Evaluating the Volvo MC90B Skid Steer Loader and Its Operational Legacy

[MikePhua]

Volvo’s Entry into the Skid Steer Market
The Volvo MC90B was part of Volvo Construction Equipment’s strategic expansion into compact machinery during the mid-2000s. Designed to compete with established skid steer brands like Bobcat, Case, and Caterpillar, the MC90B was built to offer durability, operator comfort, and hydraulic versatility. It featured a 90-inch wheelbase, a rated operating capacity of approximately 1,850 lbs, and was powered by a 60-horsepower diesel engine—typically a Perkins 804D-33T or equivalent.
Volvo CE, a division of the Swedish industrial giant Volvo Group, had long been known for its wheel loaders and excavators. The MC-series skid steers were manufactured in North America, leveraging local design input to meet the demands of contractors, landscapers, and rental fleets.
Terminology Annotation

• Skid Steer Loader: A compact, rigid-frame machine with lift arms used for digging, grading, and material handling.
  
• Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): The maximum load a skid steer can safely lift and carry, typically 50% of the tipping load.
  
• Hydraulic Flow: The volume of hydraulic fluid delivered per minute, affecting attachment performance.
  
• Vertical Lift Path: A linkage design that keeps the bucket closer to the machine during lifting, improving stability and reach.
  

Performance and Operator Experience
The MC90B was designed with a vertical lift path, making it ideal for loading trucks and handling pallets. Its hydraulic system delivered around 20 gallons per minute at standard flow, sufficient for most attachments like augers, trenchers, and sweepers. The cab was spacious for its class, with ergonomic controls and decent visibility.
Operators appreciated the machine’s stability and breakout force, but some noted that the controls felt less refined compared to competitors. The joystick response could be sluggish under load, and the auxiliary hydraulic couplers were prone to leakage if not maintained.
In a municipal fleet in Ohio, several MC90Bs were used for snow removal and asphalt patching. Mechanics reported that while the machines were reliable, the electrical harnesses were vulnerable to corrosion in salted environments. After retrofitting sealed connectors and adding dielectric grease, downtime was reduced by 40%.
Common Issues and Maintenance Insights
Like many mid-2000s skid steers, the MC90B had its share of quirks:

• Hydraulic coupler wear: The flat-face couplers often leaked under pressure, especially in cold weather.
  
• Electrical faults: The wiring harness near the engine compartment was exposed to heat and vibration, leading to intermittent sensor failures.
  
• Cooling system strain: The radiator and oil cooler required frequent cleaning in dusty conditions to prevent overheating.
  
• Loader arm bushings: These wore prematurely if not greased regularly, leading to play in the linkage.
  

Recommended maintenance strategies:

• Replace hydraulic couplers with ISO 16028 flat-face units rated for 3,000 psi
  
• Inspect and rewrap wiring harnesses with heat-resistant loom
  
• Clean cooling fins weekly during summer or dusty operations
  
• Use high-quality synthetic grease on loader arm pivots every 50 hours
  

In one landscaping company in Alberta, switching to synthetic hydraulic fluid and upgrading the fan shroud improved cooling efficiency and extended pump life by over 1,000 hours.
Attachment Compatibility and Hydraulic Considerations
The MC90B was compatible with most universal quick-attach tools, but its hydraulic output limited the use of high-flow attachments. For example:

• Standard-flow tools (up to 20 GPM): augers, trenchers, brooms, grapples
  
• High-flow tools (25+ GPM): cold planers, stump grinders, snow blowers (not recommended without modification)
  

Some owners retrofitted their MC90Bs with auxiliary coolers and upgraded pumps to support high-flow attachments, but this required careful engineering to avoid overloading the system.
In Wisconsin, a contractor added a hydraulic cooler and pressure relief valve to run a snow blower. The modification worked well for two seasons before the pump began to show signs of cavitation, prompting a switch to a lower-flow blower.
Resale Value and Market Perception
The MC90B holds moderate resale value, often priced below comparable Bobcat or CAT models. This is due in part to limited parts availability and fewer aftermarket support options. However, for mechanically inclined owners or those with access to Volvo CE parts channels, the machine remains a solid investment.
Typical resale range (as of recent data):

• Fair condition, 2,500–3,500 hours: $12,000–$16,000 USD
  
• Excellent condition, under 2,000 hours: $18,000–$22,000 USD
  

In one auction in Pennsylvania, a well-maintained MC90B with new tires and a fresh hydraulic service sold for $19,500, outperforming expectations due to its clean history and included bucket.
Final Thoughts
The Volvo MC90B is a capable skid steer loader with solid engineering and respectable performance. While it may not have the polish or brand recognition of its competitors, it delivers value through durability and straightforward maintenance. With proper care and a few upgrades, it can serve reliably in construction, landscaping, or municipal work.
In the hum of hydraulics and the grip of its tires, the MC90B proves that even underdog machines can move mountains—quietly, steadily, and with purpose.