Who This Checklist Is For
If you're a small contractor (1–5 person crew) or a property owner who occasionally needs a compact excavator or skid steer, you've probably felt the sting of being a 'small order.' Vendors drag their feet on quotes, treat you like a nuisance, or just don't return calls.
I'm an office administrator for a 12-person company that does light construction and property maintenance. I handle most of our equipment ordering—about $80k annually across 6 vendors. When I took over purchasing in 2020, I quickly learned that being small doesn't mean you have to accept poor service. Here's the checklist I follow to get fair treatment and the right equipment for each job.
This guide covers tracked Bobcat skid steers, mini excavators, and the parts you'll need to keep them running—plus a few surprises like the Dewalt drill and sump pump that always end up on my shopping list, and a quick look at what a CTF loader actually is (spoiler: it's not what you think).
Step 1: Define the Job – Not the Machine
It's tempting to start by searching 'Bobcat skid steer for sale' or 'tracked Bobcat skid steer.' But that's backward. First, answer these three questions:
- What material do I need to move? Soil, gravel, demolition debris? Each requires different attachment compatibility.
- What's the working space? A 6-foot-wide gateway? A 10-foot ceiling basement? That rules out certain models.
- How many hours of use? Under 50 hours? Consider renting. Over 200? Buying starts to make sense.
I once spent two weeks researching mini excavator specs, only to realize we needed a backhoe for our actual job (digging a 4-foot trench next to a foundation). A simple question—'what exactly are you digging?'—would have saved me time.
Step 2: Match the Machine to Your Job
Once you have job parameters, look at the right vehicle category. Most small operations gravitate toward two platforms:
Compact Excavator (like Bobcat E10 or E20)
Ideal for digging, trenching, and grading in tight spots. The tracked undercarriage gives you low ground pressure, which matters if you're working on wet soil or turf.
Skid Steer / Compact Track Loader (CTL)
Better for hauling pallets, pushing material, and operating with a wide range of attachments. The 'tracked Bobcat skid steer' is technically a compact track loader—Bobcat's T-series (T66, T770, etc.). Full disclosure: I'm not a heavy equipment engineer, so I can't speak to hydraulic flow rates. From a procurement perspective, the key difference is whether you need digging power (excavator) or carrying power (loader).
Oh, and that CTF loader term you see online? Honestly, I'm not sure why some people use it. My best guess is they're confusing 'CTL' (compact track loader) with 'CTF' (compact track forklift?)—or it's a typo that took off. If you're shopping for a Bobcat T-series, just look for 'compact track loader' on the parts online catalog; 'CTF' won't get you far.
Step 3: Research Parts & Attachments Before You Buy
This is the step most small buyers skip. They buy a machine, then discover replacement parts are expensive or attachments aren't compatible. Here's what I do:
- Visit the Bobcat parts online catalog (bobcat.com/parts). As of April 2025, you can enter your serial number and see exploded diagrams. I recommend checking availability for common wear items (tracks, filters, buckets). If a part is backordered 3 months, reconsider that model.
- Check attachment compatibility. Bobcat's quick-attach system is excellent, but not all buckets fit all machines. Note: a Dewalt drill is not a Bobcat attachment (though I've seen people try to use a drill as a makeshift screwdriver on a skid steer bucket? No, wait—that's ridiculous). Anyway, you'll need real hydraulic attachments: breakers, augers, grapples. The Dewalt drill comes in when you're assembling the machine's manual thumb or installing guards—a cordless SDS hammer drill can save hours.
- Don't forget the sump pump. If you're digging below grade, water will find you. A good submersible sump pump (I use a 1/3 HP model from Home Depot) keeps the trench dry and your machine from sinking. Verify current pumping capacity at your local dealer.
Step 4: The Order Process – How to Get Respect as a Small Buyer
Now you know what you want. Time to order. Follow this sequence:
- Call 2–3 dealers. Ask for the parts department and equipment sales in one call (if you can). Mention you have a serial number ready. This signals you're serious.
- Request a quote in writing. I verify every vendor's invoicing capability before ordering. (I learned that lesson in 2021 when a 'great price' turned into a handwritten receipt that finance rejected.)
- Ask about small-order policies. Will they charge a handling fee for a $50 filter? Some do. Others waive it for $200+ orders. The 'small_friendly' vendors are honest about their thresholds.
- Get a delivery timeline in writing. '2–3 weeks' means nothing. 'Shipped by May 15, 2025' is actionable.
Should mention: When I was starting out, the dealers who processed my $200 parts order without rolling their eyes are the ones I now use for $20,000 machine purchases. Small doesn't mean unimportant—it means potential.
Step 5: Hidden Costs & Common Mistakes
Let me save you some headaches I've had to eat:
- Freight charges. A tracked machine delivered 200 miles can cost $400–$800. Factor that into your budget.
- Attachment mounting hardware. Some quick-attach plates require adapter kits—another $150–$300.
- Warranty exclusions. Bobcat's standard warranty covers manufacturing defects, not wear items or misuse. Read the fine print before you run the machine through a swamp.
- Fake 'CTF loader' listings. I've seen sellers list a Bobcat T770 as a 'CTF loader' to game search algorithms. Verify by checking the model number on Bobcat's official parts online catalog.
If you're also buying a Dewalt drill or sump pump for the job, great. Just don't let the tool store add a 'convenience fee' because they see a contractor vehicle—ask for the discounted price if you spend over $100. (That tip alone saves me about $60 a year on drill bits.)
Final Reminders
Pricing is as of April 2025. Verify current rates on bobcat.com or your local dealer's website. Regulations for emissions and transport vary by state—check with your DMV before hauling.
To recap: define the job, match the machine, research parts, order with confidence, and watch for hidden costs. The vendors who treat your small order right deserve your loyalty when you grow.
