Bobcat Mounting Plates Explained

[MikePhua]

Introduction to Bobcat and Mounting Plates background
Bobcat Company, a major player in the compact equipment and skid steer loader market, traces its roots back to the late 1950s when it first introduced its compact loaders. Over decades, Bobcat machines have evolved in power, durability, attachments, and quick-attach systems. Mounting plates (sometimes called “attachment plates” or “quick attach plates”) are critical components in the Bobcat ecosystem: they are the interface between the loader arms (or mini skid loader arms) and the attachments such as buckets, grapples, cutters, forks, etc. The right mounting plate ensures safety, performance, and ease of swapping attachments.
Major Types of Mount Plates in Bobcat / Mini Skid Loader applications
From reviewing current industry information, there are several common styles of mounting plates relevant to Bobcat machines, especially in the mini loader or stand-on loader categories. Key varieties are:

• Bobcat MT Plate
  Used on many Bobcat mini skid steer models. The plate often features a “U”-shape profile, substantial width, and pin spacing similar to full-size skid steers. One common specification is about 35.5 inches in width, 15.75 inches in height, with pins centered at approximately 33.5 inches, and two prong-like tabs (“prongs”) rising up about 8.75 inches. This configuration gives strong mechanical engagement and robust performance.
  
• Universal Mini Plate (Toro-Dingo CII interface)
  A more widespread plate among various manufacturers. Dimensions are smaller: about 22.75 inches wide, 9.25 inches tall, with pin centers roughly 14.5 inches apart. Because many newer attachments are built to this interface, it’s often easier to source tools compatible with this plate type.
  
• ASV-style / Other proprietary plates
  Some brands have developed their own plate designs. ASV mini skid loaders, for example, use plate dimensions and spacing that differ significantly from the Bobcat MT or the Universal Mini. These are more niche and require adapters or custom plates if attachments from other plate standards are to be used.
  

Definitions of Key Terms

• Pin center: the distance between the mounting pins of the attachment plate; crucial for alignment and fit.
  
• Prong or fork tab: protruding parts or lips on the plate that help in securing the attachment and resisting twisting or bending loads.
  
• Quick-attach or universal coupler: mechanism in the loader that allows attachments to be locked or released quickly without manual pin installation.
  
• Adapter plate: plate used to convert one plate interface to another (for example, to let a Universal Mini Plate attachment fit on a Bobcat MT-plate loader).
  

Specifications and Examples
Below are typical specifications for some common Bobcat-compatible mounting plates and adapters, drawn from industry suppliers:

• Universal quick-attach mount plates for Mini Bobcat (e.g. MT50, MT52, MT55, M85, S70, 463 loaders):
  • Plate thickness: ¼-inch steel plate;
  • Dimensions: approx. 38.25″ × 21″;
  • Weight: approx. 50 lbs.
  
• Bobcat genuine plate part number 7299199:
  • Used on each end of a rotary cutter roller;
  • Works in conjunction with bearing mount (part number 7347458).
  

Importance of correct mounting plate selection
Using the proper plate matters because:

• Safety: Wrong plate or mismatched pin spacing can lead to attachments slipping or disengaging under load.
  
• Wear and damage: Incorrect or ill-fitting plates cause stress concentration on pins, frame, or attachment shanks, leading to premature wear or failure.
  
• Operational efficiency: A plate that fits properly reduces time needed to swap attachments, reduces downtime, and improves productivity.
  
• Cost savings: Using adapter plates rather than purchasing new attachments for every plate style can save money in many cases.
  

Suggested Solutions and Best Practices

• Before buying an attachment, measure your loader’s plate width, pin center spacing, plate height, and prong/tab configuration.
  
• If you have older Bobcat machines or non-standard plate systems, consider adapter plates to expand compatibility.
  
• Use high-quality steel plate materials; thickness matters especially under heavy loads.
  
• Inspect plates regularly for cracks, deformation, and wear around pin holes. Replace or refurbish as needed.
  
• For aftermarket or custom plates, verify that the design tolerances match Bobcat’s specification: pin diameter, vertical alignment, plate thickness, and safety locking mechanisms.
  

Field Story / Case Study
A logging contractor in Oregon upgraded their fleet of Bobcat MT55 stand-on machines. They found that several of their attachments (brush cutters, pallet forks, buckets) used the Universal Mini interface. To avoid swapping out entire attachments, they acquired adapter plates that converted their Bobcat MT plates to the Universal Mini. Over two seasons, they reported:

• Reduced attachment changeover times by about 30%.
  
• Lower repair cost: plates and adapters showed less wear because attachments were more precisely fitted, reducing misalignment stresses.
  
• Increased resale value: properly maintained adapter plates and original Bobcat plates retained value in the used-equipment market because buyers needed them for compatibility.
  

Recent Trends and News

• Many manufacturers are increasingly standardizing on universal mini plate interfaces, reducing fragmentation of plate styles.
  
• Demand for adapter plates has grown, especially for older Bobcat models and for owners who buy used attachments.
  
• Suppliers emphasize “blank weld-on mount plates” for custom fabrication, letting users weld the desired interface onto an attachment base.
  

Summary
Mounting plates in Bobcat equipment are vital interface components that directly affect safety, performance, and productivity. The primary plate styles in the mini loader market are the Bobcat MT Plate and the Universal Mini Plate (Toro-Dingo CII style), with other proprietary designs also in use. Choosing the correct plate, maintaining it well, and using adapters when needed can yield efficiency gains and cost savings. Proper measurements, regular inspections, high-quality materials, and knowing your machine’s plate type are the keys to getting the most out of your attachments.