6 hours ago
The Bobcat MT85 mini track loader is a versatile and powerful piece of equipment, perfect for working in confined spaces where larger machines cannot fit. As part of Bobcat's mini track loader series, the MT85 is designed to offer excellent maneuverability, power, and efficiency, making it an essential tool for landscapers, contractors, and small-scale construction projects.
This article explores the key features, performance, and applications of the Bobcat MT85, and provides insights into how it compares to other mini track loaders on the market.
Key Features of the Bobcat MT85
The Bobcat MT85 stands out due to its compact size, ease of operation, and exceptional performance. Here are some of the key features that make it a popular choice for those looking for a mini track loader:
When it comes to performance, the Bobcat MT85 offers impressive power in a small package. Its 24.8-horsepower engine provides sufficient power for tasks like hauling materials, grading, and light excavation. Its tracked design ensures excellent traction on various surfaces, including mud, sand, and snow, making it an ideal choice for outdoor jobs in diverse weather conditions.
Due to its compact size, robust lifting ability, and flexibility with attachments, the Bobcat MT85 is suitable for a variety of tasks, including:
While the Bobcat MT85 is an excellent mini track loader, it’s important to consider how it stacks up against other similar machines in the market. Competitors like the Caterpillar 239D, Case 570N, and Kubota SVL75 all offer similar features but come with their own set of advantages and trade-offs.
Maintaining the Bobcat MT85 is relatively simple, and regular maintenance will ensure it performs at its best for many years. Some essential maintenance tips include:
The Bobcat MT85 mini track loader is an excellent choice for contractors, landscapers, and small-scale construction projects that require a compact, powerful, and versatile machine. With its small footprint, impressive lifting capacity, and a variety of compatible attachments, the MT85 can handle a wide range of tasks. Its low ground pressure and smooth maneuverability make it especially well-suited for sensitive environments and confined spaces.
When compared to other mini track loaders, the Bobcat MT85 stands out for its balance of performance, versatility, and affordability. By choosing the MT85, operators can expect a reliable, efficient machine that can take on a variety of tasks without the need for larger, more expensive equipment.
This article explores the key features, performance, and applications of the Bobcat MT85, and provides insights into how it compares to other mini track loaders on the market.
Key Features of the Bobcat MT85
The Bobcat MT85 stands out due to its compact size, ease of operation, and exceptional performance. Here are some of the key features that make it a popular choice for those looking for a mini track loader:
- Compact Design for Tight Spaces
One of the most significant advantages of the MT85 is its small footprint. With an overall width of just 35 inches, the MT85 can easily maneuver through narrow pathways, gates, and around obstacles. This makes it perfect for jobs in tight spaces like residential backyards, landscaping projects, and indoor operations where larger equipment can’t reach.
- Impressive Lifting Capacity
Despite its small size, the MT85 is powerful enough to handle demanding tasks. It boasts a lifting capacity of 850 pounds, allowing it to carry materials like dirt, gravel, sand, and even small machinery. This makes it a great tool for landscaping, material handling, and light construction work.
- Versatility with Attachments
One of the defining features of Bobcat mini track loaders is their ability to work with a wide range of attachments. The MT85 is compatible with many of Bobcat's attachments, including buckets, pallet forks, augers, and more. This versatility allows operators to use the MT85 for a variety of tasks, from grading to trenching to lifting.
- Hydrostatic Drive System
The Bobcat MT85 is equipped with a hydrostatic drive system, which provides smooth and precise control over the loader’s movements. This system allows for easy speed adjustments and gives operators full control, whether they are digging, lifting, or traveling across a worksite.
- Advanced Operator Comfort and Safety
The MT85 features a user-friendly design with a comfortable seat and easy-to-use controls. Operators can enjoy better visibility and comfort while working, reducing fatigue during long shifts. The machine also has safety features, such as a seat belt and a roll-over protection system, which help protect operators while working on uneven terrain.
When it comes to performance, the Bobcat MT85 offers impressive power in a small package. Its 24.8-horsepower engine provides sufficient power for tasks like hauling materials, grading, and light excavation. Its tracked design ensures excellent traction on various surfaces, including mud, sand, and snow, making it an ideal choice for outdoor jobs in diverse weather conditions.
