When you buy a soil conditioner, it will quickly become your most valuable and
frequently use attachment. Are you willing to risk your business reputation
on the strength of a u-bolt or a weak chain link? If you choose a knockoff soil
conditioner, you may do just that. When you put the Bobcat soil conditioner
side-by-side with others, the differences in quality are easy to see. But you'll
also see many subtle Bobcat design advantages that will keep you on the
jobsite and out of the shop. Let's take a closer look at some of the differences.
It all starts with the drive system. Bobcat soil conditioners have a larger
displacement motor with direct drive and no change like other brands. And, it's
protected by the seal guard to keep out dirt and dust. This design is
maintenance-free and has fewer parts. Look at these other details. You have a
large pivot pin right here, which is a key load-bearing point, and the frame is
fully welded for greater strength. I can complete my maintenance with the grease
gun, doesn't get any simpler than that. Chain maintenance: the drive chain should
be inspected monthly. On other brands the maintenance hassles begin here. This
chain drive adds more time and mess to every attachment inspection, and the
chain idlers and rollers are plastic. This is right out of their manual.
New chain has a tendency to stretch, right. It's necessary to check the chain
tension to prevent flopping around, thus causing potential problems. If chain
becomes excessively loose, excessively loose, it may be necessary to remove one
link. If unable to reassemble, add an offset link to lengthen the chain.
Sounds like you'll be chained to the shop for the morning. Remember that Bobcat
seal guard I showed you? These guys rely on grease to keep dirt and dust out
of this bearing. The manual says grease coming from the bearing oozes into the
protecting collar, keeping dust and particles from entering the seal area.
That's right down in the dirt. I've read enough. The frame has u-bolts and fewer
welds, definitely not as strong. And this pivot pin has five grease points, two of
them are underneath this plate. Have fun greasing them after a day in the mud.
Both use two inch tube steel, but the similarities end there. Just look at
the overall differences in quality, steel, and design. Their bolster frame is
attached with a u-bolt and the smaller shaft supports the smaller pneumatic
tire. The larger, foam-filled Bobcat tires are mounted to this oscillating
crossmember for better performance. At times, the majority of the machine weight
is transferred to this point. Does this one look like it can handle the weight
of your loader? Your soil conditioner has to be built well. U-bolts and drive
chains will only compromise durability. Bobcat soil conditioners are built
tougher and require less maintenance. Don't settle for less, insist on genuine
Bobcat attachments for a clear Bobcat Advantage.