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Bobcat Company, a leader in compact equipment manufacturing, is well-known for producing reliable and durable skid steer loaders. Among their most popular models are the S550 and S590, two of the company's mid-sized offerings. These skid steers are praised for their versatility, performance, and compact design, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from construction and landscaping to agriculture and material handling.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Bobcat S550 and S590, examining their key features, performance, and the factors that make them standout choices for both contractors and operators. We will also explore user experiences to determine which model might be the best fit for different types of jobs.
Overview of Bobcat S550 and S590
The Bobcat S550 and S590 are both part of Bobcat’s popular S-Series, known for their advanced hydraulic systems, strong lifting capacities, and smooth operator controls. While the S550 and S590 share many similarities, there are some key differences that could influence your decision when choosing between the two.
Both the Bobcat S550 and S590 offer a range of features designed to improve operator comfort, safety, and productivity. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key features:
While the S550 and S590 are similar in many ways, there are some notable differences in their performance:
User feedback is often one of the most reliable indicators of how well a machine performs in real-world conditions. Here’s a summary of what operators are saying about the Bobcat S550 and S590:
Choosing between the Bobcat S550 and S590 ultimately depends on the type of work you plan to do and the size of the job sites you operate in. If you primarily work in tight spaces or need a more compact machine, the S550 is a great choice due to its smaller footprint and sufficient lifting capacity for most tasks. It’s also a more budget-friendly option.
On the other hand, if you frequently handle heavy loads or need a more powerful machine for lifting and material handling, the S590 may be the better choice. It offers a higher lift capacity and added stability, which can be especially beneficial in more demanding applications like construction or landscaping.
Conclusion
The Bobcat S550 and S590 are both excellent skid steers that offer a combination of power, versatility, and operator comfort. While the S550 excels in compactness and maneuverability, the S590 stands out with its higher lifting capacity and stability for heavier tasks. Both models are backed by Bobcat’s reputation for quality and reliability, making either a strong choice for operators who need a dependable skid steer for a variety of applications.
Ultimately, the decision between the S550 and S590 will depend on your specific needs. By understanding the features, benefits, and performance of each model, you can make an informed choice that best suits your operation.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Bobcat S550 and S590, examining their key features, performance, and the factors that make them standout choices for both contractors and operators. We will also explore user experiences to determine which model might be the best fit for different types of jobs.
Overview of Bobcat S550 and S590
The Bobcat S550 and S590 are both part of Bobcat’s popular S-Series, known for their advanced hydraulic systems, strong lifting capacities, and smooth operator controls. While the S550 and S590 share many similarities, there are some key differences that could influence your decision when choosing between the two.
- Bobcat S550 Skid Steer
- Engine Power: 74.3 horsepower
- Operating Weight: 7,915 lbs
- Lift Capacity: 2,000 lbs
- Dimensions: Length: 122.7 inches, Width: 62.5 inches
- Lift Height: 122.5 inches
- Engine Power: 74.3 horsepower
- Bobcat S590 Skid Steer
- Engine Power: 74.3 horsepower
- Operating Weight: 8,644 lbs
- Lift Capacity: 2,200 lbs
- Dimensions: Length: 127.2 inches, Width: 66.2 inches
- Lift Height: 123 inches
- Engine Power: 74.3 horsepower
Both the Bobcat S550 and S590 offer a range of features designed to improve operator comfort, safety, and productivity. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key features:
- Hydraulic System: Both models come with Bobcat’s advanced hydraulic system, which delivers precise control and high lifting capabilities. The system allows for smooth operation, reducing the strain on the operator and increasing productivity. The auxiliary hydraulic flow is adjustable, providing flexibility when using a variety of attachments.
- Selectable Joystick Controls: These skid steers come with Bobcat’s Selectable Joystick Control (SJC) system, which allows operators to adjust the joystick sensitivity to match their personal preferences. This reduces operator fatigue and ensures smoother, more responsive handling, even during long hours of operation.
- Vertical Lift Path: The S550 and S590 are equipped with a vertical lift path, which is ideal for lifting heavy loads straight up. This feature increases stability and provides better reach at higher elevations, making these skid steers well-suited for tasks like stacking materials, digging, and dumping.
