used bobcat mt85 for sale
Used Bobcat MT85 For Sale – Reliable Power for Heavy-Duty Jobs
Looking for a dependable used Bobcat MT85 that can wrestle through demanding jobs without breaking the bank? The multi-terrain loader’s versatility, lift capacity, and operator comfort make it a sought-after choice for contractors, landscapers, and rental fleets alike. This guide delves into why a pre-owned MT85 can still deliver exceptional value, what to look for before buying, and how to maximize its remaining service life.
Why Choose an MT85 Secondhand?
The Bobcat MT85 brings a class-leading combination of stability, lift height, and control. Even in a used condition, this machine retains:
- Impressive lift capacity: The MT85’s vertical lift arms make accessing truck beds and moving pallets straightforward, with up to 850 kg lift capability.
- Smooth hydraulic flow: Its powerful hydraulics support a wide range of attachments—buckets, augers, trenchers—letting one machine handle multiple tasks.
- Operator comfort: The sealed and pressurized cab (on cabbed models) reduces dust and noise; cabless versions still deliver ergonomic controls and visibility.
- Rugged undercarriage: Dual-tracked design spreads weight evenly, giving better flotation and traction on soft terrain compared to wheel loaders.
A well-maintained MT85 depreciates slower than smaller loaders, so you often find units with plenty of life left. Operators who have treated theirs gently often report reliable service beyond 3,000 hours with routine maintenance.
What to Inspect Before Buying
Buying used means thorough inspection is critical. Prioritize these areas:
- Track Condition: Look for uneven wear or damaged sprockets; replacing a track set is costly. Check for consistently tight tension.
- Hydraulics: Watch for leaks around the cylinders and hoses. Operate auxiliary circuits to ensure smooth, leak-free performance.
- Lift Arm Play: Excessive play in lift arms or bucket pivots indicates wear that may need attention.
- Engine Hours and Maintenance: Verify service records. An MT85 serviced on schedule (oil changes, hydraulic filters) is more trustworthy than one with gaps.
- Electrical and Controls: Gauge responsiveness on the joystick, idle behavior, and warning lights. A clean dash and working gauges hint at good upkeep.
- Attachment Compatibility: Ensure the loader’s quick-attach system works flawlessly; worn lugs or pins add downtime.
Whenever possible, request a test ride. Feeling the loader’s responsiveness, noise level, and track performance in person reveals issues that photos can’t.
Maximizing the Value Post-Purchase
Once you’ve secured a quality used MT85, keep it performing by:
- Adhering to service intervals: Stick to Bobcat’s recommended maintenance schedule, especially for hydraulic and engine oil changes. A fresh oil sample can also highlight internal wear before it becomes a bigger failure.
- Investing in protection: Undercoating the tracks or using track guards shields rollers from debris while reducing maintenance costs.
- Stocking key attachments: Adding a pallet fork set, grapple, or cold planer increases versatility, meaning more billable jobs per machine.
- Training operators: Gentle acceleration, low riding, and avoiding prolonged idling reduce wear and extend component life.
Final Thoughts
A used Bobcat MT85 can be a high-value addition when sourced and maintained carefully. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, favor well-documented service history, and follow a disciplined maintenance routine. With these steps, you’ll tap into the loader’s robust performance—even on a secondary-market budget—while keeping downtime to a minimum.
If you’d like assistance reviewing listings or estimating total cost of ownership for a specific unit, let me know.