Bobcat T870 Attachments Buyer Guide — What to Look For

Bobcat T870 attachments are straightforward to buy — once you know the five things that actually matter. Mount interface type, hydraulic flow and pressure ratings, operating capacity limits, steel grade and thickness, and cylinder sizing determine whether an attachment works on your machine or sits in the yard. This guide covers each factor with real specs, breaks down pricing across three tiers, flags the most common listing tricks, and gives you a checklist so nothing gets missed. No guesswork required.

What Specifications Should You Verify Before Buying Bobcat T870 Attachments?

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

What Compatibility Specifications Must Match?

The Bobcat T870 uses a Bob-Tach or optional Power Bob-Tach mounting interface. Any attachment must match this coupler geometry exactly. Universal-mount or "skid steer quick attach" plates built to the SAE J2513 standard fit the Bob-Tach system. Attachments designed for proprietary or non-standard couplers require an adapter plate, which reduces breakout force and adds a failure point.

• Mount interface: Bob-Tach or SAE J2513 universal quick-attach — a non-matching plate prevents lock-in and creates a drop hazard
• Hydraulic flow: the T870 standard-flow delivers 23.4 GPM; high-flow option delivers 36.7 GPM — an attachment requiring more than 36.7 GPM starves and underperforms
• Hydraulic pressure: the T870 supplies 3,500 PSI — attachments rated for lower pressure risk seal failure and hose blowout
• Operating capacity: the T870 rated operating capacity is 3,525 lb (50% tipping load) — exceeding this compromises stability and voids warranty coverage

What Build Quality Specs Determine Durability?

Steel plate thickness is the single largest predictor of attachment lifespan. For the T870's power class, grapple frames and bucket shells require a minimum of 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) AR400 or T-1 steel for commercial use. Attachments built from 3/16-inch mild steel deform under full-force cycling within 200–400 hours. Weld quality matters equally — continuous MIG or robotic welds outperform skip-welded joints by 3–5x in fatigue life.

• Frame steel: minimum 1/4-inch plate for daily commercial use — 3/16-inch acceptable only for seasonal or light-duty residential work
• Tine and edge material: AR400 hardened steel or higher — mild steel tines bend or mushroom within one season on rocky ground
• Pivot pins: minimum 1-1/4-inch diameter hardened pins with greaseable zerks — undersized pins wallow out and create sloppy jaw movement

What Performance Specs Determine Output?

Hydraulic motor or cylinder specs on the attachment directly govern work speed and force. A grapple cylinder bore of 3 inches provides approximately 28,900 lb of clamping force at 3,500 PSI. Dropping to a 2.5-inch bore reduces clamping force to 17,180 lb — a 40% loss. For flow-driven attachments like mulchers or brush cutters, verify the motor displacement matches available GPM to achieve the listed RPM range.

What Do Different Bobcat T870 Attachment Price Tiers Offer?

Attachment price tiers reflect material grade differences, manufacturing precision levels, and included feature sets ranging from basic functionality to premium performance. Each tier offers distinct specification advantages, with entry-level options sufficient for specific operational requirements.

What Do You Get at Each Price Level?

Bobcat T870 attachments fall into three pricing tiers depending on type, but the structural pattern holds across categories.

• Entry-level ($800 to $2,200): 3/16-inch to 1/4-inch mild steel construction, imported cylinders, pin-on hardened edges, 6- to 12-month structural warranty — suits farm owners and landowners using the attachment 5–15 hours per month
• Mid-range ($2,200 to $5,500): 1/4-inch AR400 steel frames, domestic cylinders with hardened chrome rods, replaceable cutting edges, 12- to 24-month warranty — suits landscapers and contractors running 20–60 hours per month
• Professional ($5,500 to $14,000+): 3/8-inch AR450 or T-1 steel, dual-cylinder designs, overbuilt pivot assemblies, 24- to 36-month structural warranty — built for tree service professionals, land clearing operations, and daily commercial abuse exceeding 60 hours per month

What Specifications Change at Each Tier?

The biggest jump from entry-level to professional is steel grade and cylinder quality. Entry-level attachments use imported hydraulic cylinders with cast-iron piston heads and mild-steel rods. Mid-range moves to domestic cylinders with chrome rods. Professional-grade attachments use hardened and chrome-plated rods with ductile iron pistons and dual-lip seals — extending rebuild intervals from 500 hours to 2,000+ hours.

When Is Entry-Level Sufficient?

Entry-level attachments perform acceptably at or below 15 operating hours per month in non-abrasive material. A ranch owner moving hay bales, grading gravel, or clearing light brush a few times per month does not need AR400 steel. Once monthly use exceeds 20 hours or the work involves rock, stumps, or demolition debris, upgrade to mid-range minimum.

What Should You Avoid When Buying Bobcat T870 Attachments?

