Bobcat Skid Steer Terminology

Glossary of a Bobcat Skid Steer Loader

Every company uses its own terms. Even if you know the industry, it can still feel like speaking in a different language. So, let’s walk through a Bobcat skid steer and break down what everything means. We’ll start with the basics, then move through the lift arms, attachments, cab features, and new tech like MaxControl and Machine IQ. 

Let’s talk Bobcat skid steer terminology. 

Other Names for a Skid Steer

Skid-Steer Loader (SSL): Compact machine with lift arms and interchangeable tools (attachments). It turns by skidding its wheels. 

Compact Track Loader (CTL): Like an SSL, but with rubber tracks instead of wheels. Tracks offer better traction on soft ground—great for construction. 

Mini Track Loader (MT): Smaller, stand-on loader that fits tight spaces. Uses most of the same types of attachments as an SSL or CTL, but with a smaller size, a lighter weight, and more maneuverability. 

Lifting and Hauling

Operating Capacity: The #1 deciding factor when buying. This tells you the maximum load that you can raise to the full height and still drive around. This is usually 50% of the tipping load on skid-steer loaders and 35% on compact track loaders. 

Tipping Load: The #2 deciding factor. It’s the maximum load that you can raise to the full height AND your machine starts to tip forward. Here’s more information about Bobcat skid-steer tipping loads.

Operating Weight: The #3 deciding factor. It’s how much the machine weighs, which matters for trailering and transport. 

Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Lift Arms

Breakout Force: The force your machine uses when it goes to curl the bucket or attachment. Higher breakout force = more digging power. 

Lift Path: The arc your loader arms follow when raising a load—either radial or vertical. 

Radial Lift: Curved lift path. Good for ground-level work, with more reach at mid-height. 

Vertical Lift: Lifts straight up. More reach at full height. Great for loading trucks or stacking pallets. 

Step Up to the Attachment Plate

What Is the Bob-Tach Attachment Mounting System?

Bob-Tach Mounting System: Bobcat’s quick-change coupler. Bob-Tach lets you swap attachments—like buckets, pallet forks, or augers—very quickly. Included on all Bobcat SSL, CTL, or MT models. 

Power Bob-Tach System: The Power Bob-Tach system offers all the same features as the Bob-Tach, but it also lets you swap attachments from your seat. Available as a standard or optional upgrade on select SSL and CTL models. 

Bob-Dock Attachment System: A Bob-Dock System lets you swap hydraulic attachments from inside the cab with just a switch. Unlike Power Bob-Tach, you do not have to get out of the cab to hook up the hydraulic hoses. So, if you want the convenience of a Power Bob-Tach for attachments like grapple buckets and auger drives, this is a great option for you. 

Auxiliary Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic Flow: Powers your attachments by pushing hydraulic fluid through lines to move pistons or motors. Comes in three flow levels: 

• Standard Flow: Handles everyday tools like grapple buckets and auger drives. 

• High-Flow: Extra power for tools like brush cutters and planers. 

• Super-Flow: Max output for the most demanding attachments. Available on select models. 

Let’s Get in the Cab

Controls  

Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC): Lets you customize the control pattern (ISO or H-pattern). SJC also gives you more control over drive response, speed settings, and drift control.  

Dual-Direction Bucket Positioning:  Also called self-leveling, this keeps the bucket angle consistent when raising or lowering the lift arms. Prevents spillage and makes loading faster.  

Operator Station  

C/H/A (Cab/Heat/Air): Shorthand for heat and air conditioning. Only applies to machines that have an enclosed cab.  

Remote Control Operation

What Is Bobcat Remote Control?  

Bobcat MaxControl: App-based remote control that lets you run your machine from your smartphone or controller—even from inside another machine (like the excavator in the picture above). This is perfect for solo jobs. MaxControl makes it easier to load trailers, reposition equipment, or work in tight spaces, so you’ll see no more wasted time moving between machines. 

Telematics  

Machine IQ: Bobcat’s telematics platform, which helps you stay ahead of service issues. Tracks machine location, monitors performance, and gives you maintenance alerts through a mobile app or web dashboard.  

See These Features on a Machine

Next time you look at a Bobcat machine or spec sheet, you won’t have to ask questions like “What is Bobcat MaxControl?” or “What’s the difference between Bob-Tach and Power Bob-Tach?” You’ll know exactly what you’re looking at. 

If you’re interested in a Bobcat skid steer, come talk to a White Star sales rep. We have new and used skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, and mini track loaders available for rent, finance, or cash purchase. Call us to get started today!