Bobcat S570 Attachments Buyer Guide — What to Look For

Bobcat S570 attachments come down to five things: mount type, hydraulic flow rating, rated operating capacity, attachment weight, and the actual work you need done. Get any one of those wrong and you're stuck with a return — or worse, a machine that can't safely run the implement. This guide gives you the exact specs to match, breaks down what each attachment category costs, and hands you a pre-purchase checklist so nothing gets missed. No guessing. No expensive mistakes.

What Specifications Should You Verify Before Buying Bobcat S570 Attachments?

Bobcat S570 attachments require verification of 3 critical specification categories: compatibility matching, build quality standards, and performance output ratings. These specifications determine proper machine integration, operational durability, and job site productivity across compatibility requirements, construction materials, and hydraulic performance metrics.

What Compatibility Specifications Must Match?

The Bobcat S570 uses a Bob-Tach or optional universal skid steer quick-attach mounting system. Every attachment must match the coupler plate width and pin spacing of the installed mount frame. Running an attachment built for a different coupler type causes connection failure, frame stress, and void warranties.

• Mount system: Bob-Tach proprietary or universal skid steer quick-attach — using the wrong plate results in loose connection and unsafe lateral play
• Hydraulic flow: the S570 delivers 17.4 GPM standard flow and up to 27.4 GPM with the optional high-flow package — attaching a 30+ GPM implement starves the motor and causes overheating
• Hydraulic pressure: the S570 supplies 3,000 PSI operating pressure — attachments rated above 3,500 PSI draw more pressure than the pump sustains and stall under load
• Electrical connection: attachments with electronic controls require a 14-pin electrical harness — machines without this harness cannot operate proportional joystick-controlled implements

What Build Quality Specs Determine Durability?

Steel thickness is the single fastest indicator of attachment lifespan. Light-duty attachments use 3/16-inch plate steel on the frame and 1/4-inch on cutting edges. Heavy-duty models use 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch plate throughout. Below 3/16-inch on any structural member, expect warping and weld cracking within the first 200 hours of use.

• Frame plate steel: minimum 1/4 inch for daily commercial use — 3/16 inch acceptable only for residential or occasional work
• Weld type: continuous MIG or robotic welds across all stress joints — skip welds (stitch welds) on high-stress points crack within 100–300 hours
• Cylinder rod diameter: minimum 1.5-inch bore on grapple and bucket cylinders — undersized cylinders lose clamping force and leak seals faster

What Performance Specs Determine Output?

Hydraulic motor displacement dictates attachment RPM and torque output. Brush cutters, mulchers, and augers depend on motor size matched to the S570's available flow. A brush cutter rated for 24+ GPM on a standard-flow 17.4 GPM machine turns too slowly to cut hardwood and overheats the hydraulic system. If the S570 has the standard-flow package, select attachments rated between 14 and 20 GPM. If the high-flow option is installed, attachments up to 27 GPM are compatible.

What Do Different Bobcat S570 Attachment Price Tiers Offer?

Bobcat S570 attachment price tiers deliver distinct value packages ranging from basic functionality to premium performance features. Each tier provides different specification levels, build quality standards, and performance capabilities that match specific operational requirements and budget constraints.

What Do You Get at Each Price Level?

Three distinct price tiers exist across most attachment categories, spanning $400 to $8,500+ depending on type.

• Entry-level ($400 to $1,500): 3/16-inch steel frames, pin-on cutting edges, single-cylinder grapples, imported hydraulic components, 6-month structural warranty — suits property owners using attachments under 100 hours per year
• Mid-range ($1,500 to $4,000): 1/4-inch steel frames, bolt-on reversible cutting edges, dual-cylinder grapples, domestic hydraulic cylinders, 12-month warranty — suits landscapers and contractors working 200–600 hours per year
• Professional ($4,000 to $8,500+): 3/8-inch AR400 steel on wear surfaces, fully gusseted frames, high-pressure cylinders with hardened chrome rods, 24-month structural warranty — suits tree service crews and daily-use contractors exceeding 600 hours per year

What Specifications Change at Each Tier?

The biggest jump between entry-level and professional is steel grade and cylinder quality. Entry-level uses mild A36 steel. Mid-range introduces AR400 abrasion-resistant plate on wear surfaces. Professional tier runs AR400 or AR450 throughout the frame and uses hardened chrome cylinder rods that resist scoring. Cylinder bore increases from 2 inches at entry to 3 inches or larger at professional tier, delivering 40–60% more clamping or digging force.

When Is Entry-Level Sufficient?

Entry-level attachments perform adequately at fewer than 100 operating hours per year in non-abrasive material. Moving mulch, light grading, or handling pallets on flat ground stays within the design envelope. Once work involves rock, frozen ground, root removal, or daily commercial use, mid-range is the minimum viable tier.

