Bobcat MT85 Attachments Buyer Guide — What to Look For

Bobcat MT85 attachments don't all fit the same — and a wrong purchase means a $500-plus mistake sitting in your yard. Five factors decide whether an attachment works on your machine: mount plate interface, hydraulic flow and pressure ratings, overall attachment weight relative to the MT85's rated operating capacity, hose coupler size, and intended duty cycle. This guide breaks down each factor with exact specs so you buy once and buy right. No guessing, no returns, no adapter plates that half-work.

What Specifications Should You Verify Before Buying Bobcat MT85 Attachments?

Bobcat MT85 attachments require verification of 3 critical specification categories before purchase. Compatibility specifications ensure proper machine interface, build quality specs determine long-term durability, and performance specifications dictate operational output capacity.

What Compatibility Specifications Must Match?

The MT85 uses a mini universal-style quick-attach mount plate — not the standard full-size skid steer plate. Any attachment built for a full-size skid steer will not physically connect. Confirm the attachment listing specifies "mini skid steer" or "mini universal" mount compatibility. An attachment designed for a standard-size coupler plate is 44 inches wide at the interface — the MT85 plate is roughly 15 inches wide.

• Mount plate type: mini universal / mini skid steer — a standard skid steer plate will not seat or lock
• Hydraulic flow: the MT85 delivers approximately 11.4 GPM standard flow — attachments requiring above 14 GPM will stall or underperform
• Hydraulic pressure: the MT85 supplies roughly 3,000 PSI — attachments rated for higher pressure will not reach rated speed or torque
• Coupler size: the MT85 uses flat-face hydraulic couplers — verify the attachment hose ends match or include adapters

What Build Quality Specs Determine Durability?

Steel thickness is the single fastest indicator of attachment lifespan. For grapple tines and bucket cutting edges, 1/2-inch AR400 steel is the professional standard. Lighter-duty attachments use 3/8-inch mild steel, which works for occasional residential use but deforms under daily commercial loading. Weld type matters: full-penetration continuous welds outlast stitch welds by 2 to 3 times in fatigue testing.

• Frame steel: minimum 1/4-inch plate for frames, 3/8-inch for load-bearing arms — below this, cracking starts within 200 to 400 hours
• Cylinder pins: hardened steel pins with grease zerks — soft pins egg-out within one season of daily use
• Weld quality: continuous welds on all structural joints — stitch welds on load-bearing joints indicate cost-cutting that leads to failure

What Performance Specs Determine Output?

The MT85's rated operating capacity of 850 pounds limits attachment weight and payload combined. An attachment weighing 350 pounds leaves 500 pounds of usable lift capacity. For hydraulic-driven attachments like augers or brush cutters, the 11.4-GPM flow rate determines bit speed and cutting RPM directly. An auger rated for 15 GPM spins 25 to 30 percent slower on the MT85 than advertised.

What Do Different Bobcat MT85 Attachment Price Tiers Offer?

Bobcat MT85 attachment price tiers deliver distinct feature sets and performance levels across 3 market segments. Each tier provides different specifications, build materials, and performance capabilities, with entry-level options sufficient for specific operational requirements.

What Do You Get at Each Price Level?

Bobcat MT85 attachments fall into three price bands depending on attachment type and build grade.

• Entry-level [$400 to $1,200]: 3/16-inch to 1/4-inch mild steel frames, imported cylinders, painted finish, 6- to 12-month structural warranty — suits landowners and farm owners running attachments under 100 hours per year
• Mid-range [$1,200 to $2,800]: 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch steel frames, domestic or name-equivalent cylinders, powder-coat finish, 12- to 24-month warranty — suits landscapers and contractors running 200 to 500 hours per year
• Professional [$2,800 to $5,500]: 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch AR400 steel, hardened pins with replaceable bushings, 24-month or longer structural warranty — suits tree service crews and contractors running 500-plus hours per year

What Specifications Change at Each Tier?

The biggest jump between entry-level and professional tiers is steel grade and cylinder bore size. Entry-level grapples use 2-inch bore cylinders producing roughly 4,000 pounds of clamping force. Professional grapples use 2.5-inch to 3-inch bore cylinders producing 6,500 to 8,500 pounds of clamping force. Pin diameter increases from 3/4-inch to 1-inch. Bushing material upgrades from bronze to oil-impregnated composite.

When Is Entry-Level Sufficient?

Entry-level attachments handle the job for property owners using equipment 2 to 4 times per month. Once use exceeds 8 to 10 hours per week, cylinder seals, pins, and mild steel frames wear at rates that make mid-range the better value within 18 months.

What Should You Avoid When Buying Bobcat MT85 Attachments?

