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Bobcat’s Entry into Snow Management Attachments
Bobcat, a brand synonymous with compact equipment since its founding in 1947, expanded into snow removal attachments in the early 2000s to meet growing demand from municipalities and contractors operating in northern climates. Among these innovations was the V-plow—a hydraulically adjustable snow blade designed to mount on skid steers and compact track loaders. The V-plow allows operators to switch between straight, scoop, and V configurations, making it ideal for clearing driveways, parking lots, and tight urban corridors.
By 2010, Bobcat had sold tens of thousands of snow attachments globally, with the V-plow gaining traction in Canada, the northern U.S., and parts of Europe. Its appeal lies in its versatility and speed, especially when paired with high-flow hydraulic systems on machines like the Bobcat S650 or T770.
Understanding the V-Plow’s Height Adjustment Feature
One of the lesser-known features of the Bobcat V-plow is the height adjustment mechanism located at the Bob-Tach mounting plate. This adjustment allows the operator to fine-tune the blade’s resting angle relative to the loader arms and ground surface.
Terminology note:
Why Setup Matters More Than You Think
The V-plow’s performance is highly sensitive to setup. Differences in machine type—such as wheeled vs. tracked loaders—can affect the plow’s resting angle due to variations in lift geometry and ground clearance. Without proper adjustment, the blade may dig in too aggressively or float ineffectively.
In one case from Manitoba, a contractor using a tracked Bobcat T650 noticed uneven wear on the plow’s cutting edges. After inspecting the tower adjustment, he realized the plow had been set for a wheeled loader. Once corrected, the blade sat flush and cleared snow more evenly, reducing wear and fuel consumption.
Best Practices for V-Plow Setup
To optimize performance and reduce wear:
One recurring frustration is the lack of detailed setup instructions in the factory manual. While basic mounting procedures are covered, nuances like tower adjustment and machine-specific geometry are often omitted. This leaves operators relying on trial and error or peer advice.
In Colorado, a snow removal crew had to reconfigure their plow three times before achieving optimal performance on a Bobcat S590. The manual offered no guidance on tower settings, forcing them to rely on visual inspection and field testing.
Field Wisdom and Operator Stories
Veteran operators often develop their own methods for plow setup. One mechanic in Kansas shared his rule of thumb: “If the blade chatters in V mode, your tower’s too low. If it skips in scoop, it’s too high.” These kinds of insights, passed down informally, often outperform factory documentation.
Another operator recalled a winter storm where improper setup caused his V-plow to leave a thin layer of ice on a hospital parking lot. The cleanup crew had to return with salt and scrapers, costing hours of labor and risking patient access. After adjusting the tower and rechecking alignment, the plow cleared the next storm flawlessly.
Recommendations for New Users
If you're new to Bobcat V-plows:
The Bobcat V-plow is a powerful tool when properly configured, but its performance hinges on a setup process that’s often overlooked. With careful adjustment and field-tested wisdom, operators can unlock its full potential—clearing snow faster, safer, and with less wear. Whether you're managing a fleet or clearing your own lot, understanding the nuances of this attachment can make the difference between frustration and flawless execution.
Bobcat, a brand synonymous with compact equipment since its founding in 1947, expanded into snow removal attachments in the early 2000s to meet growing demand from municipalities and contractors operating in northern climates. Among these innovations was the V-plow—a hydraulically adjustable snow blade designed to mount on skid steers and compact track loaders. The V-plow allows operators to switch between straight, scoop, and V configurations, making it ideal for clearing driveways, parking lots, and tight urban corridors.
By 2010, Bobcat had sold tens of thousands of snow attachments globally, with the V-plow gaining traction in Canada, the northern U.S., and parts of Europe. Its appeal lies in its versatility and speed, especially when paired with high-flow hydraulic systems on machines like the Bobcat S650 or T770.
Understanding the V-Plow’s Height Adjustment Feature
One of the lesser-known features of the Bobcat V-plow is the height adjustment mechanism located at the Bob-Tach mounting plate. This adjustment allows the operator to fine-tune the blade’s resting angle relative to the loader arms and ground surface.
Terminology note:
- Bob-Tach: Bobcat’s proprietary quick-attach system for mounting attachments.
- Tower Adjustment: A mechanism that alters the vertical angle of the plow’s pivot point, affecting how the cutting edges contact the ground.
Why Setup Matters More Than You Think
The V-plow’s performance is highly sensitive to setup. Differences in machine type—such as wheeled vs. tracked loaders—can affect the plow’s resting angle due to variations in lift geometry and ground clearance. Without proper adjustment, the blade may dig in too aggressively or float ineffectively.
In one case from Manitoba, a contractor using a tracked Bobcat T650 noticed uneven wear on the plow’s cutting edges. After inspecting the tower adjustment, he realized the plow had been set for a wheeled loader. Once corrected, the blade sat flush and cleared snow more evenly, reducing wear and fuel consumption.
Best Practices for V-Plow Setup
To optimize performance and reduce wear:
- Park on a level surface before adjusting the tower.
- Set the blade in scoop mode and check that both edges contact the ground evenly.
- Switch to V mode and verify that the outer edges are not raised.
- Adjust the tower bolts incrementally and recheck after each change.
- Consult the machine’s lift geometry specs to match plow settings accordingly.
One recurring frustration is the lack of detailed setup instructions in the factory manual. While basic mounting procedures are covered, nuances like tower adjustment and machine-specific geometry are often omitted. This leaves operators relying on trial and error or peer advice.
In Colorado, a snow removal crew had to reconfigure their plow three times before achieving optimal performance on a Bobcat S590. The manual offered no guidance on tower settings, forcing them to rely on visual inspection and field testing.
Field Wisdom and Operator Stories
Veteran operators often develop their own methods for plow setup. One mechanic in Kansas shared his rule of thumb: “If the blade chatters in V mode, your tower’s too low. If it skips in scoop, it’s too high.” These kinds of insights, passed down informally, often outperform factory documentation.
Another operator recalled a winter storm where improper setup caused his V-plow to leave a thin layer of ice on a hospital parking lot. The cleanup crew had to return with salt and scrapers, costing hours of labor and risking patient access. After adjusting the tower and rechecking alignment, the plow cleared the next storm flawlessly.
Recommendations for New Users
If you're new to Bobcat V-plows:
- Test all three blade positions before starting work.
- Keep a log of tower settings for each machine type.
- Replace cutting edges when wear exceeds 1/4 inch to maintain ground contact.
- Use high-flow hydraulics for faster blade articulation in heavy snow.
- Train operators on visual inspection techniques for blade alignment.
The Bobcat V-plow is a powerful tool when properly configured, but its performance hinges on a setup process that’s often overlooked. With careful adjustment and field-tested wisdom, operators can unlock its full potential—clearing snow faster, safer, and with less wear. Whether you're managing a fleet or clearing your own lot, understanding the nuances of this attachment can make the difference between frustration and flawless execution.