What Should You Avoid When Buying Bobcat S570 Attachments?

Common Bobcat S570 attachment purchasing mistakes include overlooking compatibility red flags, accepting inflated performance claims, and inadequate warranty verification. These issues lead to operational problems, reduced productivity, and unexpected replacement costs across product listings, specification accuracy, and coverage terms.

What Are the Red Flags in Listings and Products?

Listings that omit steel thickness are the most common red flag. Any quality manufacturer publishes exact plate gauge. When a listing says "heavy-duty steel" without a number, the frame is almost always under 3/16 inch.

• No steel thickness listed: indicates sub-3/16-inch material — request exact specifications before purchasing
• No hydraulic flow range stated: the attachment either lacks testing data or requires flow outside your machine's output — always verify GPM rating
• "Universal fit" with no coupler dimensions provided: true universal mounts specify pin-to-pin width (typically 2-inch pins on 15.75-inch centers for standard skid steer) — vague "universal" claims mask dimensional mismatches
• Welded-on cutting edges instead of bolt-on: welded edges cannot be replaced in the field and indicate single-use design — bolt-on edges cost $60–$150 to replace versus $400+ for full edge re-welding

What Specifications Are Frequently Overstated?

Rated capacity is the most commonly inflated specification. Some listings advertise maximum theoretical capacity at full cylinder extension rather than safe working load at normal operating angles. Divide advertised "max lift" by 1.5 to estimate realistic working capacity. A skid steer pallet forks set rated at 4,000 lbs max realistically handles 2,600 lbs at full height with safe stability margins on the S570.

What Warranty Terms Should You Verify?

Minimum acceptable warranty is 12 months on structural welds and 6 months on hydraulic components. Anything below these thresholds signals the manufacturer does not trust their own product. Read the fine print for exclusions on "wear items" — some warranties exclude cylinders, hoses, and pins, which defeats the purpose.

• Structural welds: minimum coverage 12 months — below this threshold, weld quality is suspect
• Hydraulic cylinders and seals: minimum coverage 6 months — expect seal replacement at 500–800 hours regardless
• Wear parts (teeth, cutting edges, tines): typically not warrantied — budget $150–$400 per replacement cycle

How Do You Match Bobcat S570 Attachments to Your Situation?

Matching Bobcat S570 attachments to operational needs requires systematic evaluation of size requirements, application demands, and technical specifications. This process involves dimensional analysis, operational assessments, and comprehensive specification verification to ensure optimal attachment selection.

How Do You Determine the Right Size?

The S570 has a rated operating capacity of 1,950 lbs at 50% tipping load. Every attachment plus its payload must stay at or below this number. Exceeding rated capacity by even 10% accelerates tire wear, stresses the frame, and voids the machine warranty.

• If clearing brush and trees up to 6-inch diameter: choose a standard-flow brush cutter rated for 15–20 GPM with 60-inch cutting width
• If handling pallets under 2,500 lbs: choose 42-inch skid steer pallet forks rated to 4,000 lbs with a Class II carriage
• If sorting logs, brush, and debris: choose a 66-inch to 72-inch root grapple with dual cylinders — wider grapples exceed the S570's stability envelope on grades above 10%

What Questions Should You Ask Before Purchasing?

Five questions expose hidden compatibility and quality issues that sellers rarely disclose upfront.

• "What is the exact steel thickness on the frame, gussets, and wear surfaces?" — reveals whether the manufacturer uses AR400 or mild steel and whether thickness matches the advertised duty rating
• "Is this attachment rated for standard flow (17.4 GPM) or does it require high flow?" — reveals whether you need the optional high-flow hydraulic package installed on your S570
• "What is the attachment weight without payload?" — reveals whether the attachment itself consumes a significant portion of the 1,950 lb rated operating capacity before adding material weight
• "Are the cutting edges or wear parts bolt-on replaceable or welded?" — reveals long-term maintenance costs and whether field replacement is possible
• "Does the warranty cover cylinder seals and hydraulic hoses, or only structural components?" — reveals whether the most failure-prone parts are actually protected

What Is the Complete Pre-Purchase Specification Checklist?

Verify all 10 specifications below before committing to a purchase.

