Bobcat T870 Specs: Compact Track Loader Features and Performance

Bobcat offers versatile, agile, and tough machines, and the T870 track loader is no exception. It’s a compact vehicle, ideal for loading and unloading construction materials such as blocks and bricks.

It offers the highest lifting height in the entire Bobcat’s M2-series and makes for a perfect solution to work in rough conditions and limited spaces.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Bobcat T870 including specs, features, and performance.

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Bobcat T870 Specs

Engine Specs

Power: 100 hp (74.6 kW)
Max Speed: 5.5 mph (8.8kmph), 9.3 mph (15.0 kmph) – (2-speed)
Fuel Tank: 32.6 gal (123.4 L) Diesel

The Bobcat T870 supplies 100 hp through the diesel engine.

With this power it can reach a max speed of 5.5 mph, but can go up to 9.3 mph with the 2-speed option. The T870 requires diesel fuel and has a 32.6 gal gas tank.

Capacities

Tipping Capacity: 10,430 lbs (4,731 kg)
Rated Operating Capacity (ISO): 3,650 lbs (1,656 kg)
Operating Capacity w/200 lb counterweight: 3,750 lbs (1,701 kg)

The Bobcat T870 has a tipping capacity of 10,430 lbs which means that the vehicle will not be able to lift and will physically tip forward if exceeded. However, the operation capacity is the actual safe capacity that can be loaded on the track loader.

The operating capacity is usually around 50% of the tipping capacity.

The operating capacity of the Bobcat T870 is 5,215 lbs, but the ISO Rated Operating Capacity if 3,650 lbs.

There is an optional 200 lb counterweight that can be added to the track loader, and this ads an extra 100 lbs of operating capacity (at 35%).

Weight Specs

Operating Weight: 12,925 lbs (5,863 kg)

The Bobcat T870 weighs 12,925 lbs. This is important if you plan to transport this vehicle; you must know the weight in order to insure a trailer and truck that can support this weight.

Dimensions

Height: 83.6 in (212.3 cm)
Width w/bucket: 86.0 in (218.4 cm)
Length w/o attachment: 119.3 in
Length w/bucket: 153.9 in
Reach at Max Height: 37.5 in
Track Width: 17.7 in (45 cm)
Length of track on ground: 70.2 in (178.2 cm)

Knowing the height of you vehicle is important as well because you need to understand how it can maneuver and fit either during transportation or on site.

The Bobcat T870 is 83.6 inches high, 86.0 inches wide, and 153.9 inches long with a standard bucket.

The tracks are 17.7 inches and have a contact with the ground for 70.2 inches.

It can reach out 37.5 inches at the max weight.

Design

Body Design

The undercarriage of the T870 has a solid mounting track. This makes the system fully closed for fewer maintenance intervals and improved stabilization. The idlers and rollers are made of steel parts with steel braces and reinforcements to work on the roughest surfaces.

The axle system has a heated inner bar with four rubber cords that provide heat for improved strength.

The suspension comes standard on the T870 with a 5-link torsion suspension system to absorb higher impact to reduce vibration and improve stability.

To reduce damage to the vehicle, a special tensioning system keeps parts in place and prevents parts from coming loose. Hydraulic hoses are also protected and hidden under the carriage to reduce damage from getting caught or getting nicks.

The treads on the track steers come in 7 different tread patters for customized look at performance for all terrain.

Interior Design

You can choose from Bobcat’s premium class SJC (Selectable Joystick Controls) or Standard Controls based on your preferences.

The Selectable Joystick Controls provide fingertip controls for operating the track loader easily and precisely.

One of the best features of the Bobcat T870 track loader is that it comes with the Bobcat’s Deluxe Instrumentation Panel as standard. This panel brings the latest advancements in productivity, monitoring, and communication.

It provides you with the attachment information in real-time to track usage, read alerts, and monitor key loader operations. The panel offers an intuitive interface and sharp LCD where you can read notifications and access important data to make sure that your track loader is working at its peak capacity.

The 5-inch LCD screen on the T870 comes with special features such as laser guided attachment viewing, diagnostics and trouble shooting, and slope sensor.

Performance Design

The loader has a patented single-plane design that not only minimizes the load on pins but it also reduces side-to-side lift arm motion. The machine delivers more horsepower to help you work faster to save time and fuel.

