Toolcat Legroom

[4Papa]

For all you tall (over 6'1" plus) Toolcat D-model vets, how well do your legs fit? I'm considering a purchase, am 6'2" (a more legs then torso 6'2") and have found the machine cramped when sitting in the driver's position. Very disappointing given the size of the machine compared to smaller UTV's that are predictably lousy on legroom. Is there any room behind or below the seat for modification? I would probably need 2-3 more inches. Think that's possible? Thanks and great forum!

 

[Xfaxman]

Well I guess no tall D series operators have seen your post. I have read there is a difference in the F series. My salesman thought the suspension seat was standard, but I didn't get it, so it is an option that has to be ordered.

I measured 36 inches, from the back of the cab, to the dashboard.

With the seat slid all the way back, there is still about 3 inches behind it.

Here is a picture that shows the seat.

 

[4Papa]

Thanks for the post Xfaxman. And the pix. I actually mispoke (mistyped?). I meant I'm considering an F-model, not D. Maybe that'll draw out more replies. Or maybe it's what you said, Toolcat drivers tend to be shorter.

With three inches behind the seat, and assuming the seat rails (if any) can be moved back, could be enough. Also a possibility of the optional suspension seat lifting higher to give the requisite legroom. Then again, might be some head to headliner bumping with too high a seat. Bottom line for me is if the machine is right in every respect but comfort, it's a non-starter. And a bummer. I've sat in a couple at a dealer and a farm show and loved everything but the foot-cramp feel on the accelerator from not being able to extend the right foot enough. Sometimes only an inch makes all the difference if you plan to spend hours in the seat.

I've got no dealers real close to me but it might be worth finding one to take a closer look at the existing attach points and clearance.

 

[Xfaxman]

What will be your main uses for it?

 

[SSdoxie]

Here is picture of the under side of the seat plate. Looks like there is another set of holes to mount the slide rails back farther. If this is only hold up in your decision, mention it to the Salesman. He will very likely have the seat moved back so you can try it.

 

[4Papa]

>>What will be your main uses for it?<<

Snowblowing, mowing (light to medium brush in pasture), basic runabout farm chores on property (flat to rolling hills). I don't anticipate spending more than an hour or two in the seat at a time, but a mildly arthritic right ankle and hip makes even this relatively short time be more of a pain than I care to endure.

 

[4Papa]

>>Here is picture of the under side of the seat plate.<<

Thanks for the picture, SS! Gives me hope. I'll see if I can track one down with an amenable salesman.

 

[yellowdogsvc]

I'm 6' and have a B series. I feel like I have enough room but don't like how the suspension seat slides up as it slides back. Not sure if Bobcat changed that.
I'm looking at getting a G series next week or two. My holdup is that the dealer doesn't have a demo or one to look at. I'd like to see the changes from B to G firsthand before I drop that kind of money but if I was concerned only about legroom, I'd say that a 6' person with big feet can be comfortable. I don't know how much taller than 6'1 you are but with cruise control I think you can stretch out some. Hopefully they have changed the seat setup. Sliding up and back seems to lower the headroom. Maybe my seat was put in wrong.

 

[Xfaxman]

This is the first I have heard of the G series.

Can't find it on the Bobcat Website, do you have any links for info?

 

[SSdoxie]

The G-series has not been built yet, starts production in December. Is basically the same as F-series using same frame, suspension, axles, hydrostatic system. Difference is it will be Tier 4 compliant with a Bobcat Engine with High pressure Common Rail Electronic fuel injection but no DPF or Exhaust fluid added.

The A - C series did have seat rails mounted on angle so it went up as it moved back. Idea was to give more leg room with less rearward movement of the seat. D series and later have horizontal seat rail mount with 2 rail position holes to accommodate the taller than average person.

 

[Bigkitty]

For all you tall (over 6'1" plus) Toolcat D-model vets, how well do your legs fit? I'm considering a purchase, am 6'2" (a more legs then torso 6'2") and have found the machine cramped when sitting in the driver's position. Very disappointing given the size of the machine compared to smaller UTV's that are predictably lousy on legroom. Is there any room behind or below the seat for modification? I would probably need 2-3 more inches. Think that's possible? Thanks and great forum!

I have a 2013 5600F.With seat all the way back you have about 1/2 to 3/4 inch before you hit the back that is all no more.The distance from bulge in seat back to bottom part of dash is 31 1/2 inches. From the deepest part of seat to overhead you have about 39 1/2 inches. If you went up vertical you could go back also. That would be no trouble at all. Just make some riser bars for under seat rail.They are a good machine overall but it has it's limits as all equipment does. On side slope machine can be very dangerous if it is slick mud or even slippery leaves. The four wheel drive leaves a little to be desired. Not to scare you but keep that in mind. Going straight up hills I have 45 degree + hills and it has no trouble at all. Good luck....

