Bobcat MT55 Attachments Buyer Guide — What to Look For

Bobcat MT55 attachments aren't all interchangeable — and the wrong one costs you a day of work plus a return trip. Five factors determine whether an attachment actually fits and performs on this machine: mount plate interface type, hydraulic flow and pressure ratings, overall attachment weight relative to the MT55's rated operating capacity, hose coupler size, and the specific task you're running. This guide breaks down each factor with exact specs so you buy the right attachment the first time — no guesswork, no expensive mistakes.

What Specifications Should You Verify Before Buying Bobcat MT55 Attachments?

Successful attachment purchases require verifying 3 critical specification categories: compatibility measurements, build quality standards, and performance ratings. These specifications determine whether an attachment fits properly, withstands jobsite demands, and delivers the operational capacity needed for specific applications.

What Compatibility Specifications Must Match?

The Bobcat MT55 uses a Bob-Tach mini mounting plate interface — not the standard full-size skid steer quick-attach plate. Any attachment built for a standard skid steer frame (roughly 24 inches wide) does not physically connect to the MT55's narrower mini frame. Confirm the attachment listing explicitly states compatibility with mini track loader or mini skid steer mount systems.

• Mount plate type: must be mini universal or Bob-Tach mini — a standard skid steer quick-attach plate is physically too wide and will not lock in
• Hydraulic flow requirement: the MT55 delivers approximately 11.4 GPM standard flow — attachments requiring above 12 GPM will underperform or stall entirely
• Hydraulic pressure: the MT55 supplies roughly 3,000 PSI — attachments rated for higher operating pressure risk incomplete cycling and premature wear on the machine's pump
• Coupler size: the MT55 runs flat-face 1/2-inch hydraulic couplers — mismatched coupler sizes require adapters that introduce leak points

What Build Quality Specs Determine Durability?

Steel thickness on the frame and cutting edges is the single fastest indicator of build quality. For light-duty tasks like grading or material handling, 3/16-inch plate steel is acceptable for the frame. For demolition, stump work, or daily commercial use, require 1/4-inch plate steel minimum on the main frame and 1/2-inch cutting edges where applicable.

• Frame plate steel: minimum 3/16-inch for residential use, 1/4-inch for commercial — below 3/16-inch leads to frame warping under repeated load cycles
• Weld type: continuous bead welds on all stress joints — skip welds or tack welds crack under lateral loading within 40 to 80 hours of use
• Pin and bushing material: hardened steel rated to at least 50 HRC — soft steel pins deform and create sloppy pivot points within one season

What Performance Specs Determine Output?

Attachment weight directly affects how much material the MT55 can lift and carry. The MT55 has a rated operating capacity of approximately 550 pounds at 35% tipping load. Subtract the attachment's own weight from 550 pounds to calculate usable payload. A 200-pound grapple leaves 350 pounds of carrying capacity. A 300-pound bucket leaves 250 pounds. Exceed the rated operating capacity and the machine becomes unstable on slopes and uneven ground.

What Do Bobcat MT55 Attachment Price Tiers Offer?

MT55 attachments fall into 3 distinct price tiers that correlate directly with feature sets, material quality, and operational capabilities. Each tier targets different operational requirements, from basic material handling to heavy-duty commercial applications with enhanced hydraulic features.

What Do You Get at Each Price Level?

Bobcat MT55 attachments span three pricing tiers depending on type and construction.

• Entry-level ($400 to $900): 3/16-inch frame steel, standard-duty pins, imported cylinders on hydraulic models, limited or no warranty — suits homeowners and landowners running attachments under 50 hours per year
• Mid-range ($900 to $2,000): 1/4-inch frame steel, greaseable hardened pins, domestic or name-equivalent cylinders, 12-month structural warranty — suits landscapers and contractors running 50 to 200 hours per year
• Professional ($2,000 to $4,500): 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch frame steel, replaceable wear parts, high-flow hydraulic motors on powered attachments, 24-month structural warranty — suits daily commercial operators exceeding 200 hours per year

What Specifications Change at Each Tier?

The largest specification jump between entry-level and professional occurs in steel thickness and weld quality. Entry-level frames use 3/16-inch steel with intermittent welds. Professional frames use 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch steel with full-penetration continuous welds. Cylinder bore diameter increases from 2 inches at entry level to 2.5 or 3 inches at professional, delivering 30% to 50% more clamping or lifting force.

When Is Entry-Level Sufficient?

Entry-level attachments perform adequately for tasks under 50 hours annually on non-abrasive materials. Moving mulch, light grading on prepared ground, or occasional pallet transport qualifies. Once you exceed 50 hours per year or work in rocky soil, root-heavy terrain, or demolition debris, step up to mid-range minimum.

What Should You Avoid When Buying Bobcat MT55 Attachments?

