So you’re standing on your property looking at that big project ahead of you, scratching your head and wondering “Do I need a Bobcat or an excavator for this job?”
Trust me, I’ve been there!
Last summer, my husband and I decided to tackle our backyard landscaping project ourselves. We spent three whole weekends just arguing about which machine to rent! If only we’d known then what I’m about to share with you now…
The right equipment can make your project go from “this might take forever” to “wow, that was quick!” But pick the wrong one, and you might as well grab a shovel and start digging manually.
Let’s break down these two popular machines so you can make the best choice for your specific needs!
What is a Bobcat?
First things first – when most people say “Bobcat,” they’re actually talking about a skid steer loader. Bobcat is just a brand name that’s become so popular it’s now what everyone calls these machines (kind of like how we call all tissues “Kleenex”).
A Bobcat is this compact, four-wheeled machine with lift arms that can connect to all sorts of attachments. They’re like the Swiss Army knife of construction equipment!
I remember the first time I saw one in action – it was spinning around in its own footprint, carrying a huge pile of dirt, and I was completely amazed. These machines can literally turn on a dime because the wheels on each side can move at different speeds.
Bobcats typically range from 5 to 12 feet long and weigh between 2,000 to 12,000 pounds. They’re not tiny by any means, but compared to other construction equipment, they’re definitely on the smaller side.
According to industry data, over 750,000 skid steer loaders have been sold in North America alone – that’s a lot of Bobcats running around! And they’re not just for construction. Farmers, landscapers, and even homeowners with larger properties find these machines super useful.
What is an Excavator?
Now let’s talk about excavators – those big machines with the long arm and bucket that you’ve definitely seen digging at construction sites.
An excavator has three main parts: a cab that sits on a rotating platform (called the house), and a long arm with a bucket at the end. This design lets operators dig deep holes and reach across spaces without moving the whole machine.
My neighbor just had a pond dug in his backyard, and watching that excavator work was like seeing a giant mechanical dinosaur in action! The operator had such precise control – scooping just inches away from existing landscaping without damaging a thing.
Excavators come in various sizes, from mini-excavators weighing about 3,500 pounds to standard models weighing up to 90,000 pounds! The digging depth ranges from 5 feet for mini models to over 40 feet for the big guys.
About 400,000 excavators are sold worldwide each year, with nearly 60% of those sales happening in China. These machines are workhorses for digging foundations, trenches, holes, and demolition work.
Large construction projects often require multiple excavators working simultaneously to meet tight deadlines. Just last year, I drove past a highway expansion project with six excavators all working in perfect coordination – it was like watching a mechanical ballet!
Bobcat vs. Excavator: Side by side comparison
Let me give you the quick version before we dive into details: Bobcats are versatile machines that can turn in tight spaces and handle multiple tasks with different attachments. Excavators are digging specialists with longer reach and greater depth capacity.
It’s kind of like comparing a pickup truck to a crane – both are useful, but for completely different reasons!
My friend Jake runs a small landscaping business and owns both machines. He says, “I use my Bobcat 70% of the time, but when I need an excavator, nothing else will do the job.”
Let’s break it down feature by feature so you can see exactly how they stack up.
Size and Maneuverability
Bobcats are compact champions! Most models are between 5-12 feet long and 3-6 feet wide. This makes them perfect for tight spaces like backyards, narrow pathways, or indoor construction.
The zero-turn radius is probably their coolest feature – they can literally spin around in their own footprint! I once watched a guy maneuver a Bobcat through a garden gate with only inches to spare on each side. Try doing that with an excavator!
Speaking of excavators, even the smallest mini-excavators are usually around 10-15 feet long with the arm extended. Standard models can be 20-60 feet in length! They need much more space to operate effectively.
But excavators have their own maneuverability advantage – that rotating house means the machine can stay in one spot while the arm reaches in a complete 360° circle. This comes in super handy when you’re working in a spot where you can’t move around much.
One contractor told me, “I can park my excavator in one place and dig the entire foundation without repositioning. With a Bobcat, I’d be driving back and forth constantly.”
Versatility and Attachments
This is where Bobcats really shine! These machines can use hundreds of different attachments – buckets, augers, backhoes, brooms, mowers, snow blowers, trenchers, and so many more.
My uncle switched from a Bobcat bucket to a forklift attachment in less than 5 minutes to move some pallets. Then he put on a brush cutter to clear some overgrowth. One machine, three completely different jobs!
According to equipment dealers, the average Bobcat owner purchases 3-5 attachments within the first year of ownership. That’s some serious versatility!
Excavators aren’t quite as flexible, but they do have some attachment options. You can switch the bucket for a hydraulic hammer (for breaking concrete), thumb attachments (for grabbing objects), or augers. But they’re primarily designed for digging, and that’s what they do best.
The attachment swapping process is usually quicker with a Bobcat too. Most modern skid steers have quick-attach systems that let you change attachments without leaving the cab. Excavator attachments typically take longer to swap out.
Digging Power and Depth
Let’s be honest – if you need serious digging power, the excavator wins hands down!
A standard excavator can dig 14-16 feet deep, while larger models can reach depths of 30-40 feet or more. They also have much more powerful hydraulics for breaking through tough soil, roots, and even rock.
