Overview of the Bobcat MT-55: A Compact and Versatile Track Loader

[MikePhua]

Introduction to the Bobcat MT-55
The Bobcat MT-55 is a compact and powerful track loader that has become popular for its versatility, maneuverability, and performance in tight spaces. A smaller version of the well-known Bobcat skid-steer loaders, the MT-55 combines the benefits of a track system with the power of a loader, making it suitable for a variety of applications, from landscaping and construction to agriculture and even snow removal.
This machine is part of Bobcat’s line of mini-track loaders, which are designed to handle lighter loads while offering impressive lifting capabilities and a low ground pressure. Understanding the MT-55’s features, capabilities, and its application in various industries can provide useful insights into how this equipment functions and performs in the real world.
Key Features of the Bobcat MT-55

1. Compact Size:
   One of the most notable features of the MT-55 is its compact size. With a width of only 47.2 inches (1.2 meters), this loader can easily maneuver through narrow gates, doorways, and tight spaces. This makes it perfect for tasks in areas where larger equipment would struggle or be unable to access.
   
2. Tracked System:
   The track system on the MT-55 provides greater flotation compared to wheels, allowing the loader to work in softer or uneven ground conditions without sinking or causing damage. This is particularly beneficial in areas with soft soil, mud, or snow. The tracks also improve stability, which is essential when working on hilly terrain.
   
3. Hydraulic Lifting Capacity:
   Despite its compact size, the Bobcat MT-55 can lift up to 550 lbs (250 kg) to a height of 63.3 inches (1.6 meters). This allows operators to carry small but heavy loads, such as dirt, sand, or equipment, while maintaining the precision required for tasks like grading or digging.
   
4. Hydrostatic Drive:
   The MT-55 is equipped with a hydrostatic drive system, providing smooth, responsive controls. This system allows operators to smoothly change the speed and direction of the loader without shifting gears, making it easy to operate, even for beginners. The hydrostatic transmission is also known for its reliability and low maintenance needs.
   
5. Attachments Compatibility:
   Like many Bobcat machines, the MT-55 is designed to work with a wide range of attachments. From augers to trenchers and forks to buckets, the loader’s attachment versatility makes it adaptable to many tasks. This helps increase the machine’s utility and reduces the need for multiple machines.
   

Advantages of Using the Bobcat MT-55

1. Increased Maneuverability:
   The MT-55’s small size and tracked design enable operators to navigate difficult terrain and confined spaces where larger machinery would be ineffective. Whether you’re working in residential landscaping, clearing brush, or performing maintenance work on a construction site, the MT-55 can access areas that other loaders simply cannot.
   
2. Low Ground Pressure:
   The track system reduces the ground pressure exerted by the loader, which is particularly important when working on soft ground. This feature makes the MT-55 ideal for landscaping jobs or other outdoor projects that may involve delicate surfaces, such as gardens or grassy areas.
   
3. Ease of Transport:
   The MT-55’s small size and weight make it easy to transport. It can be loaded onto a standard trailer and towed behind a truck without requiring a special permit. This is a huge advantage for contractors or landscapers who need to move the machine from site to site.
   
4. Improved Stability:
   The track system provides more stability than wheeled versions, especially when working on sloped surfaces. This added stability allows the operator to perform tasks such as digging, lifting, and grading with a reduced risk of tipping or getting stuck.
   

Applications for the Bobcat MT-55

1. Landscaping and Property Maintenance:
   The MT-55 is commonly used in landscaping, where its compact size and track system allow it to work in gardens, around buildings, and in areas with delicate surfaces. The ability to carry heavy loads, such as soil or mulch, combined with its ease of access to tight areas, makes it a top choice for landscapers.
   
2. Construction and Site Preparation:
   On construction sites, the MT-55 can be used for a variety of tasks, from moving small loads to preparing the ground for larger equipment. It is often used in the initial stages of site preparation, clearing paths, or digging out small trenches. Its versatility makes it useful in both residential and commercial projects.
   
3. Snow Removal:
   During winter months, the Bobcat MT-55 is often utilized for snow removal. Its tracked design helps it move across snow-covered surfaces with minimal disruption, making it ideal for clearing driveways, parking lots, or walkways. Operators can also attach snow plows or blowers to enhance its effectiveness.
   
4. Agriculture:
   In agricultural settings, the MT-55 is often used for hauling feed, fertilizer, or other materials across fields. Its compact design allows it to maneuver in tight spaces, while its tracks help ensure that it can work on soft or muddy ground.
   

Challenges and Considerations
While the Bobcat MT-55 offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider a few potential challenges before investing in one:

1. Lifting Capacity:
   With a lifting capacity of 550 lbs, the MT-55 is more suitable for light-to-medium-duty tasks. For heavier lifting or tasks that involve larger payloads, a larger machine may be required.
   
2. Speed:
   The MT-55 is relatively slow compared to larger, more powerful machines. While this is often not an issue for precision tasks, it can slow down the completion of large-scale projects that require high-speed operation.
   
3. Limited Working Range:
   While the MT-55’s compact size allows it to work in tight spaces, this can also limit its reach when compared to larger track loaders. Operators may find that its smaller reach is a disadvantage when working on larger-scale jobs.
   

Conclusion: Is the Bobcat MT-55 Right for You?
The Bobcat MT-55 is a powerful, compact machine that brings impressive performance and versatility to a range of industries. Its ability to maneuver in tight spaces, handle a variety of attachments, and work on soft or uneven ground makes it a valuable tool for contractors, landscapers, and anyone who needs a reliable machine for smaller jobs. Whether you’re working on a construction site, maintaining a property, or clearing snow, the MT-55 can handle the task with ease.
However, the MT-55 may not be suitable for all situations, particularly those that require heavy lifting or larger reach. Before purchasing or renting one, it’s essential to evaluate the specific needs of your project and determine whether the MT-55’s capabilities align with those needs. But for many tasks, the Bobcat MT-55 remains one of the most versatile and reliable mini-track loaders on the market today.