A vs B vs C Series

bmac · Oct 14, 2005

I see reference to A, B and C Series ToolCats. I assume these refer to major model revisions which occured over the years this product has been produced. I read a reference to axle changes on the B series, but what are the other differences between the A, B and C Series ToolCats? What specs / features differentiate one series from the others?

I look forward to reading an explanation of this. Thanks.

Rolando · Oct 15, 2005

Hi bmac,
I'm not the expert here, but I ask a lot of questions. You're right, these were upgrades that have been made to the Toolcat over its production history from experience in the field and input from users. The improvements have all been mechanical, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference visually between an A and a C series.

At this time the choices are used A's that may be on the market, some new B's that may still be on dealer lots or used B units, and new C's which have been in production for about a month. The C's are too recent to the market to be able to find a used one, you'd have to wait a while.

I don't know very much about the A-series, because I came to the party in the transition between the B and C series. Here is a Post that discusses some of the improvements from the 'B' to the 'C' series.

I myself started by looking at tractors, then switched to the Toolcat. I started this Thread to discuss my thinking and a lot of comments were added about the Toolcat, pro and con my situation, and also about the improvements in the different series.

Brian ('BrianSouthernMD') also started a discussion comparing the Bobcat Toolcat 5600 to Power Trac 1850 that I found very helpful in starting to learn about the Toolcat.

Others will have more to say, but this will get you started.

Rolando

BrianSouthernMD · Oct 15, 2005

bmac,
Yes, A B & C are the major production series of Toolcats. There are also two models (5600 [not turbo-charged] and 5600 Turbo). But all Toolcat work machines have a lot in common: all-wheel-steer and four-wheel-drive, dynamic front & rear suspension system, plus flex and axle oscillation to keep all tires on the ground for increased pushing force. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

"A" series Toolcats were produced from early 2003 through the middle of 2004, and only the non-Turbo model was available. It was initially advertised with a 44hp Kubota diesel engine, but the nearly same engine later was rated and advertised at 46hp. Their axles were lighter. Bobcat recalled these early, A-series axles and they should have been replaced with the newer, heavier B-series axles at no charge, and a few other updates were made available, too. Bobcat may have even moved to the new axles before the A-series completed its production run.

"B" series Toolcats were offered in both the 5600 (non-turbocharged, 46hp) and 5600 Turbo (56hp, 22 percent more power) models and were produced from mid-2004 through September 5, 2005. Turbo is especially needed in high altitute applications. And only the Turbo models can be equiped with optional high-flow auxiliary hydraulics (26 GPM vs. 18 GPM standard, 3000 PSI). That's useful for some models of stump grinders, snowblowers, wood chippers, etc. And the Turbo models got a larger diesel fuel tank of 16 gal, vs. 10.5 gal.

And both B-series models came with several convenience upgrades from the A-series: more cab storage pockets, a new radio kit option installed in headliner, new system to raise seats for easier access to hydrostatic components, rear cargo tie-downs repositioned for easier reach, & I think a bit more sound muffling.

A few dealer-installed accessories or options are not available for A-series and/or non-Turbo models, such as the Rear PTO option, but most are available for all.

"C" series Toolcats began production on Sept. 6, 2005. Key changes are to the lift arm and tilt mechanism to make it easier to handle heavy pallet loads, plus there's more sound muffling and an improved HVAC system (I think leaking tendency reduced, but AC was already outstanding! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif).

I own a 2005 B-series 5600 Turbo. I'll let some recent "C" series purchasers chime in with links and details on the C-series Toolcat work machine upgrades.

Rolando · Oct 15, 2005

Sorry about some of the duplication, Brian posted while I was writing.

bmac · Oct 16, 2005

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Looks like a great machine. Just out of curiosity, what is the list price difference between the standard and turbo models? The last I heard, I think the standard 46 HP model listed for around $32K. Am I in the ballpark here? Maybe this was without the enclosed cab and AC. Been awhile and maybe my recollection is off a little.

BrianSouthernMD · Oct 17, 2005

bmac,
My B-series 5600 Toolcat listed for $32,360 in August. But hopefully you'll secure incentive program (like the Free Cab Door Enc. w/HVAC that just might be avail. on any remaining B-series on dealer lots through this month) and dealer discounts. The non-Turbo 46hp unit was about $1000 less.

The C-series did bring along price adjustments (read increases /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif) with which others will be more familiar.

Rolando · Oct 17, 2005

As of the end of September, the C-series list price for the basic non-Turbo was $30,250, and for the Turbo $32,250. The cab enclosure w/HVAC is another $3,985. The High Flow option is $1,050. The deluxe road package is $1,575, if you're interested in that. Again, these are list prices without taxes and subject to negotiation. One dealer offered an 8% discount and the other a 10% discount.

You also need to check whether the free cab enclosure/AC incentive was extended (I would go to Bobcat directly to find out). I don't see any improvements in the economy that would warrant removing it. You would need to bring this up with your dealer if the incentive was extended. When I was negotiating, neither dealer volunteered that the incentive existed.

bmac · Oct 17, 2005

Thanks again, fellas. That's about what I thought. Looks like the charge to upgrade to the turbo would be money well-spent.

I have a 2+ year old NH TC29D w/ FEL, backhoe, pallet forks, bush hog and boxblade that I bought a little prematurely. Thought I would be building on our 12 acre tract sooner than we did so this has been pretty much sitting around on my .75 acres most of the time, doing little odd jobs here and there, but mostly sitting. I think I have less than 50 hrs on it.

In any event, the more I explore our property, the more concerned I am about the NH and the hilly terrain. We won't be moving to the new place until Feb or March, so I still don't know how the NH will perform there. I think I'd take a big financial hit if I got rid of it this soon. But the more I see / read about the ToolCat, the more interested I am. I may just have to get over it. This new home construction is sucking up every penny I have.

Again, thanks for the feedback.