Why Choose the Bobcat Toolcat UW56?
Published: February 5, 2025
Table of Contents 
Buying Advice for the Bobcat Toolcat UW56
The Toolcat™ UW56 isn’t your typical machine. It’s not quite a loader, but it kind of looks like one. It’s not a utility vehicle, but it shares some of those traits, too. So what is a Bobcat® Toolcat utility work machine, and why should you consider buying it? Keep reading to find out.
Why Buy a Toolcat?
The #1 and #2 reasons? All-wheel steer and minimal ground disturbance.
Because the front and rear wheels turn on a UW56, it can make tighter turns without tearing up the ground. The UW56’s turning radius comes in at just 50.5 in. Combine that with the fact that you can drive across grass, use a bucket or another attachment, and drive off without leaving deep ruts. If you need the functionality of a loader but you’re not happy with tearing up the ground every time you turn, try the Toolcat.
The Toolcat is also built for versatility, moving materials and lifting heavy items. If you have a complicated project that requires multiple machines, chances are you could complete all the tasks with just a Toolcat. It can handle lots of landscaping, construction, and farming tasks, which makes your life easier if you need equipment that can work well across different applications.
Toolcat 5600 → Toolcat UW56
The Bobcat Toolcat has been around the block. The original utility work machine, the Toolcat 5600, had a good design, but the redesigned Toolcat UW56 took things up a notch. Today’s UW56 has 1,500-lb rated operating capacity and a 61-hp diesel engine with hydraulic drive. It features better fuel efficiency and all-wheel drive capabilities. Overall, the upgrades led to stronger performance, more power, and smoother handling. If you’ve worked with the 5600, we’d suggest taking a look at the UW56 (or our smaller model, the UW53).
What’s Different About the UW56?
A loader is great for lifting and digging, but it’s not always the best at hauling materials or fitting into tight spots. A UTV will get you around, and it can haul materials, but you won’t see the same lifting capacity. The Toolcat UW56 finds the happy medium between the two. It’s small enough to navigate tight spaces like a UTV, but it’s also powerful enough to handle bigger jobs. Like a loader, you can quickly swap out attachments with the Bob-Tach™ mounting system, but it also has two front seats and a cargo box like a UTV.
What’s the Toolcat Most Commonly Used For?
- Landscaping: It’s great for moving soil, rocks, gravel, and mulch. Attachments like a soil conditioner or tiller are also available for more specialized tasks.
- Construction: A Toolcat can haul materials, dig into dirt and rocks, or tow light loads.
- Agriculture: Perfect for moving feed, clearing debris, or hauling tools. The combination of smaller size and more power makes a big difference on ag tasks.
- Maintenance: The Toolcat is a great choice for property maintenance. With it, you can clean up your yard, prep a field, or clear debris.
Before You Buy a Toolcat
Before you decide on the Toolcat UW56, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pros of the Toolcat
The #1 reason to buy a Toolcat UW56 is the combination of a 1,500-lb rated operating capacity, a cargo box with a 2,000-lb max, a turning radius of 50.5 inches, and a standard all-wheel drive. It gives you one machine that can do any task in any season. And with two seats, you don’t have to do it alone.
Potential Cons of the Toolcat
If you need a large machine, this is probably not the right option for you. You’ll see a lower payload capacity and lift height capacity on the Toolcat than on a large Bobcat skid-steer or compact track loader. If you need a larger machine, we’d suggest looking at the T66 or the S66.
Check Out the UW56
Stop switching equipment and take a look at the Bobcat Toolcat UW56. It’s compact, tough, and ready to take on any season. Talk to your sales rep today to learn more about the Toolcat UW56!