In early 2019, Bobcat Company announced its next innovation in compact equipment attachment exchange technology. The new Bob-Dock attachment mounting system is a cutting-edge, hands-free hydraulic mounting system designed to streamline the process of switching most hydraulic loader attachments. Now you’ll be able to swap attachments on your skid-steer or compact track loader faster and easier without ever leaving the cab of the compact loader. That means more time savings for you, so you can get more done.
Bobcat marketing manager Jason Boerger answers the most common questions surrounding this new innovation in hydraulic attachment technology.
Q. What led to this innovation in hydraulic attachment exchange?
A. In 1972, the Bob-Tach system was introduced as a way to quickly connect attachments to Bobcat skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders. The next innovation in attachment exchange technology occurred in 1999 with the introduction of the Power Bob-Tach system. This allowed operators to switch non-hydraulic attachments while remaining in the cab. What we were missing from our attachment system offering was being able to connect and disconnect most hydraulic attachments from inside the cabs of compact loaders. With the Bob-Dock attachment mounting system, we’ve now come up with that advancement to save our customers even more time on the job.
Q. How does the Bob-Dock attachment mounting system work?
A. The Bob-Dock system has two main parts: an adapter plate mounted to the attachment, and the coupler plate, which is built into the Bob-Dock system. All the operator has to do is line up the system’s coupler plate with the attachment’s adapter plate, just like you would with a normal bucket, and press the Power Bob-Tach switch inside the cab. The system secures the attachment within seconds and automatically connects the hydraulic lines.
Removing the attachment is also hands-free. The operator can just press the switch again to retract the Bob-Tach wedges and pull the loader away from the attachment to instantly release the lines. Using the new Bob-Dock system is as simple as connecting a bucket; it’s very easy to operate. The standard couplers on the loader arms do still work if you’d like to use a hydraulic attachment that does not have an adapter plate, but the Bob-Tach system makes them unnecessary.
Q. How will the Bob-Dock system benefit operators?
A. The most obvious benefit is that operators will no longer have to leave the comfort of their loader cab to manually connect or disconnect hydraulic hoses – a time savings that will really add up. The system also provides multiple uptime protection features to keep your machine working strong. Because an attachment’s auxiliary hydraulic hoses route through the Bob-Dock system, they have an extra layer of protection from accidental contact with tires, tracks, debris or jobsite obstacles, reducing the frequency of hydraulic oil spills and hose replacements and repairs. The Bob-Dock system can also prevent the operator error of failing to disconnect hydraulic hoses before backing away from an attachment. A well-thought-out design makes the system suitable for all jobsites and conditions; operators won’t have to worry about the Bob-Dock connection and adaptor plates getting plugged up with mud or other materials.
Q. Is the system compatible with the full lineup of Bobcat attachments, skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders?
A. The Bob-Dock system will work with most Bobcat attachments. You can add a Bob-Dock system to M2-Series 600 and 700 frame size loaders, including the A770 all-wheel skid-steer loader.
Q. Did Bobcat equipment owners have any input into the design of the Bob-Dock system?
A. Absolutely. We field tested the system for two years in construction and agricultural settings to see how the Bob-Dock system held up under a variety of applications and jobsite conditions. Customers told us that they saw improvements in workday efficiency and that they were able to keep their hydraulic connections cleaner and more protected.
Want to learn more about significant Bobcat innovations? See how the Bobcat skid-steer loader transformed throughout the years in this Bobcat throwback.