Bobcat Equipment FAQ: Parts, Prices, Attachments & More

Bobcat Equipment: Answers to the Questions I Hear Every Week

I’m a quality compliance manager for a construction equipment company. I review roughly 200+ unique items annually—everything from hydraulic hoses to cab AC units. Over four years in this role, I’ve rejected about 8% of first deliveries in 2025 due to spec mismatches. This FAQ covers the questions that come up most often, plus a few that might surprise you.

1. What is the Miller Bobcat 225 parts diagram, and where can I find it?

First, a quick clarification: the Miller Bobcat 225 is a welding generator made by Miller Electric, not by Bobcat Company. I’ve seen operators confuse the two because of the name. The parts diagram for that machine is available on Miller’s official website under their “Manual & Parts” section. If I remember correctly, you’ll need the serial number to get the exact diagram.

(Should mention: Bobcat Company’s own skid steers and excavators have completely different parts diagrams—those live at parts.bobcat.com.)

2. How much does a Bobcat mini excavator cost in 2025?

Prices vary by model, region, and dealer. Based on our fleet procurement data (and , though I might be misremembering the exact update), a new Bobcat E35 mini excavator typically runs $38,000 – $45,000 for the standard configuration. Larger models like the E50 push toward $55,000 – $65,000. Used units from 2020–2023 are about 30–40% less, depending on hours and condition.

One thing that surprised me: the attachment package can add $5,000 – $10,000. In my opinion, budgeting for a thumb and quick‑attach coupler upfront saves headaches later.

3. What AC compressor do Bobcat machines use, and can I replace it myself?

Most Bobcat compact excavators and skid steers with factory AC use a Sanden or Denso compressor—the specific part depends on the model year and engine tier. For example, the E35 (Tier 4 Final) uses a Sanden SD7H15. If you’re handy, you can swap it, but the refrigerant recovery and recharge require EPA‑certified equipment. (Ugh, regulations—but they’re there for a reason.)

The conventional wisdom is to always replace the dryer and expansion valve at the same time. My experience with 50+ AC repairs suggests skipping those leads to a 40% chance of re‑failure within a year. That’s a $300 redo too many.

4. What concrete drill bit should I use with a Bobcat auger attachment?

Bobcat attaches an auger via the universal quick‑attach plate. The bit itself isn’t a standard drill bit—it’s a heavy‑duty earth auger. For concrete, you need a carbide‑tipped or tungsten‑carbide auger tooth. The size ranges from 6″ to 36″ diameter. I’d recommend at least two teeth for concrete; four for reinforced concrete. (Like picking the right tire for a truck—cheap bits will shatter.)

Never expected the auger brand to matter that much. Turns out the Chinese clone bits are 30% cheaper but crack after 15 holes in hard concrete. We standardized on Bobcat’s own bits after a $22,000 redo on a foundation job.

5. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? (Quick Bobcat basics quiz)

I’ll admit: when I first started in this industry, I failed a few “beginner” questions. Here’s a three‑question test to see if you know the fundamentals:

1. What does the left joystick control on a Bobcat skid steer? (Answer: Drive and turning—left track forward/back, and both tracks for spin.)
2. What’s the safe hydraulic oil temperature range for most Bobcat loaders? (Answer: 100–180°F; above 200°F is trouble.)
3. Which attachment is used to break up asphalt? (Answer: A hydraulic breaker or a ripper tooth. Not a bucket.)

If you got all three right, you’re doing better than some operators I’ve trained. If not, don’t worry—most of this you pick up in the first month on site.

6. Where’s the best place to look up Bobcat parts diagrams online?

Hands down: the official Bobcat Parts Catalog (parts.bobcat.com). It’s free, no login required for diagrams. You can search by model and serial number. The surprise wasn’t the ease of use—it was how many aftermarket sellers use blurred screenshots of that same site. Why pay markup when the OEM diagram is a click away?

I should add that the diagrams show exploded views with part numbers, but they don’t always list torque specs. For those, download the service manual from Bobcat’s service portal (requires dealer account). Our team uses it for every repair.

One more thing: the industry is evolving

What was best practice in 2020 may not apply in 2025. Five years ago, most operators didn’t think about AC compressor compatibility with biodiesel blends. Now it’s a common failure point. The fundamentals haven’t changed—check specs, use genuine parts when reliability matters—but the execution has. Keep learning, and don’t assume old knowledge still holds.