used bobcat excavator attachments for sale
Used Bobcat Excavator Attachments for Sale
When shopping for used Bobcat excavator attachments, buyers are seeking reliability, versatility, and strong return on investment. Whether outfitting a compact machine for landscaping, building roads, or demolishing structures, used attachments from Bobcat deliver the precision and durability you expect at a fraction of the cost of new equipment. This guide walks you through how to evaluate, compare, and decide on the right tools for your fleet.
Why Choose Used Bobcat Attachments?
Bobcat is synonymous with compact performance, and their attachment lineup includes everything from buckets and breakers to augers and grapples. Opting for used units offers clear advantages:
– Cost savings: A pre-owned attachment can cost 30–60% less than a new one, freeing budget for more machines or projects.
– Immediate availability: Used attachments are often in stock at dealers, avoiding long lead times.
– Proven compatibility: Bobcat attachment couplers match their excavators, limiting fitment issues.
Before purchasing, confirm the attachment matches your excavator’s size class and hydraulic flow. Many Bobcat attachments are built to slide right onto their quick couplers, but verifying specs avoids costly misfits.
Key Attachment Categories
- Buckets – Ranging from digging to trenching and grading buckets, these are the workhorses. Inspect cutting edges, sidewalls, and weld seams for wear. A bucket with minor edge wear can often be reconditioned with a bolt-on edge kit, extending service life.
- Hydraulic Hammers/Breakers – Ideal for demolition and rock work. Check the chisel bit, bushing, and hoses for damage. Look for attachments with recent fluid servicing and a solid warranty history from dealers.
- Augers – Perfect for post-hole digging. Review the flighting for bends or cracks and ensure the gearbox is free from leaks. Used augers that have been stored cleanly tend to work reliably.
- Thumbs and Grapples – Useful for material handling. Inspect pivot pins and seals to ensure smooth movement and no hydraulic leaks.
- Compactors and Tiltrotators – These specialist attachments add value for utility and precise grading tasks. Confirm electronics and hydraulic lines are intact.
Evaluating Condition
When buying a used Bobcat attachment:
– Visual Inspection: Look for straightness, absence of cracks, and well-maintained hydraulic hoses.
– Service History: Request maintenance records—recent seal replacements or rebuilds reduce the risk of downtime.
– Hydraulic Testing: If possible, run the attachment on a compatible excavator to listen for unusual noises and verify smooth operation.
– Compatibility Sheet: Verify the attachment’s model and serial number with Bobcat’s compatibility charts to confirm it matches your excavator series.
Dealers often recondition attachments, replacing wear parts and certifying functionality. Ask whether the unit has undergone such a rebuild and what warranty coverage, if any, accompanies it.
Purchasing Tips
- Source from reputable dealers: Authorized Bobcat dealers not only inspect and certify used attachments, they also ensure proper fitment and offer installation assistance.
- Documentation: Secure photos, serial numbers, and purchase agreements to track the attachment’s history.
- Budget for Installation: Even used attachments may require new pins, bushings, or hydraulic fittings; include those costs in your budget.
- Compare similar listings: Check prices across dealers and marketplaces to ensure you’re getting fair value. Differences of a few hundred dollars can occur between regions.
Making the Final Call
Investing in used Bobcat excavator attachments is a smart move when you match the attachment to your job requirements and confirm its condition. A thorough inspection, service verification, and compatibility check prevent surprises. Once you’ve selected the right piece, installation and operator training will unlock its capability, helping your projects stay on time and on budget.