Bobcat MT85 attachment purchases fail due to 3 common buyer mistakes that drain budgets and cause operational delays. Product listings contain misleading specifications, manufacturers overstate performance ratings, and warranty terms often exclude critical coverage areas.

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 mount type. This typically means the seller does not differentiate between mini and standard plates — and the attachment arrives incompatible. Vague spec sheets signal the same carelessness in manufacturing.

• No steel thickness listed: indicates the seller either does not know or is hiding sub-standard gauge — any reputable manufacturer publishes exact plate thickness
• "Universal fit" without specifying mini vs. standard mount: the attachment is almost certainly built for full-size machines
• Stock photos with no weld close-ups: quality manufacturers show their welds because good welds sell — hidden welds indicate poor penetration or inconsistent beads
• No hydraulic flow specification on powered attachments: the seller cannot confirm compatibility with the MT85's 11.4-GPM output, risking underperformance or motor damage

What Specifications Are Frequently Overstated?

Rated lifting or clamping capacity is the most commonly inflated spec. Sellers list maximum cylinder force at full extension — not actual working capacity at typical arm angles. Request the capacity measured at 30 degrees of jaw closure for grapples or at ground level for pallet forks. Real-world working capacity runs 15 to 25 percent below the headline number.

What Warranty Terms Should You Verify?

Require a minimum 12-month structural warranty covering welds and frame members. Hydraulic cylinders need separate coverage because cylinder seals and rods fail independently of structural components. Verify the warranty is not voided by use on machines outside a specified horsepower range — the MT85 runs 24.8 HP.

• Structural welds: minimum coverage 12 months — professional-grade attachments offer 24 months
• Hydraulic cylinders: minimum coverage 12 months on seals and rods
• Wear parts (teeth, cutting edges, tines): typically excluded — budget $50 to $200 per year for replacements

How Do You Match Bobcat MT85 Attachments to Your Situation?

Bobcat MT85 attachment selection requires matching 3 situational factors to machine capabilities and job requirements. Proper sizing depends on material handling needs, pre-purchase questions reveal compatibility issues, and specification checklists prevent costly mismatches.

How Do You Determine the Right Size?

Size every attachment against the MT85's 850-pound rated operating capacity and 66.9-inch lift height. A bucket wider than 42 inches overloads the frame when full of wet material. A grapple heavier than 300 pounds limits effective payload to 550 pounds — fine for brush, too light for logs over 10-inch diameter.

• If clearing brush and light debris: choose a grapple weighing under 250 pounds with a 36- to 42-inch opening — browse mini skid steer grapples for size options
• If moving palletized materials under 700 pounds: choose mini skid steer pallet forks rated to 42 inches with a 2,000-pound frame capacity
• If trenching or augering in compact spaces: choose a hydraulic attachment rated at or below 11 GPM to match the MT85's standard flow

What Questions Should You Ask Before Purchasing?

Five questions expose whether an attachment actually fits and lasts — sellers rarely volunteer these details without being asked.

• "What is the exact mount plate type and width in inches?" — reveals whether the seller knows the difference between mini and standard quick-attach
• "What is the minimum hydraulic flow in GPM required for full rated performance?" — reveals whether the attachment will reach advertised speed on the MT85's 11.4-GPM output
• "What gauge and grade of steel is the frame built from?" — reveals build quality; vague answers like "heavy duty steel" indicate unknown or substandard material
• "What is the total attachment weight without packaging?" — reveals actual payload capacity remaining on the MT85's 850-pound ROC
• "Does the structural warranty cover weld failure separately from wear parts?" — reveals whether the manufacturer stands behind fabrication quality or lumps everything under a short blanket warranty

What Is the Complete Pre-Purchase Specification Checklist?

Verify all 10 specifications before purchasing any Bobcat MT85 attachment.

• Mount plate type: verify mini universal / mini skid steer — not standard skid steer
• Attachment weight: verify total weight is under 400 pounds to preserve usable lift capacity
• Hydraulic flow requirement: verify 11.4 GPM or less for standard-flow compatibility
• Hydraulic pressure requirement: verify 3,000 PSI or less
• Coupler type: verify flat-face couplers or confirm adapter availability
• Frame steel thickness: verify 1/4-inch minimum for frames, 3/8-inch for load-bearing components
• Cylinder bore diameter: verify 2-inch minimum for grapples, 2.5-inch for heavy-duty rated attachments
• Pin diameter and material: verify 3/4-inch minimum hardened steel with grease zerks
• Overall width: verify attachment width clears your typical gate, trail, or job-site access — the MT85 is 36 inches wide without attachments
• Structural warranty: verify 12-month minimum on welds and frame

What Are the Most Popular Bobcat MT85 Attachment Types?

