2 hours ago
Bobcat Compact Track Loader Lineage
Bobcat Company, founded in 1947 in North Dakota, revolutionized compact equipment with the invention of the skid-steer loader. Its compact track loader (CTL) lineup expanded in the 2000s to meet demand for better traction and flotation in soft terrain. The T740 and T870 are part of Bobcat’s M-Series, introduced in the early 2010s, offering improved cab comfort, hydraulic performance, and emissions compliance.
The T740 was designed as a Tier 4 Interim machine without DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), while the T870 was built to meet Tier 4 Final standards, requiring DEF and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). Both models remain popular in rental fleets and owner-operator businesses due to their power and versatility.
Core Differences Between T740 and T870
For buyers planning to keep the machine for 10+ years, emissions complexity becomes a major factor. The T740’s lack of DEF simplifies winter operation, reduces maintenance costs, and eliminates the risk of SCR-related fault codes. However, the T870 offers superior lifting capacity and breakout force, which may be essential for heavy-duty grading or demolition.
Field Anecdote and Practical Insight
In Oregon, a contractor upgraded from a Deere 322 CTL to a Bobcat T870 for land clearing and rock work. While impressed by the power and stability, he encountered DEF system faults during cold starts. After multiple service calls, he installed a block heater and began storing DEF indoors. The machine performed flawlessly afterward, but he noted the added complexity compared to his previous Tier 3 loader.
Another operator in Alberta chose the T740 for snow removal and landscaping. He appreciated the simpler engine and lower fuel costs, though he occasionally wished for more lift capacity when handling wet soil.
Recommendations for Buyers
The Bobcat T740 and T870 serve different needs within the compact loader market. The T740 offers simplicity and lower operating costs, while the T870 delivers unmatched power and lift capacity. For long-term ownership, the decision hinges on workload intensity, climate, and tolerance for emissions system complexity. With proper care, either machine can deliver a decade of reliable service.
Bobcat Company, founded in 1947 in North Dakota, revolutionized compact equipment with the invention of the skid-steer loader. Its compact track loader (CTL) lineup expanded in the 2000s to meet demand for better traction and flotation in soft terrain. The T740 and T870 are part of Bobcat’s M-Series, introduced in the early 2010s, offering improved cab comfort, hydraulic performance, and emissions compliance.
The T740 was designed as a Tier 4 Interim machine without DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), while the T870 was built to meet Tier 4 Final standards, requiring DEF and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). Both models remain popular in rental fleets and owner-operator businesses due to their power and versatility.
Core Differences Between T740 and T870
- Engine Power
T740: 74 hp
T870: 100 hp
- Operating Weight
T740: ~10,000 lbs
T870: ~12,000 lbs
- Rated Operating Capacity
T740: ~3,000 lbs
T870: ~3,850 lbs
- Lift Path
Both feature vertical lift arms, ideal for truck loading and pallet handling.
- Emissions System
T740: No DEF, simpler maintenance
T870: DEF and SCR required, more complex but cleaner emissions
- CTL (Compact Track Loader): A tracked machine used for digging, grading, and material handling.
- Vertical Lift: A lift arm design that maintains a straight up-and-down path, improving reach at full height.
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid): A urea-based solution used to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in Tier 4 Final engines.
- SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction): An emissions system that uses DEF to convert NOx into harmless gases.
For buyers planning to keep the machine for 10+ years, emissions complexity becomes a major factor. The T740’s lack of DEF simplifies winter operation, reduces maintenance costs, and eliminates the risk of SCR-related fault codes. However, the T870 offers superior lifting capacity and breakout force, which may be essential for heavy-duty grading or demolition.
Field Anecdote and Practical Insight
In Oregon, a contractor upgraded from a Deere 322 CTL to a Bobcat T870 for land clearing and rock work. While impressed by the power and stability, he encountered DEF system faults during cold starts. After multiple service calls, he installed a block heater and began storing DEF indoors. The machine performed flawlessly afterward, but he noted the added complexity compared to his previous Tier 3 loader.
Another operator in Alberta chose the T740 for snow removal and landscaping. He appreciated the simpler engine and lower fuel costs, though he occasionally wished for more lift capacity when handling wet soil.
Recommendations for Buyers
- Choose T740 for Simplicity and Reliability: Ideal for moderate workloads and cold climates.
- Choose T870 for Heavy-Duty Tasks: Best for demolition, land clearing, and high-volume material handling.
- Budget for DEF Maintenance: Include DEF fluid, filter replacements, and potential SCR diagnostics.
- Consider Dealer Support: Ensure access to parts and emissions expertise before committing to Tier 4 Final machines.
- Test Both Models: Demo each loader with your typical attachments to assess hydraulic response and cab comfort.
The Bobcat T740 and T870 serve different needs within the compact loader market. The T740 offers simplicity and lower operating costs, while the T870 delivers unmatched power and lift capacity. For long-term ownership, the decision hinges on workload intensity, climate, and tolerance for emissions system complexity. With proper care, either machine can deliver a decade of reliable service.
