New "new version" 56 hp Toolcat

crazymike · Apr 13, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

( I don't think Bobcat is serious about marketing the Toolcat to individuals, they seem to target more of an institutional grounds maintenance market that can handle those prices. It is IMO a stretch to be adding a 3pt hitch and other tractor type implements to these things anyway. Those wheels are dinky. How could you do ground engaging work and maintain any traction? They are well engineered for grounds maintenance not field work (a la tractor). Sure they are great mowers if you have athletic fields, big lawns or an occasional flat field to mow but they really should not been seen as interchangable with an equivalent Hp tractor/cab. Kind of analagous to expecting an SUV to handle the same tasks as a pickup. Nicer to ride in but with big compromises on the work side. )

I have to agree with you.

A 3PH would be more gimmicky than anything. You won't use one to plow a field, etc... You could use a chipper or generator or stationary implements. But bobcat already makes a chipper and if they felt their was market they would have a water pump and generator aswell.

If you really needed a 3PH there is a 3PH that hooks up to the bobtatch loader brackets.

For the most part, most people I know with a toolcat purchased them more or less as a toy. I know of a few guys who used them for snow and the like, but their reason for purchasing was for a toy, the business was just the excuse /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I wouldn't mind one for snow plowing and a bit of ground work. But personally I would take a tractor and a UTV over a toolcat any day. (fun factor aside)

If I had exta money lying around, I would go for the tool cat. But in reality, it's more toy than function at that price. Adding a 3PH and PTO would just magnify that.

IslandTractor · Apr 15, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

I'm not sure I would agree that the toolcat is a toy, after all it is a very capable grounds maintenance machine. For a grounds crew buzzing about all day doing projects in all weather it would be wonderful. But I understand your point, especially when applied to non professional use. There are elements of large Tonka truck in it's appeal. I tend to think of it as a very nice cab with half the capabilities of a tractor at twice the price. I'd love one as a gift /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif but cannot see how it can be justified pricewise as a psuedo tractor /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif.

CRJCaptain · Apr 16, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

( For the most part, most people I know with a toolcat purchased them more or less as a toy. I know of a few guys who used them for snow and the like, but their reason for purchasing was for a toy, the business was just the excuse )

Lots of interesting arguments regarding the functionality of a Toolcat from folks who have never used one...sorry, but speculating doesn't equal experience.

A toy?...

All in all a fairly ridiculous statement.

crazymike · Apr 16, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

( ( For the most part, most people I know with a toolcat purchased them more or less as a toy. I know of a few guys who used them for snow and the like, but their reason for purchasing was for a toy, the business was just the excuse )

Lots of interesting arguments regarding the functionality of a Toolcat from folks who have never used one...sorry, but speculating doesn't equal experience.

A toy?...

All in all a fairly ridiculous statement. )

I never said it didn't have functionality. But for the price. you can buy multiple implements that are more effective. So except for a few unique situations, you are buying the toolcat more for it's fun factor than because it's the ultimate tool for the job.

I'm not bashing them, I would do the same.

I do snow removal. There are many guys around here with similar operations to mine in size, etc...

Some have toolcats, some CUTs, etc... but at the end of the day, they all play roughly on the same level. Except price.

CRJCaptain · Apr 16, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

A new term comes to mind here... Toolcat envy /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Gadgetnut · Apr 16, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

ToolCat Envy? Why, that's preposterous, Dean. I resemble that remark. Let me this state this again unequivocally: I certainly did NOT buy this huge, expensive piece of equipment to make up for any.... oh, never mind.

Just kiddin', folks. "Overpriced toy" or "multitalented work machine?" Which is it? Maybe a little bit of both? Umm, let's see, are there cheaper ways to dig a trench? Like so many things in life, beauty (value) is in the eye of the beholder. Is there more than one way to brew coffee? Which way yields the fastest, most affordable cup of hot beverage and does that git 'er done? Amortized, my coffee maker costs me $2 a day, does that make it an overpriced toy? To some people, yes. To me, no. Which perception matters to me at 5:30 in the morning?

I began my tractor search process last Fall quite certain of a plan to purchase a farm tractor plus a utility vehicle. When I was close to putting together a deal with my Kubota dealer, a friend tipped me off about ToolCat. Since my barn was empty and I was starting from scratch (no farm implements,) it was a clean slate to look at how to get things done. So far, I've found ToolCat to be very useful, versatile and fun.