Common purchasing mistakes include accepting inflated performance claims, overlooking warranty coverage gaps, and ignoring compatibility red flags in product listings. These 3 risk categories can result in operational failures, unexpected costs, and safety hazards.

What Are the Red Flags in Listings and Products?

The most common red flag is a listing that omits steel type and thickness entirely. Any reputable manufacturer publishes material specs. Omission signals inferior material or inconsistent sourcing. Treat missing specs as disqualifying — not as an oversight.

• No published steel thickness or grade: indicates the manufacturer does not control material quality — request a material certification or move on
• Cylinder specs listed only as "heavy-duty" without bore, stroke, and rod diameter: prevents comparison and hides undersized components
• Attachment weight significantly below competitors in the same class (more than 15% lighter): lighter means thinner steel or smaller cylinders — both reduce lifespan
• Single-source product photos with no weld detail shots: quality manufacturers show weld penetration, gusset placement, and pin assemblies because they are competitive advantages

What Specifications Are Frequently Overstated?

Clamping force is the most commonly inflated specification in grapple listings. Sellers calculate force at maximum system pressure without accounting for friction losses, hose length, or coupler restriction. Actual delivered force runs 10–15% below published figures. Request the cylinder bore diameter and system pressure, then calculate force independently using the formula: force = pressure × piston area. This cross-check takes 30 seconds and exposes inflated claims immediately.

What Warranty Terms Should You Verify?

A minimum 12-month structural warranty is the baseline for any commercial-grade attachment. Verify coverage is not limited to "defects in material only" — it must include weld failure and frame cracking under normal operating conditions. Read exclusions carefully; some warranties void coverage for use on machines above a specified operating capacity.

• Structural welds: minimum coverage 12 months — 24 months for professional tier
• Hydraulic cylinders: minimum coverage 12 months on seals and rods — cylinder body warranted separately
• Wear parts (teeth, cutting edges, tines): typically excluded from warranty — confirm replacement part availability and pricing before purchase

How Do You Match Bobcat T870 Attachments to Your Situation?

Proper attachment selection requires analyzing worksite conditions, material types, and operational frequency to determine optimal specifications. This matching process involves sizing calculations, application-specific questions, and comprehensive specification verification.

How Do You Determine the Right Size?

Size the attachment to 75–90% of the T870's rated operating capacity, not 100%. Running at full rated capacity on uneven terrain or slopes exceeds safe tipping thresholds. For grapples and buckets, match the width to the machine's track width (78.7 inches for the T870) to prevent unbalanced side-loading during travel. Browse skid steer attachments sized for machines in the 3,000–3,500 lb operating capacity range.

• If primary work is brush and log handling under 24-inch diameter: choose a 66- to 72-inch root grapple with minimum 3-inch bore cylinders
• If primary work is pallet and material handling on flat surfaces: choose 48-inch skid steer pallet forks rated to 4,000 lb (provides margin above the T870's rated capacity)
• If primary work is land clearing with mixed debris and stumps: choose a 72- to 78-inch skid steer grapples configuration with continuous-rotation capability

What Questions Should You Ask Before Purchasing?

Five questions separate informed buyers from those who end up with a return or a regret. Sellers rarely volunteer this information because specifics invite comparison — and comparison favors quality.

• "What is the steel type and plate thickness on the frame and tines?" — reveals whether the manufacturer controls material specs or uses whatever is available
• "What are the hydraulic cylinder bore diameter, rod diameter, and stroke length?" — reveals whether clamping or digging force claims are accurate or inflated
• "Is this attachment rated for the Bobcat T870's 3,500 PSI hydraulic system, and does it require standard flow or high flow?" — reveals compatibility and prevents hydraulic damage
• "What is the structural warranty period, and does it cover weld failure under normal operating conditions?" — reveals confidence in build quality; anything under 12 months on a commercial attachment is a concern
• "Are replacement wear parts (teeth, cutting edges, tines) available individually and what do they cost?" — reveals long-term ownership cost; attachments with proprietary, unavailable parts become disposable

What Is the Complete Pre-Purchase Specification Checklist?

Verify these ten specifications before placing any order for a T870-compatible attachment.

• Mount type: confirm Bob-Tach or SAE J2513 universal quick-attach compatibility
• Hydraulic flow requirement: confirm the attachment operates within 0–23.4 GPM (standard) or 0–36.7 GPM (high flow)
• Hydraulic pressure rating: confirm rated for 3,500 PSI continuous
• Attachment weight: confirm the T870 retains safe operating capacity after subtracting attachment weight from 3,525 lb
• Frame steel: confirm type (AR400, T-1, or equivalent) and thickness (minimum 1/4-inch for commercial use)
• Cylinder specs: confirm bore, rod diameter, and stroke — cross-reference advertised force claims
• Pin diameter and type: confirm minimum 1-1/4-inch hardened pins at pivot points with greaseable zerks
• Overall width: confirm compatibility with T870 track width of 78.7 inches for transport and stable operation
• Warranty: confirm minimum 12-month structural coverage including welds
• Replacement parts: confirm individual wear part availability and pricing

What Attachment Types Are Most Popular for Bobcat T870 Owners?