Common purchasing mistakes involve 3 categories of oversights: misleading product listings, inflated performance claims, and inadequate warranty protection. These issues can result in compatibility problems, premature failure, and unexpected replacement costs that exceed initial savings.

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 mini mount compatibility. The MT55 is a mini track loader. Attachments built for full-size skid steers do not fit without an adapter plate — and adapter plates reduce breakout force and add dangerous play to the connection.

• No steel thickness listed: indicates the seller either does not know or is hiding sub-standard 10-gauge (0.135-inch) material — always request specific plate thickness in inches
• "Universal fit" with no mount dimensions: means the buyer assumes all risk — demand the exact mount plate width and pin spacing in inches before purchasing
• Stock photos only, no weld close-ups: quality manufacturers show their weld work — reluctance to show welds usually means skip welds or poor penetration
• No stated weight: without a published weight, you cannot calculate remaining operating capacity — a sign the seller has not tested the product on a mini track loader

What Specifications Are Frequently Overstated?

Lifting capacity and clamping force are the most commonly inflated specifications. Sellers often list cylinder force at maximum PSI without accounting for friction, linkage geometry, or real-world operating pressure. Request the specification measured at the tip of the grapple jaw or at the bucket cutting edge — not at the cylinder rod. A 3,000-pound cylinder force rating translates to roughly 1,800 to 2,200 pounds of actual clamping force at the jaw tip after mechanical losses.

What Warranty Terms Should You Verify?

Require a minimum 12-month structural warranty on any attachment priced above $800. Warranties under 6 months on commercial-grade equipment indicate the manufacturer does not trust its own product. Verify what the warranty explicitly covers — and what it excludes.

• Structural welds: minimum coverage 12 months — any crack in a structural weld within this period indicates a manufacturing defect
• Hydraulic components: minimum coverage 12 months on cylinders and motors — seals are wear items and are often excluded, which is acceptable
• Wear parts (teeth, cutting edges, rubber): typically excluded from warranty — this is standard and not a concern

How Do You Match Bobcat MT55 Attachments to Your Situation?

Proper attachment selection requires evaluating 3 operational factors: job-specific sizing requirements, application-specific features, and comprehensive specification verification. This systematic approach ensures the attachment delivers optimal performance for intended applications while maintaining operational efficiency.

How Do You Determine the Right Size?

Size every attachment to stay within the MT55's 550-pound rated operating capacity and 42-inch machine width. An attachment wider than 48 inches creates visibility and maneuverability problems on a mini track loader this compact. Match bucket width to your most common task — not your largest task.

• If clearing brush and moving logs under 8 inches in diameter: choose a mini skid steer grapples setup with a 36-inch to 42-inch opening and at least 1,800 pounds of clamping force
• If moving palletized material under 500 pounds: choose mini skid steer pallet forks rated to 1,500 pounds with 36-inch tine length — the tine rating must exceed machine capacity for safety margin
• If trenching for irrigation or drainage lines: choose a trencher requiring no more than 11 GPM hydraulic flow with a maximum depth of 36 inches and a chain width of 4 to 6 inches

What Questions Should You Ask Before Purchasing?

Five questions separate a confident purchase from an expensive guess — and most sellers do not volunteer this information unless asked directly.

• "What is the exact mount plate type and pin spacing in inches?" — reveals whether the attachment is actually built for mini track loaders or is a full-size skid steer unit being marketed broadly
• "What is the total attachment weight including all hydraulic components?" — reveals your true remaining operating capacity on the MT55
• "What is the minimum hydraulic flow in GPM required for full-speed operation?" — reveals whether the MT55's 11.4 GPM standard flow is sufficient or whether you need a high-flow kit
• "What is the steel plate thickness on the main frame and on all wear surfaces?" — reveals actual build grade and separates professional-quality from imported economy units
• "Does the structural warranty cover weld failure for a minimum of 12 months, and is that warranty backed by a U.S.-based service entity?" — reveals whether you have real recourse or a paper warranty with no enforcement mechanism

What Is the Complete Pre-Purchase Specification Checklist?

Verify all 10 specifications below before committing to a purchase.

• Mount type: confirm mini universal or Bob-Tach mini — not standard skid steer quick-attach
• Mount plate pin spacing: verify exact measurement matches MT55 interface within 1/16-inch tolerance
• Hydraulic flow requirement: verify the attachment operates at or below 11.4 GPM
• Hydraulic pressure requirement: verify the attachment operates at or below 3,000 PSI
• Coupler size: verify 1/2-inch flat-face fittings — or confirm adapter availability and leak-free rating
• Total attachment weight: verify the weight leaves adequate remaining capacity from the MT55's 550-pound rated operating capacity
• Overall width: verify 48 inches or narrower for safe operation and transport
• Frame steel thickness: verify 3/16-inch minimum for light duty, 1/4-inch minimum for commercial use
• Weld type: verify continuous bead welds on all structural joints
• Warranty: verify minimum 12-month structural coverage with a U.S.-based warranty provider

Which Bobcat MT55 Attachment Types Deliver the Most Versatility?