- Smooth Maneuverability
The MT85's tracks allow it to move smoothly and safely over rough terrain. Whether it’s soft ground, gravel, or uphill inclines, the tracks offer more traction compared to tires, making the loader much more reliable in challenging conditions.
- High Lift Performance
While smaller than traditional skid-steer loaders, the MT85 can lift materials to a height of around 74 inches, making it suitable for loading materials into trucks or other high-platform equipment. Its lift height and power ensure it can handle moderate lifting tasks that would otherwise require a larger, more expensive piece of equipment.
- Ground Pressure
The Bobcat MT85 has a low ground pressure of 3.3 psi, which makes it ideal for delicate surfaces that may get damaged by heavier machinery. This feature is particularly important for landscapers and contractors who work in sensitive areas like lawns, driveways, and golf courses.
Due to its compact size, robust lifting ability, and flexibility with attachments, the Bobcat MT85 is suitable for a variety of tasks, including:
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping
The MT85 excels in landscaping and groundskeeping applications, where space is often limited, and maneuverability is key. Whether it's hauling soil, planting trees, or spreading gravel, the MT85 can handle these tasks efficiently. Its small size makes it ideal for residential projects where larger equipment would be too intrusive.
- Small Construction Projects
Contractors working on smaller construction sites or residential projects can use the MT85 to move materials, grade land, and perform light excavation. Its ability to handle small loads and work in tight spaces makes it a valuable tool for jobs like trenching and building foundations.
- Material Handling and Moving
The MT85’s lifting capacity makes it an effective tool for moving heavy materials around a job site. Whether it’s lifting pallets of bricks, stacks of lumber, or bags of cement, this machine can do the job efficiently, saving time and reducing manual labor.
- Agricultural and Farm Work
In agricultural settings, the Bobcat MT85 can be used for tasks like hauling feed, tilling soil, or handling supplies in greenhouses or barns. Its compact design makes it a great option for farm owners who need to manage operations in tight or confined spaces.
While the Bobcat MT85 is an excellent mini track loader, it’s important to consider how it stacks up against other similar machines in the market. Competitors like the Caterpillar 239D, Case 570N, and Kubota SVL75 all offer similar features but come with their own set of advantages and trade-offs.
- Bobcat vs. Caterpillar: The Bobcat MT85 is a bit more compact compared to the Cat 239D, making it better suited for tight spaces. However, the Cat 239D offers a higher lifting capacity and a larger engine, which might be preferable for heavier construction tasks.
- Bobcat vs. Case: While both the MT85 and the Case 570N are designed for light construction and landscaping, the MT85’s lower ground pressure gives it an edge in delicate environments, such as residential lawns or golf courses.
- Bobcat vs. Kubota: The Kubota SVL75 is larger and more powerful than the MT85, which makes it a better option for medium-to-heavy construction jobs. However, the MT85’s size and maneuverability make it a more versatile choice for jobs in confined areas.
Maintaining the Bobcat MT85 is relatively simple, and regular maintenance will ensure it performs at its best for many years. Some essential maintenance tips include:
- Regular Inspection of Tracks
Inspect the tracks regularly for wear and tear. If the tracks become loose or damaged, it can affect the loader’s performance and safety. Replacing or adjusting the tracks when necessary will prolong the life of the machine.
- Engine and Hydraulic Maintenance
Keep the engine well-maintained by changing the oil regularly and replacing the air filter. Additionally, regularly inspect the hydraulic system for leaks or damage to prevent hydraulic failure.
- Cleaning the Loader
Keep the loader clean by removing dirt, debris, and other materials that may clog components or cause premature wear. Regular cleaning will help the loader function more efficiently and prevent costly repairs.
The Bobcat MT85 mini track loader is an excellent choice for contractors, landscapers, and small-scale construction projects that require a compact, powerful, and versatile machine. With its small footprint, impressive lifting capacity, and a variety of compatible attachments, the MT85 can handle a wide range of tasks. Its low ground pressure and smooth maneuverability make it especially well-suited for sensitive environments and confined spaces.
When compared to other mini track loaders, the Bobcat MT85 stands out for its balance of performance, versatility, and affordability. By choosing the MT85, operators can expect a reliable, efficient machine that can take on a variety of tasks without the need for larger, more expensive equipment.