• Mount type: confirm Bob-Tach or universal quick-attach plate dimensions (2-inch pins, 15.75-inch center spacing)
• Hydraulic flow requirement: verify attachment GPM falls within 14–17.4 GPM (standard) or 14–27.4 GPM (high-flow)
• Hydraulic pressure rating: confirm attachment operates at or below 3,000 PSI
• Attachment weight: verify total weight plus expected payload stays under 1,950 lbs
• Steel thickness: minimum 1/4-inch plate on frames for commercial use, 3/8-inch on high-wear surfaces
• Cylinder bore size: minimum 2-inch bore for light-duty, 2.5-inch or larger for grapples and heavy-duty buckets
• Cutting edge type: bolt-on replaceable edges for any ground-engaging attachment
• Hose routing: verify hoses route inside or along protected channels — exposed hoses snag and puncture within weeks in brush or debris work
• Electrical requirements: confirm whether a 14-pin harness is needed and whether your S570 has one installed
• Warranty terms: minimum 12-month structural, 6-month hydraulic, with written exclusion list

What Popular Bobcat S570 Attachment Types Fit This Machine?

Popular Bobcat S570 attachment categories include grapples, high-flow hydraulic tools, and standard-flow implements designed for the machine's specifications. These attachments divide into 3 hydraulic compatibility groups based on flow requirements and optional hydraulic packages.

Which Grapple Styles Work on the S570?

Root grapples, brush grapples, and rock grapples all fit the S570 in widths from 60 to 72 inches. Root grapples with tine spacing of 4–5 inches handle the widest range of tasks — sifting soil while gripping roots and brush. A 72-inch skid steer grapples set with dual 3-inch bore cylinders provides maximum clamping force within the S570's operating capacity. Stay below 78-inch width to maintain safe stability on uneven terrain.

Which High-Flow Attachments Require the Optional Package?

Mulchers, forestry brush cutters over 60-inch width, and cold planers require the high-flow package (27.4 GPM). Standard-flow models of these attachments exist but sacrifice RPM and cutting speed by 30–40%. Augers rated above 20 GPM also need high-flow. Trenchers, snow pushers, dozer blades, bale spears, backhoe attachments, and log splitters all operate on standard flow.

Which Attachments Stay Within Standard Flow?

Buckets, pallet forks, bale spears, snow pushers, dozer blades, and most grapples run on the S570's standard 17.4 GPM. Augers with 9-inch to 18-inch bits rated under 20 GPM operate within spec. Stump grinders vary — verify each model's minimum GPM requirement. If the attachment has no hydraulic motor (pallet forks, buckets), flow is irrelevant and only the mount type matters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Bobcat S570 Attachments

Bobcat S570 attachment buyers commonly ask 5 key questions covering compatibility, used equipment value, warranty coverage, ownership costs, and hydraulic system identification. These questions address critical purchasing decisions including universal fit assumptions, cost-benefit analysis, and technical verification requirements.

Will Any Skid Steer Attachment Fit My Bobcat S570?

Not every skid steer attachment fits the S570 without modification.

The S570 accepts attachments built for the Bob-Tach coupler or the universal skid steer quick-attach standard. Attachments designed for other proprietary coupler systems do not lock in correctly. Verify pin diameter (2 inches), pin spacing (15.75-inch centers), and plate height before purchasing. Browse compatible skid steer attachments with published coupler specs to cross-reference against your machine.

Is It Worth Buying Used Bobcat S570 Attachments?

Used attachments save 30–50% off new pricing but require careful inspection.

Check cylinder rods for scoring — any visible grooves deeper than surface scratches mean seal failure is imminent. Inspect weld joints for hairline cracks using a wire brush to remove dirt and paint. Test hydraulic hoses for bulging or dry rot. Bolt-on cutting edges with less than 50% material remaining need immediate replacement at $100–$300. Subtract replacement costs from the asking price before comparing to new.

What Warranty Is Standard on New Attachments?

A 12-month structural warranty is the industry baseline for new professional-grade attachments.

Top-tier manufacturers offer 24 months on structural components and 12 months on hydraulic cylinders. Watch for warranties that exclude "normal wear" without defining the term — this creates a loophole to deny any claim. Request the written warranty document before purchase. Verbal promises carry no legal weight. Any warranty under 6 months on a new attachment is a disqualifying signal.

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

Purchase price accounts for roughly 60–70% of total five-year ownership cost.

Budget an additional 15–25% for wear part replacements (cutting edges, teeth, tines) and 10–15% for hydraulic maintenance (seals, hoses, fluid). A mid-range grapple at $2,500 costs approximately $3,500–$3,750 over five years at 400 hours of annual use. Entry-level attachments often cost more over five years due to shorter replacement cycles and more frequent cylinder reseals.

How Do I Confirm My S570 Has Standard or High-Flow Hydraulics?

Check the machine's option sticker on the interior of the cab or consult the original build sheet from the dealer.

The high-flow option adds a second set of auxiliary hydraulic couplers and a dedicated switch or button on the joystick panel. Standard-flow S570 units have one set of flat-face couplers at the front. If two sets are present with a high-flow activation switch, the machine runs 27.4 GPM. Without the switch, the machine is standard-flow at 17.4 GPM. Match every hydraulic attachment to the confirmed flow rating.