Bobcat S550 Performance Reliability and Ownership Insights

[MikePhua]

The Bobcat Legacy and the S550’s Place in It
Bobcat Company, founded in North Dakota in 1947, revolutionized compact equipment with the invention of the skid-steer loader in the late 1950s. Over the decades, Bobcat became synonymous with maneuverable, versatile machines used in construction, landscaping, agriculture, and snow removal. The S550, part of the M-Series introduced in the early 2010s, was designed to offer mid-frame power with enhanced comfort and hydraulic performance.
The S550 replaced earlier models like the S185, offering a vertical lift path ideal for loading trucks and handling palletized materials. With a rated operating capacity of 1,750 pounds and a tipping load of 3,500 pounds, the S550 became a popular choice for contractors needing a balance of size, power, and affordability.
Core Specifications and Capabilities
Typical specs for the Bobcat S550 include:

• Engine: Bobcat 4-cylinder diesel, 61 horsepower
  
• Operating weight: 6,213 pounds
  
• Rated operating capacity: 1,750 pounds
  
• Tipping load: 3,500 pounds
  
• Hydraulic flow: 17.1 gallons per minute (standard), 26.7 gpm (high-flow option)
  
• Travel speed: 7.4 mph (standard), 10.7 mph (two-speed option)
  
• Lift path: Vertical
  

Terminology Note: “Vertical lift path” means the loader arms move straight up and down, offering better reach at full height for truck loading. “High-flow hydraulics” allow the use of demanding attachments like cold planers and stump grinders.
The S550’s compact footprint and responsive controls make it ideal for tight job sites. Its cab-forward design improves visibility, while the optional two-speed drive enhances productivity during long hauls across a site.
Operator Experience and Field Feedback
Operators often praise the S550 for its intuitive joystick controls, smooth ride, and ease of maintenance. The cab is sealed and pressurized, reducing dust and noise. Heat and air conditioning are available, making it suitable for year-round use.
In 2022, a landscaping crew in Minnesota used an S550 for snow removal and spring grading. The machine performed well in sub-zero temperatures, with the block heater and cab insulation keeping operations smooth. The crew noted that the vertical lift path was especially helpful when loading salt into tall spreaders.
A contractor in Georgia reported that his S550 handled palletized sod and gravel with ease, even on uneven terrain. He appreciated the machine’s stability and fuel efficiency, averaging 1.5 gallons per hour under mixed use.
Common Issues and Maintenance Tips
While generally reliable, the S550 can develop issues over time. Common problems include:

• Hydraulic leaks from couplers or hoses
  
• Fuel system clogging from low-quality diesel
  
• Electrical faults in the display panel or sensors
  
• Drive belt wear or tension loss
  
• Loader arm bushing wear from heavy use
  

Solutions and recommendations:

• Use OEM hydraulic couplers and inspect hoses every 250 hours
  
• Add fuel conditioner and replace filters every 500 hours
  
• Clean electrical connectors with dielectric grease
  
• Check belt tension monthly and replace every 1,000 hours
  
• Grease loader arm pivots daily and inspect bushings quarterly
  

In 2023, a snow removal operator in Ontario replaced his S550’s couplers with stainless steel quick-connects after repeated leaks. The upgrade eliminated downtime during peak storm season.
Attachment Compatibility and Versatility
The S550 supports a wide range of Bobcat and third-party attachments:

• Buckets (general purpose, snow, rock)
  
• Pallet forks
  
• Augers
  
• Grapples
  
• Brush cutters
  
• Snow blowers
  
• Hydraulic breakers
  
• Soil conditioners
  

With the Bob-Tach system, switching attachments takes minutes. High-flow models can run demanding tools like trenchers and asphalt planers. Some owners retrofit their S550s with laser grading systems or GPS receivers for precision work.
Ownership Costs and Resale Value
The S550 offers competitive ownership costs:

• Fuel consumption: ~1.5 gallons/hour
  
• Routine maintenance: ~$600/year
  
• Insurance and registration: varies by region
  
• Resale value: ~60–70% after 5 years, depending on hours and condition
  

Bobcat’s strong dealer network and parts availability help maintain value. In 2024, a contractor in Texas sold his 2018 S550 with 2,000 hours for $24,000—just 30% below original purchase price.
Conclusion
The Bobcat S550 remains a dependable, versatile skid-steer loader for contractors, landscapers, and municipal crews. With solid hydraulic performance, operator comfort, and a wide range of attachments, it continues to deliver value across seasons and job types. Whether grading a driveway, clearing snow, or lifting pallets, the S550 proves that compact power can be both practical and profitable. With proper care and smart upgrades, it’s a machine that earns its keep every hour it runs.