Everyone-
Well, I’m back from a very informative seminar, and armed with more knowledge than I can ever hope to remember much past this weekend. I figured I better answer your questions now while it’s still fresh. I will go thru the questions as they appeared in the thread. Please keep in mind that some of what we learned may be of a proprietary nature, so if it seems like I’m avoiding a direct answer to any particular question……… Well, I probably am. I’ll do the best I can but feel free to fire off a Private Message in my direction if you want me to expand on anything. I will also post some other interesting stuff (including a cool “easter-egg”) when I have more time this weekend.
Rip: While Bobcat does a super job at making sure there is updated paper literature available for all their newer improvements, the website gets overlooked sometimes. I brought that to their attention.
Bam747: Your suggestion for an “expanded” cab raised an eyebrow or two. It was something they had honestly not thought about, and something they may explore. Maybe if they use your idea I can get you a t-shirt or something /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif XXL or XXXL?
BrianSouthernMD: There is a useable prototype of the front window guard at the factory. Interest in that option was not high enough for it to go to production, but if they get enough calls for one…….. I know it is not like the special app kit (lexan) and so gathered that it was a metal shield of some sort. I’m sorry, but I didn’t ask about the attaching method. If this is near and dear to your heart for your Toolcat’s protection, I can do some more research.
Kude: Yes, there is a “smaller” version coming out.
BrianSouthernMD (again): The new “C” series Toolcat can use any of the attachments approved for the S130 with the exception of these three: Breaker (jackhammer), Industrial grapple, and Backhoe attachment. The new boom design on the “C” series has much improved roll-back force (2500 lbs vs. 670 lbs on the “A” & “B” series) which is why a lot of the attachments were not approved before. As an aside, they also decreased the amount of roll-back angle at maximum lift height, making it much less likely that you will drop something on your cab if you aren’t paying attention while lifting. The other really cool feature of the newer boom design- 2000 lbs lifting capacity to 60” height. You will not see this in any of the new literature/specs because the “operating” (vs. “lifting”) capacity also includes the necessity to STOP the unit safely once you have lifted your load and begin moving it. Sorry. I expanded on that way more than I meant to……. I digress. My Bobcat district attachment rep is checking to see if there is any problem running the Bob-tach backhoe attachment on the Toolcat. Stay tuned.
rox: I suggested they make the link to the specs on the website easier to find.
I will admit that I don’t frequent Bobcat’s website as much as I should to see if it is up-to-date with current attachment offerings, but there are currently two back-of-the-bed sprayer units (50 and 75 gallon) available for the Toolcat. They both come standard with a wand and have a couple of different boom options.
Amount of slope…….. I honestly thought there was no way in the world I would get a hard answer on this question, but I asked anyway. Legal disclaimer: Keep in mind, the member of TBN known as BobcatBoy is NOT a factory representative of the Bobcat company………..
35% front-to-rear, 25-28% side hill (fully loaded).
Your results may vary. Kids, don’t try this at home. That holder in the center console is for soda, not beer. Etc, etc.
Mike123: You did not mention which “series” Toolcat you were running. The “C” series has improved duct work and a larger blower for the HVAC system.
From the that-bites depatment- The "C" series was released in Sept of this year. I know most (if not all) of you are running "A" or "B" series units. Feedback from customers prompted a few changes over the last couple of years and Bobcat isn't done making improvements quite yet. Kinda like buying a computer in that the technology will pass up whatever you buy quicker than we would like. Equipment dealers suffer as well. The upside, for those considering a Toolcat purchase- Be informed. If you can do without the latest, greatest features/options, look for "new" older models that may still be in the dealer's fleet. By knowing that a newer model is in production you may be able to work a better deal. Alternately, if you are looking to purchase the newest model, make sure that is what is being presented (and quoted) to you.
From the For-what-it’s-worth department- The Bobcat factory Toolcat/Utility vehicle rep (Brad) did a great job presenting the material to us sales-types today. He was intrigued to discover there was a forum on TBN dedicated solely to the Toolcat, and I gave him my printed copy of this thread which he spent some time perusing. ALL of the equipment suppliers/manufacturers would be wise to monitor sites like TBN to see what the actual users of their products are discussing. With that said, I also know this is NOT a site for reps/sales types to tout their particular brand of equipment. I am trying to inform here without breaking Forum Rule #3 (No Advertising) so if you see anyone (me included) oversteping that boundary, please tell us to shut-up and get back to work.
Thanks for all the great questions. You guys made me look really in touch with the customers today.
Rob
*longest.response.evar. Spent waaay too much time typing this.
EDIT: and still made spelling/gramatical errors. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif