Do Skid Steers and Track Loaders Have Rear Lift or Tow Points

[MikePhua]

The Evolution of Compact Loaders and Their Utility Features
Skid steer loaders and compact track loaders have become indispensable tools in construction, landscaping, agriculture, and municipal maintenance. First popularized in the 1960s by Bobcat, the skid steer’s compact footprint and zero-radius turning made it ideal for confined spaces. Track loaders followed in the 1980s, offering improved traction and flotation on soft or uneven terrain.
By the 2000s, manufacturers like Bobcat, Caterpillar, Case, John Deere, Kubota, and Takeuchi had refined these machines into multi-purpose platforms. With thousands of units sold annually across North America, Europe, and Asia, their versatility extended beyond digging and grading to include lifting, towing, and auxiliary hydraulic work.
Rear Lift and Tow Points Explained
Most skid steers and track loaders are equipped with rear lift or tow points, though their design and intended use vary by manufacturer and model. These points serve several purposes:

• Recovery and Towing
  • Allow the machine to be pulled out of mud, snow, or ditches
    
  • Enable towing short distances for repositioning
    
  • Provide anchor points for winching or chaining during transport
    
• Lifting and Hoisting
  • Facilitate crane lifting during jobsite relocation
    
  • Serve as tie-down points for aerial delivery or barge operations
    
  • Assist in maintenance tasks like undercarriage service
    
• Transport and Securing
  

• Act as tie-down anchors for trailers and flatbeds
  
• Prevent shifting during highway transport
  
• Comply with DOT and EU transport regulations
  

These points are typically welded steel loops, reinforced brackets, or integrated into the frame casting. Some models include removable clevis mounts or bolt-on D-rings. Others rely on the rear counterweight structure as a lifting zone, marked with decals or stamped indicators.
Manufacturer Variations and Design Differences
Different brands approach rear lift and tow points with varying philosophies:

• Bobcat: Most models include rear tie-down loops integrated into the frame, often near the hydraulic oil reservoir.
  
• Caterpillar: Uses recessed tow eyes and stamped lifting zones, with optional bolt-on recovery hooks.
  
• Case: Offers rear tow plates with clevis holes, especially on larger track loaders.
  
• Kubota: Includes rear tie-down bars and optional hitch receivers on select models.
  
• Takeuchi: Features heavy-duty rear frame loops designed for both lifting and towing.
  

In one example, a contractor in Alberta used the rear tow point on a Bobcat T770 to winch the machine out of a frozen culvert. The loop held firm under 12,000 lbs of tension, and the operator noted that the point was clearly marked and easy to access.
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
Using rear lift or tow points requires attention to safety and load ratings:

• Always consult the operator’s manual for rated capacities and approved lifting zones
  
• Use certified shackles, chains, or straps rated for the machine’s weight
  
• Avoid side loading or angular pulls that can bend or shear mounting points
  
• Inspect tow points regularly for cracks, rust, or deformation
  
• Never use hydraulic lines, axle housings, or attachment mounts as tow anchors
  

In one incident in Georgia, a crew attempted to tow a stuck track loader using the rear hydraulic coupler bracket. The bracket failed, causing fluid loss and downtime. Afterward, the team installed aftermarket tow eyes and updated their recovery protocol.
Terminology Notes

• Tow Point: A reinforced location on the machine designed for pulling or anchoring.
  
• Lift Point: A designated area for hoisting the machine with a crane or winch.
  
• Clevis Mount: A U-shaped bracket with a pin used for attaching chains or straps.
  
• Tie-Down Loop: A welded ring or bracket used to secure the machine during transport.
  
• Counterweight Structure: The rear portion of the loader designed to balance front-end loads, sometimes used as a lifting zone.
  

Field Adaptations and Aftermarket Solutions
Some operators choose to install aftermarket tow kits or reinforced lift eyes. These kits often include:

• Bolt-on steel plates with clevis holes
  
• Weld-on loops rated for 10,000+ lbs
  
• Hitch receivers for trailer towing
  
• Frame-mounted recovery hooks
  

In snowy regions, crews add rear-mounted winch plates to assist in self-recovery. In forestry, reinforced tow bars are used to drag logs or equipment trailers short distances.
Final Thoughts
Rear lift and tow points are more than convenience features—they’re essential for safety, mobility, and operational flexibility. Whether recovering a stuck loader, securing it for transport, or lifting it onto a barge, these points must be properly designed, maintained, and used with care. In the compact loader world, strength isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about where and how you anchor it.