✅ Toolcat 5600 Used Buying Advice - Major Changes Over the Years - What to Look for, What Breaks

A guide to buying a used Bobcat Toolcat 5600 including what problem areas to look for, what major changes have happened since 2003, what years to avoid, how to test drive and look for big issues. While not all inclusive list of things to watch out for or all the changes year to year these are the important ones from what I have seen. My experience comes from nearly a decade of Bobcat ownership/operating (skid steers and now this Toolcat) as well as growing up on a hobby farm in Georgia with tractors. I focus on Toolcat specific issues, general buying advice like leaking fluids, engine smokes, etc for any motorized vehicle should always be followed.
I misspoke at the 1:11 min mark saying the older ones have independent front suspension, they do indeed have a solid axle (like my chart shows) but up front they have coil springs and links to locate the axles vs the leaf springs in the rear.
The Nater Tater Channel ( / natertater ) covers any topics related to my 47 acre property. Building things, driving things, smarthome, wifi, outdoor activities etc. Follow me to see my many projects!
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#toolcat #buying #advice

[@leslies277]

I really like that it has 2 seats. Great buying advice. Thanks for all the information

[@tomn6863]

You are really adding a lot to the available information on these. When I got mine in June it was quite a chore finding all the differences between models.

[@NaterTater]

Thanks Tom! I really appreciate that and am excited that someone noticed the same. It was so hard to find info and especially "real" videos about toolcats. I'm going to keep it going so, stay tuned.

[@sailorcto]

I think the guy with the rifle in the background really wants his Toolcat back! Seriously, great info in your vids. I am in the market.

[@HankAvink]

Great video! Wish this had been out when I bought mine. Been very happy and have been impressed with how capable they are.

[@NaterTater]

Thanks Hank! Looks like you have a well put together channel, YT is misrepresenting yo!! You need some traffic.

[@HankAvink]

@@NaterTater Lol... Yes I agree. We've just been focused on content for now. I'm interviewing a full time VA to help with that and my new Channel Wood for Hope where we deliver free wood to those in need during the winter months. Selling off part of a business this week and using that to launch it.

[@DTRAX33]

I work for a bobcat dealership for 6 years, these things have alot of issues. HYD PUMPS,ALOT OF ELECT. ISSUSE i HAVE REPLACED FULL HARRNESS ON MANY OF THESES TOOL CATS. TO REPLACE THE PUMPS OR HARNESS YOU NEED TO REMOVE THE CAB. EXHAUST MANIFOLDS BREAK OFTEN, FRONT BOOMS ARE WEEK,CV JOINTS BLOW SEALS.THESE are just a few of the day to day repairs i did in the 6 years I worked for that dealer ship. Just my 2 cents.

[@NaterTater]

Never had a problem. Ask a doctor and he'll tell you humans are never well.

[@45NUTS_PART_DEUX]

Thanks for making these tool cat Videos , we starting look at Kubota 1100 Utility Vehicle with front PTO , but the Toolcat looks more versatility.

[@NaterTater]

No problem, I had a hard time finding info or actual reviews/ usage of the toolcat online so figured i'd add my own. The Kubota RTV is a good UTV but the Toolcat is more capable with the front loader arm and high flow hydraulics. The Toolcat is really in a class of its own and its nearly perfect for my needs.

[@brucekusmin7361]

OK I think I’m able to connect with you on what you suggested

[@dbcooper1509]

Thank you for all the information. God bless you.

[@NaterTater]

You are welcome!

[@patriotdarktolight1780]

Thank you !

[@NaterTater]

You're welcome!

[@petryjkcr]

What's the Toolcat like on slopes? My 10 acres is mostly sloped - up to 30 degrees in some areas I need to mow, so I was thinking of getting a Ventrac, but I like the Toolcat better for many reasons. Any experience there you'd care to share?

[@mikecook7992]

Tater, I have a 2013 TC. I only have one cigarette lighter outlet for a additional power source. I want to power other things in the cab such as, phone, iPad gps etc. I also want to add to add a salt spreader. How and where do you suggest I tap in to the existing power source to add the things I would like to power up. Thx

[@powersportsguru]

Now that bobcat released an updated model. It would be cool if you found one at your local bobcat dealer and did a review on the updates.

[@NaterTater]

Indeed!

[@powersportsguru]

@@NaterTater thanks! Keep up the toolcat videos!

[@nunyobizkneez]

$30K+ for a 6yr old vehicle?!?!? YIKES! Super cool, but I'll stick with a standard 4x4 tractor with enclosed cab. Thank you for the video! Great info!

[@NaterTater]

Well 3 yr old vehicle when I purchased it but yes they are expensive new and hold their value used. Nothing wrong with a 4x4 EROP tractor! Thanks for the compliment.

[@daftnord4957]

30k is half or more of msrp

[@NaterTater]

They run about $70k new

[@skipplee3622]

How did you replace the seat? I just got a new one and was wondering what is the easiest way to remove the old one. Thanks

[@NaterTater]

I just undid the 4 bolts holding the seat mount to the cab and took the seat with mount/sliders out. Then unbolted the seat from the mount.