The tenor of this thread is not bashing, it's good spirited discussion, which may inform prospective buyers-- great. But naysayers pay attention because, honestly, I cannot take umbrage at ToolCat being called a costly toy, because in addition to its utility, it has just been so much dang fun to have. The ToolCat's a blast. I love having it on the property-- yes, while I'm working I enjoy the suspension and outstanding heated, air conditioned cab and CD player-- and I look forward to jumping into ToolCat every chance I get. When it's not in the dirt, it's an estate car. A couple weeks ago, my significant other and I enjoyed a beer sitting on the tailgate at sunset in front of a bonfire (burn pile.)

When I began, I knew I wanted and was willing to pay for great engineering, reliability, and versatility, and sought a superb service and sales relationship with my dealer. Done. With all the skidsteer implements out there, I envision ToolCat's expanding role around my property as one I will appreciate and value, and one I will learn and grow with, for years to come. Am I in for a different experience from the farm tractor and utility vehicle I almost bought? I'm counting on it!

IslandTractor · Apr 18, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

 The tenor of this thread is not bashing, it's good spirited discussion, which may inform prospective buyers-- great. But naysayers pay attention because, honestly, I cannot take umbrage at ToolCat being called a costly toy, because in addition to its utility, it has just been so much dang fun to have. The ToolCat's a blast. I love having it on the property-- yes, while I'm working I enjoy the suspension and outstanding heated, air conditioned cab and CD player-- and I look forward to jumping into ToolCat every chance I get. When it's not in the dirt, it's an estate car. A couple weeks ago, my significant other and I enjoyed a beer sitting on the tailgate at sunset in front of a bonfire (burn pile.) 

Gadgetnut, I think you have a perfect situation for the Toolcat and it's pretty clear it will continue to suit your needs well. I would reiterate that while some individuals will find that the Toolcat fits their needs to a T, they should not be seen as a tractor equivalent. They do some of the things tractors do and they do some things that tractors cannot do. Perhaps that is clear to prospective buyers but sometimes folks get a bit too enthusiastic about their tractors and toolcats and attempt to sell everyone on their own favorite 'toy'. I don't think any experienced tractor owner (like Dargo) would be mislead at all but a newbie just might think this was simply Bobcats entry into the CUT market. Bobcat seems to have designed this machine as a swiss army knife of grounds maintenance and it is well suited for that role. However, grounds maintenance is not agriculture. Grounds maintenance in general is not digging, plowing, or logging work in rough woods. That is why the 3PT hitch thing seems a bit over the top for the Toolcat (recall that is what started this discussion). To me the Toolcat seems to be a tremendously capable, though very expensive, chore vehicle with totally legitimate mowing, carrying, FEL capabilities and, as you point out, the ability to use the plethora of Bobcat attachments for special projects. They just should not be seen as direct substitutes for compact utility tractors and are best kept out of difficult terrain.

By the way, though I am not exactly envious, I'd love to have one and it is on my list right after a Ferrari, a bigger boat and more attachments for my little CUT. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'd order mine with racing stripes and an iPod. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

As a post script I'd like to add that I am still wondering what happened to the Toolcat's spiritual leader BrianSouthernMD? Seriously, has anyone heard from him. Life on this forum just isn't the same without his energy. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Loosecannon · Apr 22, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

As someone who has owned three tractors in the past, with the last one being a Kubota, I would dispute the assertion that a Toolcat is not as good as a tractor for working in the woods. And on steep slopes the Toolcat is much safer and more stable than a tractor! As for digging, I find my Toolcat with a combo bucket can outdig any of the tractors I had. Yes, it is way expensive. But it sure is more than a toy.

EastTexFrank · Apr 23, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

Dargo, you just burst my bubble. I had just convinced my wife that I really needed one, I had done my research on the implements that I needed (wanted), and was going to run through to my closest dealer to discuss prices. Now, I don't think I'll even bother burning the fuel to drive the 50 miles to get there. I had expected the Toolcat to cost more than an equivalently powered tractor but not that much more. Still, it might make a fun day trip sometime.

I intended to get the Toolcat and still keep my B2400 and implements. So, it looks as if I'm back to the drawing board and looking at 50 hp cab tractors that won't be too scary on my slopes. There has to be something else out there somewhere that will meet my needs. I had thought it would be the Toolcat but it seems it's not likely to happen.

dsb5610 · Apr 24, 2006

Re: New \"new version\" 56 hp Toolcat

EastTexFrank, Too bad you are not closer to AZ. There appears to be a heck of a deal on a low hour turbo unit listed on machinerytrader.

dsb