Bobcat MT100 Attachments Buyer Guide — What to Look For

Bobcat MT100 attachments don't all fit — and a wrong purchase costs you time and money you won't get back. Five factors determine whether an attachment works on your machine: mount plate type, hydraulic flow and pressure ratings, overall attachment weight relative to the MT100's rated operating capacity, hose sizing and coupler configuration, and the specific task you need to perform. This guide breaks down each factor with real specs so you can buy with confidence instead of guessing from vague product listings.

What Specifications Should You Verify Before Buying Bobcat MT100 Attachments?

Critical specifications include mounting compatibility, hydraulic flow requirements, and structural load ratings that determine attachment performance and safety. These 3 specification categories cover machine compatibility requirements, build quality standards that affect durability, and performance metrics that determine operational output.

What Compatibility Specifications Must Match?

The MT100 uses a Bob-Tach mini mounting plate — not the standard full-size skid steer quick-attach plate. Any attachment labeled "universal skid steer mount" does not fit this machine without an adapter. Confirm the attachment is built for the mini skid steer mount interface specific to the MT100.

• Mount plate type: must be Bob-Tach mini compatible — a standard quick-attach plate is 3 to 4 inches too wide and will not lock into the carrier
• Hydraulic flow: the MT100 delivers approximately 11.5 GPM at standard flow — attachments requiring above 12 GPM will not reach operating speed and risk motor damage
• Hydraulic pressure: the MT100 produces roughly 3,000 PSI — attachments rated for higher pressure systems starve and underperform

What Build Quality Specs Determine Durability?

Steel thickness on the frame and cutting edges determines how long an attachment lasts under load. Light-duty mini skid steer attachments use 3/16-inch plate steel. Heavy-duty versions use 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch plate. Anything thinner than 3/16-inch bends or cracks within one season of daily use on rocky or compacted ground.

• Frame plate steel: minimum 3/16-inch for residential work, 1/4-inch for daily commercial use — below 3/16-inch leads to warped frames
• Weld type: continuous welds along load-bearing seams — skip welds indicate cost-cutting and fail under repeated stress
• Pin and bushing material: hardened steel rated to at least 60 HRC — soft pins wear out in 40 to 60 hours of operation

What Performance Specs Determine Output?

Attachment width and weight directly control how much material you move per cycle on the MT100. The MT100 rated operating capacity is 1,000 pounds at 35% tipping load. An attachment weighing 350 pounds leaves only 650 pounds of usable payload. Overloading the machine past the rated capacity shortens undercarriage life and voids warranty coverage on the loader arms.

What Do Different Bobcat MT100 Attachment Price Tiers Offer?

Price tiers reflect material grade, manufacturing precision, and feature complexity that directly impact attachment longevity and capability. Understanding what specifications change across 3 price levels, when entry-level options suffice, and what each tier delivers helps contractors optimize their investment.

What Do You Get at Each Price Level?

Three price tiers cover the full range of mini skid steer attachments, from $400 to $4,500 depending on attachment type.

• Entry-level ($400 to $1,200): 3/16-inch steel frames, imported cylinders, painted finish, 6-month structural warranty — suits homeowners and weekend-use operators running under 100 hours per year
• Mid-range ($1,200 to $2,800): 1/4-inch steel, domestic or tier-one import cylinders, powder-coat finish, 12-month warranty — suits landscapers and contractors running 200 to 500 hours per year
• Professional ($2,800 to $4,500): 5/16-inch steel, hardened teeth or cutting edges, name-brand hydraulic motors, 24-month warranty — suits daily-use operators running 500+ hours per year in abrasive conditions

What Specifications Change at Each Tier?

The largest spec jump between entry and professional tiers is steel thickness and cylinder bore size. Entry-level cylinders run 2-inch bore; professional units run 2.5- to 3-inch bore, delivering 30% to 50% more breakout force. Bearing quality also rises — bronze bushings replace plain steel at mid-range and above, extending pivot life from roughly 300 hours to 1,000+ hours.

When Is Entry-Level Sufficient?

Entry-level attachments perform well for operators using the MT100 fewer than 100 hours per year on non-abrasive material. Once usage exceeds 200 hours annually or involves rocky soil, concrete debris, or hardwood, move to mid-range. The $400 to $800 price difference pays for itself in avoided cylinder rebuilds and frame repairs.

What Are the Most Popular Bobcat MT100 Attachment Types?

Popular attachment types include buckets, grapples, augers, and brush cutters that match the MT100's 10 GPM hydraulic flow and 1,750-pound operating capacity. Examining which types fit the machine's specifications and what hydraulic attachments require additional verification ensures proper selection.

Which Attachment Types Fit the MT100's Flow and Capacity?

