safety features.

What is the difference between rubber tracks and steel tracks?

Rubber tracks are quieter, cause less damage to pavement, and are standard on most rental machines. Steel tracks grip better on ice and mud but damage asphalt and concrete. Most compact track loaders come with rubber tracks; steel tracks are an upgrade that costs $2,000 to $4,000 extra.

How much does it cost to replace the tracks?

A pair of rubber tracks costs $4,000 to $8,000 installed, depending on the model and whether you replace them at a dealer or an independent shop. Tracks typically last 1,500 to 2,500 hours of use. If you rent, the rental company replaces worn tracks as part of maintenance.

Can I rent a compact track loader for just a few hours?

Most rental shops have a four-hour minimum and charge a half-day rate. A half-day rental is usually 50 to 60 percent of the full-day rate. If you need the machine for only two hours, you will still pay the half-day rate, so it may be worth renting for a full day if you have other work to do.

What happens if I damage the machine while renting?

The rental agreement holds you responsible for damage beyond normal wear. A bent bucket, a cracked hose, or a damaged track can cost $500 to $5,000 to repair. Rental companies usually offer damage waiver insurance for $20 to $50 per day, which covers most accidental damage. Read the waiver terms carefully — some exclude certain parts or damage from operator error.