 

[yellowdogsvc]

What would we do without you Dennis?
I am considering ordering a Toolcat before year's end and my salesman told me I could only get a "G" series but he didn't have any specifics on what was different other than he thought it might have more ground clearance?

Everyone seems to like the F series. Not real excited about Tier 4 as it's just more money and more to go wrong in the motor but it is what it is..

I have to decide quickly if the Toolcat will fit my needs. While we are on the subject, my B series doesn't dig very well and the bucket rollback isn't very strong. I know they changed the boom and the rollback issue was fixed in the C series. As far as digging, does the independent suspension and extra hp help? What about the ride? My B series is what I would describe as rough.. on par with the skid steer. I'd be using the Toolcat in place of my mule for traveling around our small ranch. Nothing is level here and there's a lot of rough ground. Is the ride good enough with the independent suspension to use it off road and on trails without jarring my spine?

 

[Bigkitty]

What would we do without you Dennis?
I am considering ordering a Toolcat before year's end and my salesman told me I could only get a "G" series but he didn't have any specifics on what was different other than he thought it might have more ground clearance?

Everyone seems to like the F series. Not real excited about Tier 4 as it's just more money and more to go wrong in the motor but it is what it is..

I have to decide quickly if the Toolcat will fit my needs. While we are on the subject, my B series doesn't dig very well and the bucket rollback isn't very strong. I know they changed the boom and the rollback issue was fixed in the C series. As far as digging, does the independent suspension and extra hp help? What about the ride? My B series is what I would describe as rough.. on par with the skid steer. I'd be using the Toolcat in place of my mule for traveling around our small ranch. Nothing is level here and there's a lot of rough ground. Is the ride good enough with the independent suspension to use it off road and on trails without jarring my spine?

I can't tell you to much about the digging because I really haven't pushed mine to the limit. I have a combo bucket on it though. I usually use backhoe to dig with and Toolcat just to do finish work. Most of the time it is a dump truck. As far as the ride goes it is much better than a skid steer. The one drawback that I think it has is limited travel on suspension before it hits the rubber snubbers. But the ride should almost be as good as your mule. It would not be any better I am sure. I think all the rollback issues have been corrected.

 

[yellowdogsvc]

SSdoxie, I hate to hijack the thread but is the F (soon to be a G) series easier to work on than the B series? My B is fairly reliable but I have to take the seats out to change many of the hoses and it's very tight and hard to get to them.
I bought a service manual to help but it's still a tough job. Do you know if the drive motors are stronger? Thanks in advance!

 

[yellowdogsvc]

I can't tell you to much about the digging because I really haven't pushed mine to the limit. I have a combo bucket on it though. I usually use backhoe to dig with and Toolcat just to do finish work. Most of the time it is a dump truck. As far as the ride goes it is much better than a skid steer. The one drawback that I think it has is limited travel on suspension before it hits the rubber snubbers. But the ride should almost be as good as your mule. It would not be any better I am sure. I think all the rollback issues have been corrected.

Thx that was what I was looking for. My thought is to use it for a dump truck too. I have a 335 Bobcat excavator to load it.
I am glad the seats don't slide up anymore.. I've hit my head on the roof a few times with the suspension seat!

 

[4Papa]

Big help, guys. Thanks. Doesn't sound like the G-model will offer anything new as far as leg room. BigKitty, thanks for the heads-up regarding slopes. I don't have anything that steep (45 degrees), but I can approach 20 to 30 degrees in places and along with some deep ruts, can easily pucker you up.

 

[SSdoxie]

A traction control option became available in August on the tail end of F-series production. It is a factory installed option to consider if ordering new. It uses brakes to slow down the free spinning wheel to force wheel with traction to turn. Similar to traction control on todays cars & light trucks.

Yes, there are different drive motors than used in A-C, starting using Rexroth motor in the D-series.

 

[yellowdogsvc]

Good info. I always thought it needed a differential lock for pushing. I have a button to push in my B series but it doesn't seem to help much with traction.

 

[SSdoxie]

The B had a rear dif lock. But it would only engage if rear wheel were straight ahead, indicator light for rear wheels has to be on (green) or controller won't allow dif lock to engage.

 

[yellowdogsvc]

Mine, when I hit the button, I had to hold it down to keep it green even if the rear differential was in the straight position.
I am pretty close to pulling the trigger on a G series so that I have a machine I can use off-road a little more. I appreciate your help and those who have chimed in on the F series.