The most versatile MT55 attachments are multi-function tools that maximize operational flexibility within the machine's 1,750-pound operating capacity and hydraulic flow limitations. These attachments span both powered hydraulic options and high-utility mechanical designs that handle diverse material types.

What Are the Most Popular Attachment Types for This Machine?

Grapples, pallet forks, buckets, and augers account for roughly 80% of mini track loader attachment purchases. Grapples handle brush clearing, log moving, and demolition debris. Pallet forks handle material transport on job sites and farms. Buckets handle grading, backfilling, and light excavation. Augers handle post holes and tree planting at 8-inch to 18-inch diameters.

What Powered Attachments Work Within the MT55's Hydraulic Limits?

The MT55's 11.4 GPM standard hydraulic flow limits powered attachment options to lower-demand models. Augers up to 18-inch diameter, trenchers with 4-inch to 6-inch chain width, and light-duty brush cutters under 36 inches operate within this flow range. Mulchers, stump grinders, and full-size brush cutters typically require 15 to 25 GPM — verify the exact flow requirement before purchasing any powered attachment for the MT55.

What Non-Powered Attachments Offer the Best Return?

Non-powered attachments like grapples and pallet forks deliver the highest return because they have zero hydraulic maintenance cost and last 5 to 10 years with basic care. A mid-range grapple at $900 to $1,500 pays for itself within 3 to 5 uses on jobs that previously required manual labor or rented equipment. Non-powered attachments also weigh less, preserving more of the MT55's operating capacity for actual payload.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Bobcat MT55 Attachments

MT55 attachment purchasing involves 5 common decision points regarding compatibility standards, used equipment value, warranty coverage, total ownership costs, and pre-purchase verification methods. These considerations directly impact long-term operational costs and attachment performance reliability.

Will Standard Skid Steer Attachments Fit the Bobcat MT55?

Standard skid steer attachments do not fit the MT55 without an adapter plate.

The MT55 uses a mini-frame mount system that is narrower than the standard skid steer quick-attach interface. An adapter plate adds 50 to 100 pounds of dead weight, reduces breakout force, and introduces a pivot point that creates play in the connection. For best performance and safety, purchase attachments built specifically for mini track loaders. Browse mini skid steer attachments designed to match the mini-frame mount directly.

Is It Worth Buying Used Bobcat MT55 Attachments?

Used non-powered attachments in verifiable condition save 30% to 50% over new pricing.

Inspect all welds for cracks, check pin bores for egg-shaping (oval wear greater than 1/16-inch indicates replacement is needed), and verify hydraulic cylinders hold pressure for a full 60 seconds without drifting. Used powered attachments carry more risk — motor seals and bearings are expensive to replace, often costing $400 to $800 in parts alone. If the seller cannot demonstrate the powered attachment operating under load, factor in $500 to $1,000 for potential rebuild costs.

What Warranty Coverage Is Standard for New Attachments?

Expect a minimum 12-month structural warranty on new attachments priced above $800.

Good warranty coverage includes weld failure, cylinder body defects, and manufacturing defects in pins and bushings. Concerning exclusions include "damage from normal use" without defining normal use — this language lets the manufacturer deny virtually any claim. Wear parts like teeth and cutting edges are standardly excluded. Hydraulic seal kits are consumable items and are typically excluded after 90 days, which is reasonable.

What Is the True Total Cost of Owning an Attachment Over Five Years?

Calculate purchase price plus replacement wear parts plus hydraulic maintenance over a 5-year span.

A mid-range grapple at $1,200 costs approximately $150 in pin and bushing replacements over 5 years of moderate use (100 to 150 hours per year), bringing total ownership to roughly $1,350. A mid-range auger at $1,500 requires drive motor seal replacement at roughly $200 every 2 to 3 years, plus bit replacement at $50 to $150 per set, bringing 5-year ownership to $2,000 to $2,200. Entry-level attachments often cost more over 5 years due to earlier frame failure and shorter component life.

How Do You Confirm an Attachment Is Compatible Before Purchasing?

Request the manufacturer's compatibility chart listing the MT55 by model number — not just by machine class.

Cross-reference the attachment's listed mount plate dimensions against the MT55's interface: the mini Bob-Tach mount uses a specific pin spacing and plate width that must match within 1/16-inch tolerance. Ask the seller for a photograph of the mount plate with a tape measure visible. If the seller cannot provide this documentation, treat it as a red flag and look elsewhere. Confirm hydraulic coupler size (1/2-inch flat-face) and flow requirements (at or below 11.4 GPM) in writing before completing the purchase.