Today, 02:04 AM
The Bobcat 595 and Its Display Panel Evolution
The Bobcat 595 skid steer loader is part of Bobcat’s mid-frame lineup, designed for commercial snow removal, light excavation, and material handling. Bobcat, founded in North Dakota in the 1950s, revolutionized compact equipment with its original skid steer design. Over the decades, the company has refined its machines with improved hydraulics, cab ergonomics, and digital diagnostics.
The 595 model features a modern display panel that includes various indicator lights, including green directional arrows that resemble turn signals. These lights appear during startup and may confuse operators unfamiliar with their function—especially since skid steers are not typically equipped with road-use turn signals.
Are the Rear Lights Flashers or Blinkers
Operators often wonder whether the red lights on the rear door of the Bobcat 595 serve as functional blinkers or hazard flashers. While the machine includes rear lighting for visibility and safety, these lights are not wired as traditional automotive turn signals unless the machine has been outfitted with a road package or custom wiring.
In standard configurations, the rear lights are typically:
Activating Flashers and Installing Strobe Bars
For operators who drive their skid steers on public roads or between job sites, adding a strobe bar or hazard flashers can improve visibility and compliance with local regulations. Installing a strobe bar involves:
If the machine already has rear lights that appear to blink during startup, this may be a diagnostic function or bulb test sequence—not an active flasher system. To confirm, operators can:
One snow removal contractor shared that he drives his loader around the block to reach different parts of a commercial lot. He installed a compact amber strobe bar and wired it to a rocker switch on the dash. The setup cost under $100 and took less than an hour to install. He noted that while the machine’s display shows green arrows, they are purely visual indicators and not tied to any directional lighting.
Another operator discovered unused connectors behind the rear panel and repurposed them for LED flashers. He added a relay and switch, creating a functional hazard system without modifying the main harness.
Recommendations for Operators and Fleet Managers
To improve visibility and safety on Bobcat 595 machines:
Conclusion
The Bobcat 595 includes display indicators that resemble turn signals, but these are not connected to functional blinkers unless the machine has been modified. For operators who need hazard lighting or strobes, aftermarket solutions offer flexibility and affordability. With proper installation and wiring, the 595 can be safely operated in low-visibility environments and on public roads—enhancing both safety and professionalism in the field.
The Bobcat 595 skid steer loader is part of Bobcat’s mid-frame lineup, designed for commercial snow removal, light excavation, and material handling. Bobcat, founded in North Dakota in the 1950s, revolutionized compact equipment with its original skid steer design. Over the decades, the company has refined its machines with improved hydraulics, cab ergonomics, and digital diagnostics.
The 595 model features a modern display panel that includes various indicator lights, including green directional arrows that resemble turn signals. These lights appear during startup and may confuse operators unfamiliar with their function—especially since skid steers are not typically equipped with road-use turn signals.
Are the Rear Lights Flashers or Blinkers
Operators often wonder whether the red lights on the rear door of the Bobcat 595 serve as functional blinkers or hazard flashers. While the machine includes rear lighting for visibility and safety, these lights are not wired as traditional automotive turn signals unless the machine has been outfitted with a road package or custom wiring.
In standard configurations, the rear lights are typically:
- Brake lights or running lights
- Wired to the ignition or lighting switch
- Not connected to any flasher relay or directional control
Activating Flashers and Installing Strobe Bars
For operators who drive their skid steers on public roads or between job sites, adding a strobe bar or hazard flashers can improve visibility and compliance with local regulations. Installing a strobe bar involves:
- Mounting the light on the cab roof or rear guard
- Connecting to a fused 12V power source
- Installing a toggle switch inside the cab
- Routing wires through existing grommets or conduit
If the machine already has rear lights that appear to blink during startup, this may be a diagnostic function or bulb test sequence—not an active flasher system. To confirm, operators can:
- Check the operator’s manual for auxiliary lighting functions
- Inspect the fuse panel for flasher relays
- Trace wiring from the rear lights to determine control source
- Test with a multimeter during switch activation
One snow removal contractor shared that he drives his loader around the block to reach different parts of a commercial lot. He installed a compact amber strobe bar and wired it to a rocker switch on the dash. The setup cost under $100 and took less than an hour to install. He noted that while the machine’s display shows green arrows, they are purely visual indicators and not tied to any directional lighting.
Another operator discovered unused connectors behind the rear panel and repurposed them for LED flashers. He added a relay and switch, creating a functional hazard system without modifying the main harness.
Recommendations for Operators and Fleet Managers
To improve visibility and safety on Bobcat 595 machines:
- Install amber strobes for road travel or snow removal
- Use waterproof connectors and fused circuits
- Label switches clearly to avoid confusion
- Inspect rear lights for dual-function capability
- Consult Bobcat dealer for optional lighting kits or wiring diagrams
Conclusion
The Bobcat 595 includes display indicators that resemble turn signals, but these are not connected to functional blinkers unless the machine has been modified. For operators who need hazard lighting or strobes, aftermarket solutions offer flexibility and affordability. With proper installation and wiring, the 595 can be safely operated in low-visibility environments and on public roads—enhancing both safety and professionalism in the field.
