The 5-Step Pre-Purchase Checklist for a New Bobcat Excavator (What I Learned After a $2,800 Mistake)

Who This Checklist Is For

If you're about to buy a new Bobcat mini excavator (or skid steer) and you're comparing prices across dealers, this list is for you. I wish I'd had it before my first purchase in 2020. Back then I focused on the machine price tag—big mistake.

I've handled equipment orders for 4 years now. Made three major mistakes total, the worst costing $2,800 in rework and lost rental income. I now maintain our team's pre-purchase checklist. It has 5 steps. Each step has saved us money at least once.

Step 1: Verify Parts Availability for Your Model

You might think all Bobcat models have good parts support. Not always true. I ordered a E32 mini excavator in 2022 because it was $1,200 cheaper than the E35 at a different dealer.

What I didn't check: the E32 used a hydraulic pump that Bobcat was phasing out. The dealer had zero stock locally. When a hose blew on a rental job, wait time was 3 weeks—not 3 days. That cost me $1,400 in lost rental fees plus the rush shipping (ugh).

Checklist action: Before signing, ask the dealer for a parts availability report for the top 10 wear items (filters, hoses, seals, pumps). If they hesitate, that's a red flag. Ideally get it in writing.

Step 2: Compare Attachment Compatibility (Not Just Price)

This one I learned the hard way. I saved $400 on a used Bobcat skid steer by choosing a model with a proprietary quick-attach system. The machine itself was fine—but every attachment I already owned needed an adapter kit. Total adapters: $1,100. Plus downtime swapping them.

Now I ask: does this model use the standard Bob-Tach™ system? Or a specialized version? The answer affects your total cost of ownership (TCO) significantly. Most standard attachments work with the MT85 and T770. But some older or niche models (like the S70) may require adapters.

Checklist action: List all attachments you plan to use now and in the next 2 years. Confirm each one's compatibility with the machine you're considering. Include the cost of any adapters in your TCO calculation.

Step 3: Verify Dealer Support Capacity

Everybody talks about dealer network. But what matters is your local dealer's actual capability. I once chose a dealer that was 45 minutes farther away because they offered a $500 discount on a new mini excavator.

Turns out that dealer had only 2 service bays and one technician. When my machine needed a warranty repair, I waited 11 days. The closer dealer (with 6 bays) would have fixed it in 3 days. The $500 saved became $1,200 lost in rental downtime (not even counting the inconvenience).

Checklist action: Call the service department of any dealer you're considering. Ask: "How many certified techs do you have for compact excavators?" and "What's your typical lead time for a non-emergency repair?" If they can't answer quickly, that's a warning sign.

Step 4: Calculate Total Fuel & Maintenance Costs Over 3 Years

Manufacturer brochures show fuel consumption and maintenance intervals in ideal conditions. Reality is different. For example, Bobcat's E50 excavator might claim 2.5 gallons/hour. Under heavy digging with a breaker attachment (speaking of breaker box—the hydraulic breaker that runs off your machine's aux circuit), we saw 3.2 gallons/hour.

Similarly, some models have easily accessible grease fittings; others require removing panels. The cost difference in labor time adds up over 3 years—maybe $800–$1,200 more for a poorly designed machine.

Checklist action: Request from your dealer the official Bobcat maintenance schedule and parts replacement costs for the model you're looking at. Multiply by your expected hours per year (I use 600 hours as a baseline for rental fleets). Then add 20% for real-world conditions. Compare that number across models—not just the purchase price.

Step 5: Check Resale Value Trends

This one took me 4 years to figure out. I sold my first Bobcat skid steer after 3 years. The resale was 15% lower than a model that was only $1,000 more when new. Why? Because certain models (like the T770) have stronger demand on the used market—they're more common and have better parts support.

I now use a simple rule: check how many of the model you're considering appear on MachineryTrader.com or similar. High inventory = good resale liquidity. Low inventory might mean less competition at resale time—but also harder to find parts in the future.

Checklist action: Search for your target model + "used" on major equipment listing sites. Compare the number of listings and average asking price for 3-year-old units. A model that holds 70% of its value vs 60% equals thousands of dollars at resale time.

Common Mistakes I've Seen (and Made)

• Ignoring the "breaker box" question: If you plan to use a hydraulic breaker (that metal box attachment that runs off your machine's auxiliary hydraulics), some excavators need a high-flow option. Skipping it costs $2,000+ to retrofit later.
• Assuming "tractor supply" means easy maintenance: Just because Tractor Supply Co. carries some filters doesn't mean they have Bobcat-specific ones. Always check OEM parts availability first.
• Confusing "mixer" with a cement mixer: If you hear "what is a mixer" in your crew, clarify: some attachments are called mixers (like for compost), others are actually cement mixers. Wrong spec can break your machine.

The bottom line: The $500 you save up front often becomes $2,000+ in hidden costs later. I learned that after a $2,800 mistake in 2020. Use this checklist before every Bobcat purchase—it'll pay for itself the first time it saves you from a bad deal. (Prices as of early 2025; verify current quotes with your dealer.)