The switch-activated automatic ride control feature detects when the vehicle is in motion and monitors balance in the vehicle and attachments to reduce spilling.

To improve leveling and dumping of a bucket, there is an optional hydraulic button positioning feature that can improve the controls.

For the driving of the track loader, there is an optional 2-speed travel option that provides faster travel speed. With or without this 2-speed option, built into the system is a speed management control that proves small and precise movements in speed. When the vehicle is in a stopped position, an auto idle featured will kick in to reduce engine run time and fuel. And on the other end, when the system is closer to max power, the horsepower management control kicks in to adjust the drive system to prevent stalling.

The driving controls, outside of speed can be used in a remote control operation (for SJC only). This allows the operator to move the vehicle without needing to be inside the cabin.

And finally during driving, there is an auto steering drift compensation feature that will minimize small changes in side to side motion for smoother and more direct routes.

Operator’s Comfort

The cushioned suspension seat allows you to work at a pleasant temperature, sit comfortably, and stay fresh for longer times. It ensures that you have the best possible all-around visibility for faster and easier operations.

The seat is placed mindfully so that you can see the cutting edge and bucket corners conveniently. You won’t need to raise the loader’s arms to view the tires or tracks. Better yet, you can easily adjust the seat by moving it backward or forward to suit your preferences.

If you live in a place with a cold climate, you can opt for a heated seat that will keep you warm. The company also offers different seat clothes and the air ride suspension seat for maximum comfort.

Other than the seat comfort, the operator-friendly control allows you to operate the loader with minimal fatigue. You can use the fingertip controls to use different Bobcat attachments, including grapples, buckets, tilers, sweepers, and soil conditioners.

The engine speed controls are located right in front of the seat so that you can use them conveniently. Plus, you can also adjust all the foot pedals based on your body’s needs.

For those equipped with the SJC, the levers move along with the seat for customized ergonomic positioning.

The Bobcat T870 offers a large entry/exit area, which means you won’t need to worry about bumping your head while entering or exiting the loader. The interior of the loader is also spacious to accommodate all types of people.

If you like to work in a clean environment, the Bobcat T870 track loader has got you covered. That’s because it comes with a pressurized cab, which means that the mud, dust, dirt, and other debris won’t enter the interior space. This feature also keep the air conditioning and heating in when activated.

The cab provides excellent visibility around the vehicle with large windows, including one on top. There are front and side LED lights that assist in operation when there isn’t enough light.

Attachments

The Bobcat T870 comes with a range of attachments which can be seen in the list below.

The process of changing the attachments is very easy using the standard Bob-Tach mounting system. The entire process of swapping an attachment takes only about a minute with this mounting system.

You can also go one step further by opting for the optional power Bob-Tach mounting system. This system allows you to swap your non-hydraulic attachments without needing to leave the cabin.

All you need is to push down the dash switch and the loader will connect its wedges into the attachment. It also allows you to change your hydraulic attachments and you can do it by securing the attachment and hooking up the hoses.

The attachments are also compatible with quick couplers on the track loader that allow pressure to release from the attachment and return back to the machine making for safe detachment.

Here is a full list of attachments available with the Bobcat T870:

Angle Broom for T870

84″ Angle Broom

Asphalt Spreader for T870

SAS 200 Soil and Asphalt Spreader

Auger for T870

15C Auger Drive Unit
15H Auger Hex Drive Unit
30C Auger Drive Unit
30H Auger Hex Drive Unit
35PH Auger
50PH Auger

Backhoe for T870

8811 Backhoe

Box Blade for T870

84″ HD Box Blades

Brushcat Rotary Cutter for T870

72″ Brushcat (HF)
72″ Brushcat (Std Flow)
80″ Brushcat (HF)

Buckets for T870

86″ Light Material Bucket
92″ Light Material Bucket
98″ Light Material Bucket
74″ Rock Bucket
82″ Rock Bucket
86″ Severe Duty Bucket
92″ Severe Duty Bucket

Chippers for T870

5A Chipper, Standard Flow
8B Chipper, High Flow

Dozer Blade for T870

96″ Dozer Blade, 6-way

Drum Mulchers for T870

1-Speed, 61″ Drum Mulcher
2-Speed, 50″ Drum Mulcher
2-Speed, 61″ Drum Mulcher
2-Speed, 72″ Drum Mulcher

