Bobcat T86 vs Cat 299D3
Quick take: The Bobcat T86 costs $2,000 less; the Bobcat T86 has a higher rated operating capacity (3,800 vs 3,560 lbs); the Cat 299D3 has more engine power (106 vs 105 hp).
| Spec | Bobcat T86 | Cat 299D3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $96,000 | $98,000 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (520) | 4.7★ (560) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 3800 lbs | 3560 lbs |
| Engine HP | 105 hp | 106 hp |
| Operating Weight | 12393 lbs | 11266 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 10857 lbs | 10171 lbs |
| Lift Height | 132 in | 133 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 23 GPM | 24 GPM |
| Engine | Bobcat (Doosan) 3.4L | Cat C3.8 |
| Tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Vertical lift | Yes | Yes |
| High-flow | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | Yes | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yr / 2000 hr | 1 yr / 1000 hr |
Pros & cons
Bobcat T86
- ✓The T86 is Bobcat's flagship CTL, and owners praise the combination of 3,800 lb capacity, 105 hp, and track flotation as a do-everything heavy production machine.
- ✓The three hydraulic options — standard (23 GPM), high-flow (30.3 GPM), and super-flow (42 GPM) — let it run the hungriest mulchers and planers on the market.
- ✓Vertical lift with a 132-inch hinge-pin height makes loading the tallest trucks and hoppers easy, a big advantage for aggregate and demolition work.
- ✓The cab-forward visibility and refined, quiet cab are class-leading, and operators single out the sightlines for grading and precise work.
- ✓The 5-link torsion suspension smooths rough ground and reduces fatigue on a heavy machine, which matters over long production days.
- ✓Bobcat's dealer network keeps parts, tracks, and loaners readily available, minimizing downtime on an expensive, high-utilization machine.
- ✓Resale value is exceptional, and the T86's popularity means it holds strong used money to offset the high purchase price.
- ✓Owners running land-clearing and mulching attachments specifically choose the T86 for its super-flow hydraulic horsepower that rivals can't match.
- ✗The T86 is one of the most expensive CTLs in its class, and the super-flow package adds even more to an already steep price.
- ✗Undercarriage and track costs on a 12,000-plus-pound machine are significant, and owners report high replacement expenses on abrasive ground.
- ✗Bobcat parts and dealer labor rates are among the highest in the industry, keeping ongoing ownership costs elevated.
- ✗At over 12,000 lb it requires a heavy-duty truck and trailer, which limits mobility for smaller operators.
- ✗The proprietary Bob-Tach and controls can complicate running certain third-party attachments.
- ✗The DPF/emissions system on the 3.4L engine draws complaints during heavy idling and light-duty cycles that trigger regen.
- ✗Its size and weight make it overkill and less nimble for tight residential work versus a medium-frame CTL.
- ✗Fully optioned with super-flow and premium features, the T86's price approaches that of much larger equipment, testing budgets.
Cat 299D3
- ✓The 299D3 is Cat's flagship CTL, and owners praise the 106 hp engine, 3,560 lb capacity, and track flotation as a true heavy-production do-everything machine.
- ✓The XE version's high-flow, high-pressure hydraulics deliver industry-leading hydraulic horsepower, and mulching and land-clearing crews specifically choose it for that.
- ✓Cat's sealed, pressurized cab is class-leading for quiet, dust-free comfort, which operators value on long, demanding days.
- ✓Vertical lift with a 133-inch hinge-pin height makes loading the tallest trucks and hoppers effortless for aggregate and demolition work.
- ✓The suspended undercarriage smooths rough ground, and the C3.8 engine's strong power makes it feel unstoppable in heavy dirt work.
- ✓Cat's dealer network keeps parts, tracks, and service readily available, minimizing downtime on a high-value, high-utilization machine.
- ✓Resale value is exceptional — the 299D3 is one of the most in-demand used CTLs, commanding strong money to offset the high price.
- ✓Ride control and the advanced display make a very powerful machine manageable and productive for a wide range of operators.
- ✗The 299D3 is one of the most expensive CTLs on the market, and the XE package adds even more to an already premium price.
- ✗Cat parts and undercarriage costs are among the highest in the industry, and track replacement on a machine this size is expensive.
- ✗The 1-year base warranty trails Bobcat and Kubota's 2-year coverage, which value buyers weigh against the steep cost.
- ✗The DPF regen cycle draws complaints during heavy idling and light-duty work that pauses production.
- ✗At over 11,000 lb it requires a heavy-duty truck and trailer, limiting mobility for smaller operators.
- ✗The feature-rich cab and XE hydraulics push the price up dramatically, so a well-equipped 299D3 is a major investment.
- ✗Its size and weight make it overkill and less nimble for tight residential work versus a medium-frame CTL.
- ✗Mud and debris packing in the suspended undercarriage requires regular cleaning to protect components and track life.