The most utilized attachments include buckets, grapples, augers, and hydraulic breakers chosen for versatility across construction and landscaping applications. High-flow hydraulic attachments require specific machine configurations, with purchase prioritization based on operational demands.

Which Attachments Get the Most Use on This Machine Class?

Grapples, pallet forks, and buckets account for roughly 70% of attachment purchases for the T870 class. Root grapples handle brush, logs, rocks, and debris. Pallet forks handle material delivery and jobsite logistics. Buckets handle grading, backfilling, and loading. These three cover the majority of daily tasks for contractors, landscapers, and agricultural professionals.

Which Attachments Require the High-Flow Hydraulic Option?

Mulchers, brush cutters, stump grinders, and cold planers require the T870's high-flow option (36.7 GPM). Running these attachments on standard flow (23.4 GPM) reduces motor RPM by 35–40%, dropping cutting performance below functional thresholds. Verify the high-flow option is installed on your T870 before purchasing any flow-driven rotary attachment. Grapples, pallet forks, augers, dozer blades, snow pushers, bale spears, and backhoe attachments operate on standard flow.

How Do You Prioritize Multiple Attachment Purchases?

Buy the attachment that eliminates your most frequent rental or manual labor cost first. If your crew hand-loads pallets three times per week, pallet forks pay for themselves within 60–90 days. If you currently rent a grapple monthly at $350–$500 per rental, ownership breaks even within 6–10 months. Run the rental-to-ownership calculation before purchasing secondary or specialty attachments like log splitters, trenchers, or backhoes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Bobcat T870 Attachments

Common attachment purchasing questions focus on universal compatibility assumptions, used equipment value assessments, and long-term ownership costs that affect buying decisions. These 5 frequently asked questions address compatibility verification, warranty expectations, and hydraulic system matching requirements.

Will Any Universal Skid Steer Attachment Fit the Bobcat T870?

Attachments built to the SAE J2513 universal quick-attach standard fit the T870's Bob-Tach coupler without modification.

This standard defines the mounting plate dimensions, pin locations, and latch engagement geometry. The vast majority of aftermarket attachments follow this standard. Confirm the listing states "universal skid steer quick attach" or "SAE J2513 compatible." Attachments designed for proprietary European couplers or older pin-on systems do not fit without an adapter — and adapters reduce performance and safety margins.

Is a Used Bobcat T870 Attachment Worth the Savings?

Used attachments priced 30–50% below new cost are worth considering only after a physical inspection of four areas.

Check cylinder rods for scoring or pitting — any visible grooves mean the seals are compromised or soon will be. Inspect pivot pins for lateral play exceeding 1/16 inch — wallowed pin bores cost $200–$600 to sleeve and repin. Look for cracked welds along frame stress points. Examine cutting edges and tines for remaining life. A used grapple at $1,200 that needs $800 in cylinder reseals and repinning is not a deal — it is a $2,000 attachment with unknown fatigue history.

What Warranty Should You Expect on a New Attachment?

Require a minimum 12-month structural warranty covering frame cracking and weld failure under normal operating conditions.

Quality manufacturers offer 24 months on structural components because they trust their product. Watch for warranties that exclude "wear items" without defining what constitutes a wear item — some sellers classify cylinders, pins, and bushings as wear items, effectively voiding meaningful coverage. Request the full warranty document before purchasing, not after.

What Is the True Cost of Owning a T870 Attachment Over Five Years?

Plan for purchase price plus 15–30% in maintenance and wear part costs over a five-year commercial service life.

A $3,500 mid-range grapple accumulates approximately $500–$1,000 in replacement tines, cylinder reseals, and pin/bushing service over five years at 30 hours per month. Entry-level attachments often require double the maintenance spend due to faster wear rates. Factor total five-year cost, not sticker price, when comparing tiers. A $5,000 professional attachment with $400 in five-year maintenance beats a $2,500 entry-level attachment with $2,000 in five-year maintenance.

How Do You Confirm an Attachment Matches the T870's Hydraulic System?

Request the attachment's hydraulic specification sheet and compare three values: required GPM, required PSI, and hose fitting size.

The T870 standard-flow system provides 23.4 GPM at 3,500 PSI through 1/2-inch flat-face couplers. The high-flow system provides 36.7 GPM through 3/4-inch couplers. Confirm the attachment's required flow falls within these ranges. Confirm fitting size matches — a 3/4-inch attachment on a 1/2-inch coupler requires adapters that restrict flow by 15–25%, reducing performance below spec. Match all three values, not just one.