Grapples, pallet forks, buckets, and augers are the four highest-demand attachments for the MT100. Each operates within the machine's 11.5-GPM, 3,000-PSI hydraulic envelope. Brush cutters, trenchers, mulchers, backhoe attachments, and stump grinders also fit — but verify the specific model's GPM requirement stays at or below 11.5 GPM.

• Grapples: 36- to 48-inch widths work best — wider units exceed the MT100's track width and reduce visibility. Browse mini skid steer grapples for size options built for compact frames
• Pallet forks: 42-inch tine length is standard for the MT100 class — longer tines shift the load center forward and reduce effective capacity. See mini skid steer pallet forks rated for machines under 1,000-pound ROC
• Buckets: 36- to 48-inch widths — a 48-inch bucket loaded with wet topsoil weighs approximately 800 pounds, leaving minimal safety margin
• Augers: 6- to 12-inch bit diameter — bits above 12 inches demand torque the MT100's auxiliary circuit cannot sustain without stalling

What Hydraulic Attachments Require Extra Verification?

Mulchers, brush cutters, and stump grinders are the three attachment types most likely to exceed the MT100's hydraulic capacity. Many are designed for machines producing 15 to 25 GPM. Running a high-flow attachment on the MT100's 11.5-GPM circuit results in slow disc speed, overheated hydraulic fluid, and premature pump wear. Confirm the attachment operates effectively at 10 to 12 GPM before purchasing.

What Should You Avoid When Buying Bobcat MT100 Attachments?

Common purchasing mistakes involve overlooking compatibility specifications, accepting inflated performance claims, and inadequate warranty verification. Recognizing 3 categories of red flags in product listings, frequently overstated specifications, and warranty terms prevents costly compatibility issues and performance disappointments.

What Are the Red Flags in Listings and Products?

The most common red flag is a listing that states "fits all skid steers" without specifying the mount type. The MT100 does not use a standard skid steer plate. Any seller who does not distinguish between mini and full-size mounts either does not understand the product or is being deliberately vague.

• No steel thickness listed: quality builders publish exact plate gauge — absence of this spec indicates sub-3/16-inch material
• "Universal fit" without mount dimensions: the MT100 mini mount is approximately 14.5 inches wide — full-size mounts run 18 to 20 inches wide, making them physically incompatible
• Stock photos with no weld detail: real product images showing weld quality separate serious builders from resellers drop-shipping unfinished units
• No hydraulic flow spec on powered attachments: any motor-driven attachment sold without a GPM rating is a return waiting to happen

What Specifications Are Frequently Overstated?

Weight capacity is the most commonly inflated spec on mini skid steer attachments. Sellers list the theoretical maximum load of the attachment frame — not the safe working load matched to the MT100's rated operating capacity. A grapple rated to 2,000 pounds means nothing on a machine limited to 1,000 pounds ROC. Always match the attachment's stated capacity against the MT100's published tipping load at 35%.

What Warranty Terms Should You Verify?

Require a minimum 12-month structural warranty on any attachment over $1,000. Hydraulic components — cylinders, motors, hoses — need separate coverage of at least 6 months. Any warranty that excludes welds or limits coverage to "manufacturer defects only" provides almost no real protection.

• Structural welds: minimum coverage 12 months from date of delivery
• Hydraulic cylinders and motors: minimum coverage 6 months — ask whether seals are included or excluded
• Wear parts (teeth, cutting edges, tines): typically not warrantied — budget $150 to $400 annually for replacement

How Do You Match Bobcat MT100 Attachments to Your Situation?

Proper attachment matching requires analyzing job requirements against machine specifications and attachment capabilities. This process involves determining correct sizing based on operating parameters, asking specific pre-purchase questions, and completing a comprehensive specification checklist before finalizing purchases.

How Do You Determine the Right Size?

Size every attachment to stay within 80% of the MT100's 1,000-pound rated operating capacity. That means a loaded attachment plus material cannot exceed 800 pounds in normal operation. Exceeding 80% accelerates wear on the drive motors, chains, and loader arm pins.

• If you work in tight residential spaces (under 48-inch gate widths): choose 36-inch-wide attachments to maintain clearance
• If you handle mixed loads (brush, soil, gravel) daily: choose a grapple with 1/4-inch plate and a minimum 2-inch cylinder bore for breakout force
• If you move palletized material (sod, pavers, bags): choose 42-inch fork tines with a load backrest rated to 1,000 pounds

What Questions Should You Ask Before Purchasing?

Five questions expose whether an attachment is truly MT100-compatible — and most sellers do not volunteer this information unless asked directly.

