Bobcat T200 Track Loader Overview

[MikePhua]

History and Development
The Bobcat T200, formerly known as the Bobcat 864, was introduced in the late 1990s as Bobcat’s foray into compact track loaders, designed to complement their popular skid steer loaders. Bobcat, a pioneer in compact equipment manufacturing since the 1940s, aimed to provide machines that deliver superior traction and flotation in challenging terrains compared to traditional tire-based loaders.
The T200 offered operators the ability to work in muddy, soft, or slippery conditions that would normally limit wheeled skid steers. It marked a strategic shift as Bobcat expanded its line by converting many of its popular skid steer models into track loaders — ultimately increasing the operational season and job site accessibility for heavy equipment operators.
Production of the T200 continued into the early 2000s before being succeeded by newer models like the Bobcat T300, which further enhanced hydraulic flow and engine power.
Technical Specifications

• Engine: 4-cylinder Deutz turbocharged, liquid-cooled diesel
  
• Horsepower: Approximately 73 hp at 2600 RPM
  
• Displacement: Around 178 cubic inches (2,920 cc)
  
• Operating Capacity: Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) around 2,000 pounds
  
• Tipping Load: Approximately 5,715 pounds
  
• Operating Weight: Roughly 18,000 pounds (8,080 kg)
  
• Travel Speed: Up to 7 mph (11 km/h)
  
• Ground Pressure: About 5.2 psi (pounds per square inch)
  
• Hydraulic Flow: Around 21 to 32 gallons per minute, depending on configuration
  
• Undercarriage: Rubber tracks approximately 17.7 inches wide with steel cables and embedded reinforcements
  
• Loader Lift Force: Breakout force near 6,400 lbs
  

Drive and Hydraulic System
The T200 features a fully hydrostatic track drive system, allowing operators to control speed and direction with precision. The hydrostatic pumps and motors provide smooth, variable speeds to optimize traction and maneuverability over soft or uneven terrain.
Hydraulics include a three-spool, open center valve system with auxiliary circuits allowing use of various attachments such as angle brooms, pallet forks, buckets, and breakers. The hydraulic system is designed with a cooler and temperature monitoring to maintain optimal function during sustained operations.
Operator Controls and Instrumentation

• Joystick controls operate lift, tilt, and travel functions.
  
• Engine speed managed via hand lever and accelerator pedal.
  
• Deluxe instrumentation panel provides real-time data on engine coolant temperature, fuel level, hydraulic oil temperature, pressure warnings, and other vital machine parameters.
  
• Safety features include audible alarms, warning lights, and system shutoffs for low oil pressure, overheating, or abnormal operational parameters.
  
• Parking brake is mechanically engaged with a finger-operated rocker switch.
  

Maintenance and Operational Recommendations

• Maintain track tension via grease-adjustable cylinders to ensure optimal track life and traction.
  
• Regularly check rubber tracks for wear, embedded debris, or damage especially when operating on rocky or abrasive surfaces.
  
• Conduct routine hydraulic fluid and filter changes to preserve system integrity and avoid pump or valve wear.
  
• Monitor cooling system fluid levels and cleanliness to prevent overheating.
  
• Inspect control linkages and seals annually for wear or leaks.
  
• Ensure operator training in joystick control to maximize machine efficiency and safety.
  

Practical Field Story
A municipal public works department transitioned from skid steers to Bobcat T200 track loaders to handle winter snow removal and spring landscaping work across their jurisdiction. They noticed significantly improved traction on icy roads and muddy construction sites, which allowed crews to start work earlier in the day and finish projects faster without getting stuck or damaging turf.
Glossary of Terms

• Hydrostatic Drive: A system using hydraulic pumps and motors to transfer power, enabling smooth and variable speed control.
  
• Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): The maximum load a loader can safely lift and carry.
  
• Tipping Load: The load at which the machine becomes unstable and tips.
  
• Ground Pressure: The force the machine exerts per square inch on the ground; lower values indicate less soil compaction.
  
• Breakout Force: The maximum force the bucket or lift arms exert to break materials loose.
  
• Auxiliary Hydraulics: Additional hydraulic circuits used to power attachments.
  
• Track Tension: The tightness of the rubber tracks, critical for proper traction and reduced wear.
  

The Bobcat T200 demonstrated Bobcat’s commitment to innovation improving operator productivity and machine versatility in adverse field conditions. Its legacy continues to influence modern compact track loader designs, balancing power, control, and durability for a wide range of applications.