Bobcat S185 Reviews

S185 Worked Fine, But The 709 Backhoe Attachment Is A Nightmare
Model Year: 2012

I was walking around the ranch this week (in Peru) and found a backhoe attachment that I had forgotten some years ago. It was made in Mexico. The hydraulic "boom" cylinder had broken almost immediately, so the local vendor sent out a technician. They replaced it, but it broke again. We sent photos of the broken shaft and the Bobcat engineer in the US (with no other information) said it was a result of poor operation. We were using it in soft soil, but something in the controls made a zipping noise and "snap" it broke... twice, with two different operators. Since I have worked for most of the major mining companies since then, their smug approach cost them millions in business. I am a real engineer and will retire in a few more years... so maybe they will lose millions more. My S185 has continued to work well.

Pros: The skid loaders are tough
Cons: The attachments are very poor

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Functional Poly Tractor/Tractor Poli Funcional
Model Year: 2012

Translation: Performance machine in excellent condition. Only been installed two bucket attachments such as the original comes with the hammer, which performed very well as for having the turbo charger. Gives the power required for optimum performance. Original text (Spanish): La maquina se ha comportado en excelentes condiciones, solo se han instalado 2 aditamentos como son el balde con que viene original y el martillo percutor, los cuales se comporto muy bien ya que por tener el turbo cargador le da la potencia necesaria para un desempeño optimo.

Pros: Todos. Translation: Everything.
Cons: Translation: The kit comes without mirrors which touches install separate. Original text: El equipo viene sin espejos retrovisores los cuales toca instalar por aparte.

S185
Model Year: 2003

It does everything I want it to do. Next one I get will be a tracked Bobcat with a cab. The tracks in my area would offer better traction and performance in the mountains where I live and the cab would be great in the winter for snow etc.

Pros: Lots of power for its physical size.
Cons: Rides like a tank.