I watched my friend’s mini-excavator dig a 8-foot foundation in clay soil in just a few hours. A Bobcat with a bucket attachment would have struggled with that job for days.
Bobcats typically have a maximum digging depth of about 6-8 feet when equipped with a backhoe attachment. That’s enough for small trenches or post holes, but not for deep foundations or major earthmoving.
The numbers tell the story: A mid-sized excavator can move about 100-150 cubic yards of material per day, while a Bobcat might manage 30-50 cubic yards in the same time.
Terrain Handling
Both machines can handle rough terrain, but in different ways.
Bobcats have four wheels (or sometimes tracks) directly under the machine, giving them a stable base. They can navigate slopes up to about 25-30 degrees safely. The tracked versions perform better on soft, muddy, or sandy ground since they distribute the weight more evenly.
I once saw a wheeled Bobcat get stuck in mud up to its axles – it wasn’t pretty! The tracked version drove right through the same area without issues.
Excavators have an advantage with their adjustable tracks and counterweights. Many models can work on slopes up to 40 degrees! The long arm also means they can reach across unstable areas without actually driving over them.
During a rainy spring project last year, my contractor had to use an excavator because the ground was too soft for anything else. He could sit on stable ground and reach out 20 feet to dig where needed.
Operator Skill Level
If you’re thinking of renting one of these machines for a DIY project, this section is super important!
Bobcats have a shorter learning curve. Most people can learn basic operations in a few hours. The controls are fairly intuitive – two joysticks or levers control almost everything. After a day of practice, most folks can handle simple tasks pretty well.
I rented a Bobcat for a weekend landscaping project with zero prior experience. By lunch on the first day, I was moving dirt piles like a pro. Well, maybe not like a pro, but I wasn’t embarrassing myself anymore!
Excavators require more skill and practice. The house rotation, boom movement, arm extension, and bucket curl all happen simultaneously, requiring coordination and spatial awareness. Expect to spend at least a full day getting comfortable with an excavator’s controls.
According to rental companies, they see about 5 times more first-time renters for Bobcats than excavators. That says a lot about the difference in approachability!
Cost and Maintenance
Now let’s talk money – because that’s usually what makes the final decision, right?
To purchase new, Bobcats range from $25,000 to $65,000 depending on size and features. Excavators start around $30,000 for mini versions and can go up to $500,000 for large models.
Rental prices tell a similar story. In my area, Bobcat rentals run about $250-$350 per day, while excavators cost $350-$1,200 daily depending on size.
Maintenance costs favor the Bobcat too. They have fewer hydraulic systems and moving parts, leading to lower maintenance expenses over time. Annual maintenance for a Bobcat averages $1,500-$2,500, while excavators typically cost $3,000-$7,000 yearly to maintain properly.
Fuel consumption is another consideration. A Bobcat might use 2-3 gallons of fuel per hour, while a standard excavator consumes 4-7 gallons hourly. That adds up quickly on big projects!
When to Choose a Bobcat?
A Bobcat is your best friend when:
You’re working in tight spaces! If you need to navigate through gates, between buildings, or indoors, the Bobcat’s compact size is perfect.
Your project requires multiple different tasks. Need to move dirt, then grade the area, then auger some holes? A Bobcat with attachments can do it all without bringing in different machines.
You have a limited budget. Both for the initial purchase/rental and long-term maintenance, Bobcats are more economical.
You’re new to operating heavy equipment. The learning curve is gentler, and mistakes are usually less costly.
You need speed for material handling. Bobcats can zip around a job site much faster than excavators when moving materials from one place to another.
My brother-in-law chose a Bobcat for his farm work because he needed to clean barns, move feed, plow snow, and dig post holes. One machine, four seasons of different tasks!
When to Choose an Excavator?
An excavator is the right choice when:
You need to dig deep. Anything deeper than 6 feet is excavator territory.
You’re removing large volumes of earth. Foundations, ponds, or major landscaping changes need excavator power.
You’re working on slopes or unstable ground. The excavator’s reach lets you stay safe while working in tricky areas.
You need to dig precisely. The fine control of an excavator arm allows for very detailed work around existing structures or utilities.
You’re breaking up hard materials. The hydraulic power of an excavator handles rocky soil, roots, and even concrete demolition better.
Last year, my neighbor tried using a rented Bobcat to dig a small pond. After a full frustrating day of minimal progress, he returned it and got a mini-excavator instead. The job was finished by lunchtime the next day!
Conclusion
So which machine wins? Neither! It’s all about matching the right tool to your specific job.
For versatility, maneuverability, and multi-tasking, the Bobcat takes the crown. For serious digging, reaching, and heavy-duty earthmoving, nothing beats an excavator.
Many contractors end up owning or renting both machines because they’re complementary – the excavator digs and the Bobcat cleans up and finishes the details.
If you’re still unsure which is right for your project, try talking to your local equipment rental shop. Those folks see hundreds of projects every year and can usually tell you exactly what will work best for your specific situation.
What’s been your experience with these machines? I’d love to hear about your projects and which equipment worked best for you!