Dumping Hopper for T870

Model 25 Dumper Hopper

Flail Cutter for T870

FC200 Flail Cutter

Graders for T870

108″ Grader
96″ Grader

Grapples for T870

78″ Industrial Fork Grapple
80″ Industrial Bucket Grapple
82″ Root Grapple

Hydraulic Breakers for T870

HB1180 Hydraulic Breaker with Nail Point
HB1380 Breaker with Nail Point
HB2380 Breaker with Nail Point

Mower for T870

90″ Mower

Nitrogen Breakers for T870

NB170 Nitrogen Breaker with Nail Point
NB180 Nitrogen Breaker with Nail Point

Pallet Forks for T870

2.5K Standard Duty Pallet Fork Frame
48″ Hydraulic Pallet Fork
4K Heavy Duty Pallet Fork Frame
5.5K Severs Duty Pallet Fork Frame

Planers for T870

18″ Planer, High Flow
24″ Planer, High Flow
40″ Planer, High Flow

Seeder for T870

72″ Seeder

Snow Blade for T870

108″ Snow Blade – Heavy Duty

Snow Pushers for T870

Snow Pusher Pro, 108 in (w/angle blade and removable pusher box)
Snow Pusher Pro, 120 in (w/angle blade and removable pusher box)
Snow Pusher Pro, 96 in (w/angle blade and removable pusher box)
Snow Pusher, 94 in
Snow Pusher, 120 in

Snow Blowers for T870

Snow Blower 32X86
Snow Blower 36×86
Snow Blower 36×96

Soil Conditioners for T870

Soil Conditioner, 84 in Hydraulic Angle and Depth for High Flow Machines
Soil Conditioner, 84 in Hydraulic Angle and Depth

Spreader for T870

HS8 Spreader

Stump Grinders for T870

SG 60 Stump Grinder
SHX 60 Stump Grinder

Tree Spades for T870

32″ Convertible Tree Spade, Cone
32″ Convertible Tree Spade, Modified
36″ Convertible Tree Spade, Cone
36″ Convertible Tree Spade, Modified
44″ Convertible Tree Spade, Cone
44″ Convertible Tree Spade, Modified

Vibratory Rollers for T870

73″ Vibratory Roller w/Padded Drum
73″ Vibratory Roller w/Smooth Drum
80″ Vibratory Roller w/Smooth Drum

Wheel Saws for T870

WS18 Wheel Saw
WS24 Wheel Saw

Other attachments for T870

Brush Saw
Concrete Mixer
Concrete Pump
Bale Fork
Packer Wheel
Silt Fence Installer
Sod Layer
Quick-Tach Water Kit

Maintenance

The T870 is designed for easier maintenance. It has a swing-open tailgate for access to routine maintenance parts, and for the more complex system (hydraulic and hydrostatic components) the cab can be tipped back to reach them.

The basic gauges, such as the hydraulic oil level are conveniently located externally and can be observed outside the cab.

To prevent battery damage or draining, the T870 has an automatic shutdown system when idle for long periods of time which will shut down the engine, hydraulics and the lights.

Another great feature of this loader is that it requires less maintenance. The company has extended the maintenance intervals for the new engine that you get with the Bobcat T870.

You’ll need the first service after 500 hours of use and the frequency of the loader’s fuel filter replacements has also been reduced.

This track loader is non DPF (diesel particulate filter), meaning the loader engine has a special design where it doesn’t excrete as many particles. This reduces the need for replacing and cleaning the filter. These engines are also Tier 4 emission grade, according to SAE.

The cab also comes equipped with a dual-path cooling system that vents warm air out and away from the cab and engine. There is also an optional reversible fan that can push dust and debris away from the rear screen to keep the vehicle cleaner.

There are multiple functions build into the system that monitor and protect the engine and vehicle from damage. The first is coolant and oil temperature monitoring. The systems in place will monitor these temperatures to make sure they do not get too hot and will shut off the engine when this temperature is at risk of overheating the vehicle.

There is also cold weather protection built into the electronic system that ensures the engine has warmed up properly before being operated at the max power.

Final Words

The demand for construction vehicles and loaders continues to increase. The Bobcat T870 provides operators with the opportunity not only to meet but also exceed those demands. It’s an efficient, safe, compact, and powerful loader that’s ideal for tight and tall tasks.