The fastest way to find a Bobcat dealer is to use the manufacturer's dealer locator on Bobcat.com, then call or visit the ones closest to your location
Bobcat maintains a searchable map of authorized dealers across the United States. You enter your zip code or city, and the tool shows you every dealer within a radius you choose — typically 10, 25, 50, or 100 miles. This is faster and more reliable than a general search because it shows only dealers authorized to sell and service Bobcat equipment, not resellers or used-equipment lots that may carry a single machine.
The dealer locator also tells you what each location stocks and services. Some dealers specialize in compact equipment like skid steers and track loaders; others carry the full Bobcat line including larger excavators and telehandlers. Knowing this before you call saves you a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- Bobcat's official dealer locator at Bobcat.com is the most direct way to find authorized dealers in your area and see what equipment each one carries.
- Authorized dealers can show you new and used machines, arrange financing, and handle warranty service — something independent sellers cannot do.
- Calling ahead to confirm the specific model you want is in stock or available to order prevents unnecessary visits.
- Dealers often have used equipment on their lots, sometimes at lower prices than new machines, with the same warranty coverage as new purchases.
How to use Bobcat's dealer locator
Go to Bobcat.com and look for the "Find a Dealer" or "Dealer Locator" link, usually in the footer or under a "Contact Us" section. Enter your zip code and select your search radius. The map will populate with pins showing dealer locations, names, phone numbers, and addresses.
Click on each dealer to see what services they offer — sales, rentals, parts, service, or some combination. Many dealers also list their hours and whether they have a service department on site. If you need financing, parts, or regular maintenance, a full-service dealer is more useful than one that only sells.
Some dealers have websites linked from the locator. These sites often show current inventory, pricing, and upcoming promotions. If a dealer's website is outdated or missing, that is not necessarily a red flag — many small dealers do not maintain active web presences but are still reputable and well-stocked.
What to ask when you call a dealer
Before visiting, call and confirm three things: whether they have the specific model you want in stock, what the price range is for that model, and whether they offer financing or lease options. This takes five minutes and prevents a wasted trip if they do not carry what you need.
Ask also whether they have used equipment available. Many dealers have trade-ins or off-lease machines on their lots at 20 to 40 percent below new prices. Used Bobcat equipment often comes with remaining manufacturer warranty, so the savings are real without sacrificing protection.
If you are buying used, ask the dealer for the machine's service history and how many hours it has run. Bobcat equipment is built to last thousands of hours, but a machine with 500 hours is not the same as one with 5,000. The dealer should have this information in their system.
Comparing dealers in your area
If you have multiple dealers within reasonable distance, call at least two. Prices for the same model can vary by several thousand dollars depending on dealer markup, current promotions, and what they are willing to negotiate. Dealers also differ in their service departments — some have long wait times for repairs, others turn around jobs in days.
Ask each dealer about their service turnaround time and whether they offer loaner equipment while yours is being repaired. A dealer with a two-week service backlog is less useful than one with a two-day turnaround, especially if you depend on the machine for work.
Check online reviews on Google Maps or the Better Business Bureau for each dealer. Look for patterns in complaints — if multiple reviews mention slow service or pressure sales tactics, that is worth noting. One bad review is noise; three similar ones suggest a real problem.
What to bring when you visit
Bring a valid driver's license and proof of income or business registration if you plan to discuss financing. Dealers need this information to run a credit check and present loan options. If you are buying for a business, bring your EIN or business license.
Bring also a list of the specific features you need — bucket size, lift capacity, tire type, or any attachments. Dealers can then show you models that match your requirements rather than trying to sell you the most expensive option on the lot.
If you are trading in used equipment, bring its title and service records. Dealers use these to determine trade-in value. A machine with documented maintenance history is worth more than one with no records, even if both look identical.
Understanding dealer inventory and ordering
Most Bobcat dealers do not keep every model in stock. If you want a specific configuration — say, a skid steer with a particular bucket or a track loader in a certain color — the dealer will likely order it from Bobcat. Lead times vary from two weeks to three months depending on current demand and Bobcat's production schedule.
Ask the dealer for a written quote that includes the delivery date, final price, and any financing terms. Do not rely on verbal promises. A written quote protects you if the dealer later claims the price or delivery date has changed.
Some dealers offer in-stock machines at a discount to move inventory quickly. If you are flexible on color or minor features, you may save money by buying what is already on the lot rather than waiting for a custom order.
Financing and lease options through dealers
Authorized Bobcat dealers can arrange financing through Bobcat Capital Finance or through their own lenders. Dealer financing is often simpler than going to a bank separately because the dealer handles the paperwork and can sometimes offer promotional rates — zero percent for 24 months, for example — that you would not find elsewhere.
Ask the dealer what financing terms they offer and whether there are any prepayment penalties. Some loans charge a fee if you pay off early; others do not. Lease options are also available through dealers if you prefer to rent equipment for a set term rather than buy.
Compare the dealer's financing offer to what your own bank will offer before you commit. Sometimes dealer financing is genuinely better; sometimes your bank beats it. Getting both numbers takes an hour and can save you thousands in interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Bobcat from someone other than an authorized dealer?
Yes, you can buy used Bobcat equipment from private sellers, auctions, or independent dealers. However, you lose access to manufacturer warranty coverage and the dealer's service department. If the machine breaks down, you are responsible for finding a repair shop and paying out of pocket. Authorized dealers offer both new and used machines with warranty protection, which is worth the price difference for most buyers.
What if there is no Bobcat dealer within 50 miles of me?
Use the dealer locator to expand your search radius to 100 miles or more. Many rural areas have dealers that serve a large territory. If no authorized dealer exists nearby, contact Bobcat directly through their website to ask about mail-order parts, remote support, or whether they can recommend a regional dealer who serves your area.
Do all Bobcat dealers carry the same inventory?
No. Dealers specialize based on local demand. A dealer in a farming region may stock more compact tractors and loaders; one near a construction hub may focus on excavators and telehandlers. This is why calling ahead to confirm they have what you want is important.
Can I negotiate the price at a Bobcat dealer?
Yes. Dealer prices are not fixed. Margins vary by model, and dealers have flexibility, especially on used equipment or if you are buying multiple machines. Getting quotes from two or three dealers gives you leverage to negotiate. Dealers are also more willing to negotiate at the end of the month or quarter when they are trying to hit sales targets.
What happens if I buy a Bobcat and it needs warranty service at a different dealer?
Any authorized Bobcat dealer can perform warranty work on any Bobcat machine, regardless of where you bought it. Your warranty is tied to the machine, not the dealer. This means you can move or change dealers later without losing coverage.