- Comfort and Visibility: Both models are designed with operator comfort in mind. The cabins are spacious and come with adjustable seating, air conditioning, and superior visibility. The large windows and low-profile engine compartment provide an unobstructed view of the work area, improving safety and allowing operators to work with greater precision.
- Improved Ground Clearance: The S550 and S590 both feature higher ground clearance compared to other skid steers in their class. This feature is especially useful when working on uneven terrain or in rough environments, providing better maneuverability and preventing the machine from getting stuck.
While the S550 and S590 are similar in many ways, there are some notable differences in their performance:
- Lifting Capacity: The S590 has a slightly higher lift capacity than the S550, with a 200-pound advantage. This additional lifting power makes the S590 a better choice for operators who need to handle heavier loads or require additional stability for high-lift operations.
- Maneuverability: The S550 is more compact and lighter, making it a better choice for applications that require agility, such as working in confined spaces or maneuvering around obstacles. However, the S590, while larger, still offers excellent maneuverability for its class.
- Engine Power: Both models share the same engine power, at 74.3 horsepower, which is sufficient for a variety of tasks, from digging to lifting. The power output ensures that both machines perform well in most agricultural, landscaping, and construction applications.
- Weight: The S590 is about 700 lbs heavier than the S550, which contributes to its improved stability when lifting heavy loads. However, the additional weight can be a disadvantage in certain applications where a lighter, more nimble machine is needed.
User feedback is often one of the most reliable indicators of how well a machine performs in real-world conditions. Here’s a summary of what operators are saying about the Bobcat S550 and S590:
- Bobcat S550
- Operators generally find the S550 to be a great balance of power and size. Its compact nature makes it ideal for tight spaces, and its lifting capacity is more than adequate for most general tasks. The machine's comfort features, such as the adjustable joystick controls and spacious cabin, are also frequently mentioned as key advantages.
- On the downside, some users note that the S550’s lift capacity is slightly lower than the S590, making it less suitable for extremely heavy-duty lifting applications.
- Operators generally find the S550 to be a great balance of power and size. Its compact nature makes it ideal for tight spaces, and its lifting capacity is more than adequate for most general tasks. The machine's comfort features, such as the adjustable joystick controls and spacious cabin, are also frequently mentioned as key advantages.
- Bobcat S590
- The S590 receives praise for its extra lift capacity, making it a better option for users who regularly handle heavy loads. Its stability and power are appreciated by operators in construction and agriculture, where heavier lifting is often required. The additional weight and larger size, however, make it less maneuverable than the S550, which can be a disadvantage in tighter spaces.
- Some users have commented that the S590’s price point is a bit higher, reflecting its additional capabilities.
- The S590 receives praise for its extra lift capacity, making it a better option for users who regularly handle heavy loads. Its stability and power are appreciated by operators in construction and agriculture, where heavier lifting is often required. The additional weight and larger size, however, make it less maneuverable than the S550, which can be a disadvantage in tighter spaces.
Choosing between the Bobcat S550 and S590 ultimately depends on the type of work you plan to do and the size of the job sites you operate in. If you primarily work in tight spaces or need a more compact machine, the S550 is a great choice due to its smaller footprint and sufficient lifting capacity for most tasks. It’s also a more budget-friendly option.
On the other hand, if you frequently handle heavy loads or need a more powerful machine for lifting and material handling, the S590 may be the better choice. It offers a higher lift capacity and added stability, which can be especially beneficial in more demanding applications like construction or landscaping.
Conclusion
The Bobcat S550 and S590 are both excellent skid steers that offer a combination of power, versatility, and operator comfort. While the S550 excels in compactness and maneuverability, the S590 stands out with its higher lifting capacity and stability for heavier tasks. Both models are backed by Bobcat’s reputation for quality and reliability, making either a strong choice for operators who need a dependable skid steer for a variety of applications.
Ultimately, the decision between the S550 and S590 will depend on your specific needs. By understanding the features, benefits, and performance of each model, you can make an informed choice that best suits your operation.