Bobcat MT85 operators rely on 5 attachment categories for maximum versatility across construction and landscaping applications. Usage patterns favor specific attachment types, hydraulic flow ratings limit certain options, and auxiliary connections enable advanced functionality.

Which Attachments Get the Most Use on This Machine?

Grapples, pallet forks, and buckets account for roughly 70 percent of MT85 attachment purchases. Grapples handle brush clearing, log moving, and debris cleanup. Pallet forks move bagged material, sod pallets, and fence posts. Buckets handle grading, backfilling, and material transport. All three attachment types are available in mini-mount configurations at every price tier.

Which Hydraulic Attachments Work Within the MT85's Flow Rating?

Augers, trenchers, and stump grinders rated under 11 GPM operate at full speed on the MT85. Brush cutters and mulchers typically require 14 to 20 GPM — most exceed the MT85's standard flow. Running a high-flow attachment on standard flow cuts RPM by 30 to 50 percent and generates excessive heat in the hydraulic system. Verify the attachment motor displacement matches the machine's available flow before purchasing.

Which Attachments Require Auxiliary Hydraulic Connections?

Any attachment with a rotating, spinning, or digging motor requires auxiliary hydraulic lines. The MT85 comes equipped with auxiliary hydraulic couplers — verify these are functional and not capped. Buckets, pallet forks, and manual-open grapples do not require auxiliary hydraulics. Power-open grapples, augers, trenchers, and brush cutters all require live auxiliary flow to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Bobcat MT85 Attachments

Bobcat MT85 attachment buyers commonly ask 5 technical and financial questions before making purchase decisions. Standard skid steer compatibility, used equipment value, warranty coverage, ownership costs, and fit verification represent the most frequent buyer concerns.

Will Standard Skid Steer Attachments Fit the Bobcat MT85?

No. Standard skid steer attachments use a different mount plate that is physically incompatible with the MT85.

The MT85 accepts only mini universal quick-attach plates. Standard plates measure approximately 44 inches wide at the interface. The MT85 plate measures roughly 15 inches. There is no safe field modification to make a standard attachment work. Adapter plates exist but add 50 to 100 pounds of dead weight and reduce lift height by 4 to 6 inches — a poor trade-off on a machine with 850-pound ROC. Buy attachments specifically listed for mini skid steers.

Is It Worth Buying Used Bobcat MT85 Attachments?

Used attachments save 30 to 50 percent but require hands-on inspection of five specific wear points.

Check cylinder rods for scoring or pitting — any visible grooves mean the seals are compromised. Inspect pin bores for egg-shaped wear exceeding 1/16-inch ovality. Examine all structural welds for cracking, especially at the mount plate junction. Test hydraulic functions under load if possible. Used grapples in good condition run $300 to $800 for entry-level, $900 to $1,800 for mid-range. Factor $100 to $400 for new pins, bushings, and seals on any used purchase.

What Warranty Coverage Is Standard for Mini Skid Steer Attachments?

Expect 12 months minimum on structural components and 6 to 12 months on hydraulic cylinders from any quality manufacturer.

Warranties under 6 months signal a manufacturer that does not trust its own product. Watch for exclusions that void coverage when attachments are used on machines above or below a specified horsepower range. The MT85's 24.8 HP falls within virtually all mini-class attachment warranty terms. Professional-tier attachments frequently carry 24-month structural warranties. Wear parts — teeth, cutting edges, rubber — are excluded industry-wide.

What Is the Total Cost of Owning an MT85 Attachment Over Five Years?

Total five-year cost equals purchase price plus $200 to $600 in wear parts plus $100 to $300 in cylinder maintenance.

A mid-range grapple purchased at $1,800 costs roughly $2,300 to $2,500 over five years when including replacement teeth, cylinder seal kits, and new pins. An entry-level grapple at $700 often costs $1,400 to $1,700 over the same period because seals fail sooner and frame repairs add $200 to $500. The mid-range attachment costs less per working hour at anything above 150 annual hours of use.

How Do You Verify an Attachment Fits the MT85 Before Ordering?

Request the attachment's spec sheet listing mount type, weight, and hydraulic requirements — then cross-reference against the MT85's published specifications.

Confirm the spec sheet states "mini universal mount" or "mini skid steer quick-attach." Verify the total weight is under 400 pounds. Verify hydraulic flow is 11.4 GPM or less for powered attachments. Check coupler type matches flat-face. If the seller cannot provide a spec sheet with these four data points, move on. A full range of compatible options is available across all mini skid steer attachments categories.