Bobcat S86-2
Wheeled Skid Steer
$86,000

Bobcat

Bobcat S86-2

★4.7(40 reviews across equipment listings)

The Bobcat S86-2 is the second-generation version of Bobcat's flagship wheeled skid steer, bumping the 3.4L engine to 115 hp and rated capacity to 3,500 lb. It keeps the S86's unique standard/high-flow/super-flow hydraulic lineup while adding the redesigned electrical system, 8-inch touchscreen, drive modes, and available Bobcat Sense object detection from the -2 platform refresh.

Price
$86,000
ROC
3500 lbs
Engine
115 hp
Best For
Heavy-duty contractors running the hungriest attachments who want the most powerful wheeled Bobcat ever built

Specifications

Type
Wheeled Skid Steer
Lift Path
Vertical Lift
Rated Operating Capacity
3500 lbs
Engine HP
115 hp
Operating Weight
9914 lbs
Tipping Load
7000 lbs
Lift Height
132 in
Hydraulic Flow
23 GPM
Aux Flow
High-Flow
Engine
Bobcat (Doosan) 3.4L
Warranty
2 yr / 2000 hr
Tracks
No
High-Flow
Yes

Features

Vertical LiftHigh-FlowEnclosed CabTwo-SpeedSelf-LevelingA/C & HeatA/CSuper-Flow

Pros

  • ✓The engine bump to 115 hp makes the S86-2 the most powerful wheeled skid steer Bobcat has ever sold, and the extra torque shows up exactly where the S86 ran out of breath - heavy planing and mulching.
  • ✓It remains the only wheeled machine offering standard, high-flow (36.6 GPM), and super-flow (42 GPM) hydraulics in one platform, so one machine covers everything from pallet forks to cold planers.
  • ✓Rated capacity rises to 3,500 lb with a 7,000 lb tipping load, extending its lead as the strongest lifter in the wheeled class.
  • ✓The 132-inch hinge-pin vertical lift still clears the tallest trucks and hoppers, a real advantage for aggregate and demolition loading.
  • ✓The redesigned -2 electrical architecture with the 8-inch touchscreen, 20 operator profiles, and Machine IQ telematics directly answers the harness and sensor complaints from R-Series machines.
  • ✓Bobcat's unmatched dealer network and the S86's proven resale strength carry over, softening the premium purchase price over the ownership cycle.

Cons

  • ✗Pricing starts in the mid-$80k range and rockets past $95k with super-flow and Sense options, putting it squarely in large compact-track-loader money.
  • ✗The 115 hp 3.4L keeps a DPF emissions system, which draws complaints during heavy idling and light-duty cycles.
  • ✗At nearly 10,000 lb it needs a heavy truck and trailer, and the big frame gives up maneuverability on tight sites.
  • ✗Bobcat dealer parts and labor rates are among the highest in the industry, and the electronics-dense -2 platform deepens dependence on dealer diagnostics.
  • ✗As a wheeled machine it lacks CTL flotation, so soft or muddy ground still pushes buyers to the T86-2 despite the higher cost.
  • ✗Tires wear quickly under 7,000 lb tipping loads on abrasive surfaces, and a premium set is a steep recurring cost.

Common Questions

What does super-flow hydraulics actually enable?
The S86-2 is the only wheeled machine offering standard, high-flow (36.6 GPM), and super-flow (42 GPM) hydraulics on one platform, and super-flow runs the hungriest cold planers and mulching heads at full production — work that normally requires a dedicated large CTL. Combined with the 115 hp engine, one machine genuinely covers everything from pallet forks to full-width planing.
Does the 115 hp engine have emissions baggage?
Yes — unlike Bobcat's DEF-free 74 hp machines, the 3.4L keeps a DPF, which draws complaints during heavy idling and light-duty cycles when regens interrupt work. It's the standard trade at this power tier across brands; if your duty cycle is light, the S76-2 avoids the issue entirely.
What are the hidden running costs?
Tires top the list — under 7,000 lb tipping loads on abrasive surfaces, a premium set wears fast and replacing them is a steep recurring cost, though still far cheaper than CTL tracks. Add Bobcat's industry-high parts and labor rates and the electronics-dense platform's dealer-diagnostic dependence, and the ownership costs match the flagship billing.
When should I pick the T86-2 instead?
Whenever your work leaves firm ground. The S86-2 is the pavement and hard-surface specialist — milling, demolition, aggregate loading — but it lacks CTL flotation, so soft or muddy sites push buyers to the tracked T86-2 despite its higher cost. Buyers who split time between both conditions usually regret whichever single platform they picked.
What does it take to haul the S86-2?
At 9,914 lbs bare, plan on a 14k trailer and a 1-ton truck once an attachment rides along — this is not the light, easy-tow wheeled machine of Bobcat's smaller frames. The big frame also gives up maneuverability on tight sites, so it earns its keep on open, production-scale work.

Compare the Bobcat S86-2

vs Bobcat T66-2vs Bobcat T76-2vs Cat 270

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