Bobcat makes big addition to small track loader line

Expanding its already extensive family of compact equipment, Bobcat Co. has launched a new mini track loader. The MT55 loader complements the two-model track loader lineup with greater horsepower and a wider 10 in. track width which Bobcat said is ideal for operation in landscaping and groundskeeping applications.

According to Gelid Zastrow, Bobcat's loader product specialist, the mini tracked loader is highly utilized in the landscaping market because of its compact (72.4 long x 41.5 wide x 49.1 in. high) dimensions, which allow it to go where many other machines don't fit. Based on this, Zastrow said, an overwhelming number of mini loaders purchased are utilized in the landscaping and rental industry. Other markets for the machine include construction and single machine purchases, he added.

Through this launch, Bobcat now has multiple machines in the line which also includes the 520 lb. MT52 model. The new MT55 loader is a slightly larger machine at 550 lb. It also features more hp with a 0.9 L three-cylinder, liquid-cooled Kubota D902 diesel engine rated 23.5 hp at 3600 rpm. This is a 4.7 net hp increase over the 18.8 hp Kubota D722EB engine used in the narrower tracked MT52 machine. The D902 engine on the MT55 is fitted with a Fleetguard canister-style air cleaner and a Copar radiator The mini loader's track drive is hydrostatically driven by dual Eaton pumps. The pumps drive Eaton motors mounted to either side of the loader's rubber track undercarriage. Using a rubber track undercarriage, Zastrow said, provides improved traction and better flotation, even in soft, wet or muddy condition in addition to providing minimal ground disturbance. Because the rubber track is a wider 10 in., the 2679 lb. operating weight of the loader is distributed over a larger surface area. This helps lower the ground pressure to 4.1 psi, said Zastrow.

Direction and speed of the track drive is operated by a single multifunction handle. Walk-behind operation of the loader is standard, but Bobcat offers a removable ride-on platform as an option. The platform is designed to be detachable to optimize space on a trailer when moving from jobsite to jobsite, making additional room for attactments, said Zastrow A separate handle operates the lift and tilt functions of mounted attachments.

The MT55 loader is available with 18 different hydraulic attachments which are driven through an Eaton gear pump. The 12 gpm auxiliary hydraulics power attachment options which include tile Bobcat stump grinder, tiller, angle broom, hydraulic breaker, soil conditioner, utility blade, auger, landplane, bucket, pallet fork, snow blower, vibratory plow and trencher. Attachments are connected using the Bobcat Bob-Tach mounting system which is standard on the MT55 model.

Bobcat manufactures the MT55 mini loader in Bismarck. N.D., where it began production in December