The Bobcat MT100 mini loader delivers exceptional power in a compact frame. This mini track loader measures just 36 inches wide and lifts up to 1,014 pounds. It reaches heights of 80.9 inches, making it perfect for tight spaces.
The MT100's specs tell only part of the story. My months of experience with this machine have proven its worth in demanding conditions. I've used it extensively for trenching, demolition, site clean-up and snow plowing. The machine's Bob-Tach system is a game-changer that lets me switch attachments in just 22 seconds, which optimizes my daily workflow.
Let me share my honest experiences with the MT100 in this detailed review. You'll learn about its performance under different conditions, what it takes to maintain it, and some challenges I faced along the way.
How the Bobcat MT100 Fits into My Daily Workflow
My Bobcat MT100 mini track loader is the life-blood of my daily operations. This compact powerhouse fits through gates, doorways, and tight spaces that bigger equipment can't handle. It's amazing how easily I can move between indoor and outdoor projects.
The MT100's 1,000-pound lifting capacity has completely changed my approach to work. I used to depend on wheelbarrows and manual labor for confined space jobs. Now the machine moves materials quickly with fewer workers and less physical strain.
The MT100 really shines because it's so versatile. The Bob-Tach mounting system lets me switch attachments in seconds instead of minutes. My typical day might include using:
- An auger for digging fence post holes
- A bucket for moving and loading materials
- A trencher for utility installation
- A soil conditioner for landscape preparation
ISO joystick controls give me precise control in tight spaces. The control scheme feels natural now, and I can make complex moves with tiny hand adjustments. The ride-on platform gives me better visibility and keeps me above ground conditions.
The MT100's gentle touch on established surfaces makes it incredibly valuable. With a ground pressure of just 5.25 psi (standard tracks) or 3.97 psi (optional wide tracks), I can work on delicate areas like finished lawns without causing damage. This means I can keep working through wet months when heavy equipment would destroy surfaces.
Machine maintenance fits right into my daily routine. The sealed rollers need no daily upkeep, and I can do routine checks without tools. A quick hood lift shows me all fluid levels, so the machine's ready for another productive day fast.
The removable counterweights boost stability when needed. I can place them on the undercarriage or at the rear to improve performance and lifting power.
Performance Review After Months of Use
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My experience with the Bobcat MT100 spans hundreds of hours, and its ground application has been both impressive and sometimes frustrating. The 12 gpm hydraulic system gives consistent power for tough tasks, though it doesn't deal very well with simultaneous hydraulics and drive functions.
The machine truly delivers on its 1,000-pound rated operating capacity. However, stability becomes tricky on uneven ground when lifting at full height. You must be extra careful when turning with elevated loads because the MT100 tends to get tippy. I always split heavier materials like sod pallets (1,500-3,000 pounds) into thirds to stay safe.
The fuel efficiency stands out as a huge plus. The 7-gallon tank keeps me running through entire workdays without needing a refill. This is a big deal as it means that it's more economical than larger equipment I've used before.
Track derailment has been a recurring headache, especially when you have rocks and uneven terrain to deal with. The rubber tracks need replacement after about 400 hours - not what you'd expect from a premium machine.
The MT100 shines in dry conditions but has a hard time in clay-rich soils. These soils get sticky and heavy when wet, which overwhelms the machine. Some rental companies in clay-heavy regions like Pennsylvania won't even rent these machines with bucket teeth because of liability risks.
Cold weather brings its own set of challenges. The parking brake's pin that locks the sprocket often gets stuck on cold mornings. I end up having to wiggle the controls back and forth to free it. The engine also needs extra throttle to start reliably after sitting idle.
The MT100's toughness and versatility make it essential to my work, despite these issues. Its breakout force and pushing power exceed expectations for such a compact machine.
Maintenance, Wear, and Unexpected Issues
My Bobcat MT100's maintenance has been a mix of simple tasks and frustrating challenges. The MT100's sealed rollers are permanently soaked in oil, which eliminates the daily greasing needed in older models. Some design choices make basic maintenance more complex than it should be.
The complete maintenance schedule comes with specific tasks at 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000-hour intervals. The 50-hour maintenance kit costs $15.66 and has everything I need, and the bigger 1000-hour kit runs $237.09. These kits include all filters and parts, which beats buying everything separately.
I need to check track tension often because derailments happen, especially when you have rough terrain. The mechanical track adjuster gives me headaches—its threaded rod design takes forever to adjust and tends to round off. The rubber tracks last about 400 hours before they need replacement.
My ownership experience has revealed some unexpected problems. The plastic radiator overflow outlet broke off easily, so I had to get creative and fix it with a bolt. The maintenance access panels don't work well at all. They barely open before hitting other bolts on the machine. I have to remove all the bolts just to get proper access.
Cold weather brings its own set of challenges. The parking brake's pin that locks the sprocket gets stuck on winter mornings, and I have to work the controls back and forth to free it. The engine also takes longer than it should to crank after sitting idle.
Changing the fuel filter is one of the easier jobs—it's available through a side panel that has a built-in priming pump to refill the system. The oil filters sit at weird angles that make them a pain to remove.
The MT100 ended up being a machine that needs basic maintenance, but its design flaws turn simple tasks into time-consuming ordeals.
Conclusion
My Bobcat MT100 mini loader has become a reliable workhorse after months of daily use. The machine's compact size and versatility make it crucial to my operation, even though maintenance challenges and design flaws test my patience sometimes.
The MT100 gives me headaches with track derailments and starting problems in cold weather. But this little powerhouse can squeeze through 36-inch openings and lift 1,000 pounds without breaking a sweat. The mini loader tackles jobs that would need several workers or bigger equipment, which saves me time and money.
I don't call it a perfect machine - it's more of a practical tool with clear pros and cons. Learning its strengths and limits helps me work around the problems and get the most from what it can do. Anyone thinking about buying an MT100 should weigh its amazing versatility against the upkeep needs and design trade-offs that come with such a compact package.