• "What is the exact mount plate width and type — mini Bob-Tach or standard quick-attach?" — reveals whether the seller knows the difference between mini and full-size interfaces
• "What is the minimum GPM required for this attachment to operate at full rated speed?" — reveals whether the attachment will function on the MT100's 11.5-GPM circuit
• "What gauge steel is the main frame built from, and are welds continuous or skip?" — reveals structural quality without relying on marketing language
• "What is the attachment's empty weight, and what is the recommended maximum payload for this attachment on a 1,000-pound-ROC machine?" — reveals whether the seller has matched the attachment to your specific machine class
• "Does the warranty cover weld failure, and are hydraulic seals included in the hydraulic component warranty?" — reveals real coverage versus paper-only warranties with broad exclusions

What Is the Complete Pre-Purchase Specification Checklist?

Verify all 10 specifications below before placing an order for any MT100 attachment.

• Mount type: confirm mini Bob-Tach compatible (approximately 14.5-inch plate width)
• Hydraulic flow requirement: verify 11.5 GPM or below for powered attachments
• Hydraulic pressure rating: verify 3,000 PSI or below
• Attachment empty weight: verify the total does not exceed 400 pounds to preserve usable payload
• Steel plate thickness: verify minimum 3/16-inch for light duty, 1/4-inch for daily commercial use
• Overall width: verify the attachment fits within your typical job-site access points (36 to 48 inches for most residential work)
• Cylinder bore size: verify minimum 2-inch bore for grapples and buckets requiring breakout force
• Hose fitting size and type: verify the attachment uses the same coupler style (flat-face or AG-style) as the MT100's auxiliary ports
• Weld type: verify continuous welds on all structural seams
• Warranty duration: verify minimum 12-month structural, 6-month hydraulic

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Bobcat MT100 Attachments

Common questions address compatibility with standard skid steer attachments, used equipment value, warranty coverage, ownership costs, and hydraulic verification. These 5 frequently asked questions cover mounting compatibility, purchasing decisions, warranty standards, long-term costs, and hydraulic system requirements for powered attachments.

Will a Standard Skid Steer Attachment Fit the Bobcat MT100?

No. The MT100 uses a mini-specific mount plate that is narrower than the standard skid steer quick-attach interface.

A standard plate measures roughly 18 to 20 inches wide. The MT100's mini plate measures approximately 14.5 inches wide. An adapter plate exists but adds 50 to 80 pounds of dead weight to the front of the machine, reducing usable payload to approximately 550 to 600 pounds. For most operators, buying an attachment built for the mini mount is the better investment. Browse mini skid steer attachments designed specifically for compact carriers.

Is It Worth Buying Used Bobcat MT100 Attachments?

Used attachments save 30% to 50% off new pricing — but only if the frame and cylinders pass inspection.

Check for cracked welds at the mount plate and along cylinder pin ears. Extend and retract every cylinder fully — drifting under load indicates worn seals ($75 to $200 to rebuild). Measure pin-to-bushing play: more than 1/16-inch slop means the pivot points need rebuild kits at $50 to $150 per joint. A used grapple in the $600 to $900 range with tight pins and dry cylinders is a solid buy.

What Warranty Coverage Is Standard on New Mini Skid Steer Attachments?

A 12-month structural warranty is the industry baseline for new attachments priced above $1,000.

Reputable builders cover structural weld failure for 12 to 24 months and hydraulic cylinders for 6 to 12 months. Watch for exclusions on "normal wear" that broadly include pin and bushing failure — pins and bushings are wear items, but failure at under 200 hours signals a manufacturing defect, not normal wear. Request the full warranty document before purchasing, not just the summary.

What Is the True Cost of Owning Bobcat MT100 Attachments Over Five Years?

Budget for purchase price plus 15% to 25% of that price in maintenance over five years.

A $1,500 mid-range grapple costs approximately $225 to $375 in replacement teeth, cylinder seal kits, and pin-and-bushing rebuilds over a five-year, 300-hour-per-year work cycle. Hydraulic hose replacement runs $40 to $80 per hose. Total five-year ownership for that grapple: $1,725 to $1,875. Entry-level units cost less upfront but typically need cylinder rebuilds sooner — sometimes within 18 months — narrowing the real savings gap.

How Do You Confirm Hydraulic Compatibility for Powered MT100 Attachments?

Request the attachment's hydraulic spec sheet and compare its minimum GPM and PSI ratings against the MT100's published auxiliary circuit output.

The MT100 auxiliary circuit delivers approximately 11.5 GPM at 3,000 PSI. Any attachment listing a "recommended" flow above 12 GPM will not reach rated RPM. Ask the seller for a performance curve or test data at 11 to 12 GPM specifically. If they cannot provide it, the attachment was likely designed for a larger machine and repackaged as "mini compatible."