Bobcat T200 Compact Track Loader: Detailed Overview, Features, Maintenance, and Practical Insights

[MikePhua]

Introduction to the Bobcat T200
The Bobcat T200 represents a significant milestone in Bobcat’s foray into the compact track loader market. Originally released in 1999 as the Bobcat 864 and later renamed the T200, this machine was Bobcat’s first tracked loader, designed to deliver superior flotation and traction compared to traditional skid steer loaders with wheels. Its rugged undercarriage and reliable engine make it an enduring choice for operators working in challenging terrains such as muddy, wet, or slick conditions.
Key Technical Specifications and Features

• Engine:
  • Type: 4-cylinder turbocharged liquid-cooled Deutz diesel
    
  • Displacement: Approximately 178 cubic inches (2.9 liters)
    
  • Power Output: Around 73 horsepower
    
• Operating Weight: Roughly 8,080 lbs (3,664 kg)
  
• Operating Capacity: 2,000 lbs (907 kg) rated operating capacity (ROC)
  
• Tipping Load: Approximately 5,715 lbs (2,592 kg)
  
• Dimensions:
  • Length (with bucket): About 11 feet (3.0 meters)
    
  • Width: Approximately 6 feet (1.83 meters)
    
  • Height: Around 7 feet (2.13 meters)
    
• Travel Speed: Around 6.7 to 7 mph (10.8 to 11.3 km/h)
  
• Fuel Capacity: About 7 gallons (25 liters)
  
• Hydraulic System:
  • Auxiliary flow rate: Up to 32 gallons per minute (gpm) in later versions (notably the 864H G and T200)
    
• Ground Pressure: Approximately 5.2 psi, benefiting soft ground operation
  
• Undercarriage: Designed with rubber tracks for enhanced flotation, durability, and reduced ground disturbance
  

The use of a turbocharged Deutz engine ensures reliable power delivery and efficiency suited for various tasks such as digging, grading, material handling, and site preparation. The machine combines the frame and cab components of the earlier Bobcat 863 skid steer loader but enhances capability with tracks.
Design and Operational Advantages
The T200’s rubber tracks give it an edge over traditional skid steers by enabling operation in slick conditions where wheeled machines might falter or cause ground damage. These tracks extend the working season for users by allowing earlier return to muddy sites and prolonging operation later into the year when ground conditions worsen. This makes the T200 especially valuable for landscaping, agricultural, and construction jobs in varied climates.
Common Maintenance Considerations

• Final Drive and Undercarriage: Like all tracked machines, the T200’s undercarriage components (track chains, rollers, sprockets) require regular inspection and maintenance to avoid wear-related failures. Replacement of final drives can be costly but essential to maintain machine performance; remanufactured final drive motors often offer reliable OEM or better performance.
  
• Engine Care: Frequent oil checks and coolant monitoring are critical to keep the turbocharged diesel engine running smoothly. Using recommended lubricants prolongs engine life and prevents overheating.
  
• Hydraulic System: Hydraulic fluid levels and lines should be checked regularly for leaks, as the auxiliary hydraulic system powers many attachments and functions.
  
• Track Maintenance: Checking track tension & condition prevents slippage and improves longevity. Lubrication of moving parts helps reduce wear.
  
• Operational Best Practices: Skilled operators who avoid abrupt maneuvers and keep loads within rated capacities reduce strain on drivetrain and hydraulic components.
  

Attachments and Usage Versatility
The T200 supports a wide range of attachments, facilitating flexibility onsite:

• Buckets of various sizes for digging and loading
  
• Augers for drilling holes
  
• Hydraulic breakers for demolition tasks
  
• Grapples for material handling
  
• Snow blades and sweepers for winter maintenance
  

The machine’s higher auxiliary flow rate in the T200 version compared to earlier 864 models allows more demanding hydraulic attachments to be used effectively.
Practical Stories and Case Insights
A landscaping company operating in the Pacific Northwest praised the Bobcat T200 for its reliability in muddy sites where wheeled loaders failed. They highlighted how the T200 allowed them to start projects weeks earlier in spring, significantly improving scheduling flexibility. However, they also emphasized the importance of regular undercarriage maintenance to avoid expensive downtime, sharing an experience where neglected track tension led to premature sprocket wear requiring costly repairs.
Similarly, a small farm utilized a T200 equipped with an auger and grapple to efficiently manage fencing and material hauling tasks. The operator reported that consistent hydraulic system checks and proper engine oil selection for fluctuating weather conditions were key to maintaining performance over several seasons.
Glossary of Key Terms

• Compact Track Loader (CTL): A small, tracked machine used for digging, grading, and loading, offering better flotation than wheeled skid steers on soft ground.
  
• Final Drive: Motor assembly in the drivetrain responsible for moving the tracks; critical for mobility and load handling.
  
• Operating Capacity (ROC): The recommended safe load the machine can carry based on stability.
  
• Tipping Load: The maximum load the machine can carry before becoming unstable and tipping.
  
• Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow: The volume of hydraulic fluid available to power attachments, measured in gallons per minute (gpm).
  
• Undercarriage: The track system including chains, rollers, sprockets, and shoes.
  
• Turbocharged Engine: An engine that uses a turbocharger to increase power output and efficiency.
  

Recommendations for Operators and Owners

• Select the Bobcat T200 for operations requiring stable traction on soft or challenging ground.
  
• Maintain a rigorous inspection and maintenance routine for undercarriage and hydraulic systems.
  
• Use high-quality lubricants and monitor engine oil and coolant levels to ensure engine longevity.
  
• Train operators on proper machine handling to reduce wear and prevent damage.
  
• Plan attachment usage to match the machine’s hydraulic capacity to avoid overload.
  
• Consider investment in remanufactured final drive motors when repairs are needed, as these can exceed original specifications at lower cost.
  

Conclusion
The Bobcat T200 stands out as a pioneering compact track loader combining the reliability of Bobcat’s skid steer platforms with the enhanced capacity of tracks. Its thoughtful design, powertrain, and hydraulic capacity enable versatile operations in tough ground conditions. With proper maintenance, operator training, and appropriate attachments, the T200 remains a valuable asset that extends operational seasons and improves jobsite productivity.
Through case experiences and technical understanding, users can optimize their use of the Bobcat T200 by tailored maintenance plans and strategic application choices, ensuring long-term performance and return on investment.