Introduction: The Questions I Wish I'd Asked First
When I took over purchasing for our small construction crew back in 2021, I thought I had it figured out. I'd managed office supply orders for years—how different could hydraulic oil and loader parts be?
Very different, as it turns out. This isn't a comprehensive Bobcat manual. It's the answers to the questions I stared at my screen wondering about, often after I'd already ordered something wrong.
Here's what I've learned the hard way.
What hydraulic oil for Bobcat? (And why I got this wrong)
This was my first mistake. A guy on a forum said to use “any 10W-30 motor oil.” I tried that. The machine made a noise I can only describe as angry before the hydraulics started acting sluggish.
Don't do that.
The short answer: Bobcat specifically requires Bobcat Hydraulic/Hydrostatic Oil (part number 6683685 for the 5-gallon pail). This isn't a generic fluid. It's formulated with specific anti-wear additives and viscosity modifiers for Bobcat's hydraulic systems, including the hydrostatic drive.
You can check your machine's serial number against the bobcat parts lookup tool on their official site to confirm. The manual will also specify the exact fluid. But 9 times out of 10, when the machine is built after 2005, it's the Bobcat-branded fluid. I'm not 100% sure why they don't just make it a universal standard, but their engineers have their reasons.
The conventional wisdom is to save a buck and use whatever. My experience with a $4,200 repair bill suggests otherwise. (Ugh.)
How to use a bobcat parts lookup?
This is the single most important skill for any owner. The part diagrams are a lifesaver.
Go to the Bobcat Parts Catalog website. You'll need your machine's serial number—it's typically on a plate near the engine or on the frame. Enter it, and the system loads a diagram for your exact model and year.
What I wish I'd known: the diagram is visual AND interactive. Click on the part number, and it'll tell you if the part is superseded (replaced by a newer, better part) or if it's a common crossover with another model. The diagram is also the most reliable source for part numbers—don't guess based on looks.
Example from my recent experience: I needed a seal kit for a tilt cylinder on a 2018 S650 skid steer. The model looked identical in photos to the 2020 model. They use different o-ring sizes. The part diagram would have saved me a return shipping fee ($47—not worth it). Looking back, I should have spent 10 minutes on the diagram before ordering anything.
Are Bobcat parts available online? (Ford recalls fuel pump made me think)
Yes. Bobcat has a strong dealer network, but you can also order most parts online from authorized dealers. The key is making sure the price isn't inflated with shipping.
I recently read about the Ford recalls fuel pump issues (which I have no direct experience with for my fleet, but it's a reminder that OEM parts are often worth it). I applied that same lesson to our Bobcats: don't buy cheap aftermarket hydraulic parts from no-name suppliers.
For common items like filters, belts, and even undercarriage parts, online retailers like BobcatParts.com or your local dealer's web portal are safe bets. For critical engine or hydraulic components, I always go through my local dealer. Their parts guy has saved me from ordering the wrong thing twice now.
What is a forklift, and why am I asking about it here?
Fair question. A forklift is a powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials over short distances. It's not a Bobcat, but a lot of folks in construction or warehousing ask this question when comparing equipment.
Why I bring it up: if you're looking at attachments for your skid steer—like a pallet fork attachment—you're asking the right question. A Bobcat with a scraper or a pallet fork can do a lot of the jobs a dedicated forklift can do, but without the constraints of needing a flat, paved surface.
The popular opinion is to just get a forklift if you need to move pallets. I disagree. For our crew (400 employees across 3 locations), buying a cheap used forklift for $4,000 vs. getting a skid steer with a pallet fork attachment for $800 in steel—it was a no-brainer. The skid steer is more versatile for our job sites, even if it doesn't have a perfect lift chart. It's a trade-off that works for us.
What is a scraper in Bobcat context?
A scraper, in the Bobcat world, is an attachment—specifically a Scarifier or a Box Scraper. It's used for breaking up hard surfaces or leveling gravel. The Bobcat attachment system is legendary for a reason. You can switch from a bucket to a scraper in under a minute.
If you're a property owner or DIY contractor, asking about a scraper means you're probably ready to tackle more serious ground work. Just be aware that scrapers need hydraulic flow and a certain amount of downforce from the machine. Not every Bobcat model is a good candidate for the heaviest scrapers.
I learned this the hard way: I rented a heavy-duty scraper for a weekend job on our M-Series loader. The loader just didn't have the hydraulic flow to make it effective. I wasted a weekend. The numbers said it would work. My gut said the machine felt underpowered. Went with the numbers. Bad call. Every time I see that scraper in the shed, I still kick myself for not checking the specs more carefully.
Final thought for the Bobcat owner
If you're managing a small fleet or just one machine, don't be shy about asking your dealer questions. The best part of buying Bobcat isn't just the machine—it's knowing you have a support network. I still call my dealer's parts desk for advice on what fluid to use. They haven't been wrong yet.
Simple.