[@anewrnn]

I remember seeing these in the repair shop I worked at. Alot when they came out and how the hydraulic drive system was very poor, lots of issues.i hope the issues are resolved by now. Have you had any issues?

[@NaterTater]

No issues on mine but the first generation ones like 2004 had drive unit failures that I think all got replaced. That said skid steers and toolcats have lots of hydraulic circuits and devices so they do take some maintenance sometimes. Definitely more so than a simple crop row tractor.

[@DTRAX33]

@@NaterTater I work for a bobcat dealership for 6 years, these things have alot of issues. HYD PUMPS,ALOT OF ELECT. ISSUSE i HAVE REPLACED FULL HARRNESS ON MANY OF THESES TOOL CATS. TO REPLACE THE PUMPS OR HARNESS YOU NEED TO REMOVE THE CAB. EXHAUST MANIFOLDS BREAK OFTEN, FRONT BOOMS ARE WEEK,CV JOINTS BLOW SEALS.THESE are just a few of the day to day repairs i did in the 6 years I worked for that dealer ship. Just my 2 cents.

[@brendanperry6429]

@@DTRAX33 .02? You just gave out thousands/millions of dollars of GREAT ADVICE! I keep waiting for JD to come out with a "big brother" to the Gator; 🐊 Crocodile 🐊, "Croc". The Croc would be hydraulic, 50 + hp diesel engine. Attachments: Bucket, blade, sweeper & snowblower; naming just a few. Getting colder every year, blowing snow on my JD x595. The Croc, in all likelihood won't happen ☹️. Would rather have a UTV vs a skid steer, more user friendly. I'm a green & yellow guy, I'll admit. I want one that can blow snow & performs well with a grapple. After reading what you wrote, I'm running back to Deere, skid steer here I come! Thanks for you're honesty, lots of money will be saved by those who read you're Comment: Appreciated. Respect.

[@thomasrizza8933]

@@DTRAX33 what hours where you seeing on the machines that had those issues

[@DTRAX33]

manfods break all the time, I`v replace harrness 3000hrs and up. I in wisconsin so salt plays a big part. hope this helps

[@brucekusmin7361]

Sorry only have an iPad. How did you clean some of the surface rust on your 5600. If you have another way for me to get you some photos let me know. Thanks.

[@NaterTater]

Bruce, go to the tractorbynet forums, i'm user npartist on there. Here's a post I did when i got the toolcat and pictures of the rust repair. You can reply on the forums or message me on the forum as well. www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/toolcat-to-s185-skid-steer-to-rzr-900-comparison.420497/

[@13612]

32K for a 2000+ hour unit seems high price for what it is....I suppose if you're doing more than plowing snow with it, might be reasonable. Why didn't you just go with a base skid and whatever tool you needed for it?

[@NaterTater]

Hey Earl, yes they aren't the cheapest tool or even best "bang for your buck". I've had two skid steers before this. For more on why I sided with the Toolcat see my comparison kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoLPan5ppLFpZ80

[@thomasrizza8933]

@@NaterTaterwhere did you get the aftermarket replacement seat?

[@gordonfrank]

Do these toolcat's tear up the ground? I have a tracked skid loader and it tears up the ground so bad arounf the yard. Great digger, but is kinda like a bull in a china cabinet!

[@NaterTater]

Common misconception but a bull in a china shop typically doesnt knock over the shelves! A Toolcat is much easier on turf than a CTL or SSL since it has 4 wheel steering. If you run turf tires it shouldnt leave any evidence (unless you steer while stopped or ground is wet/soft).

[@voltron6953]

Would a 2014 with 1,500 hrs be a good one? No rust it belonged to a church

[@NaterTater]

Yes could be. If it was maintained and not abused.

[@brucekusmin7361]

Can I forward you on an email some photos of a tool cat I’m looking at to get your opinion?

[@NaterTater]

Sure thing. Just go to my about page on my channel (i think only works on a computer, not mobile). kzbin.info

[@brucekusmin7361]

Not sure how what u mean.

[@NaterTater]

Go here on a computer and click on the email: kzbin.infoabout

[@mrcabojr]

Where did you get the seat?

[@NaterTater]

trupar.com/p/bobcat-construction-agricultural-vinyl-seat-gray-6684442

[@mrcabojr]

@@NaterTater Thank You!!!

[@UTmk6363]

@@NaterTater where can I find a current specification comparison?

[@NaterTater]

@UTmk6363 it's still current. See bobcats website for the new one but it's mechanical very similar. Mostly ergonomic and cosmetic updates

[@Yugemos]

Don't buy toolcats period. These new 2024 models are loaded up with so much rust from the factory. The suspensions are bound to fail rapidly. Each control arm gets 4 white plastic bushings that get a black O-ring around it. This is supposed to prevent any water from entering and forming rust on the weak unpainted bolt holes. If customers saw how rusty the metal already was under those white bushings when they're installed, nobody would buy one.

[@NaterTater]

i still love mine! doing great.

[@jameswatson8420]

If you can't tell us how much money these things cost within the first five minutes-you are in a significantly higher income bracket than I ever will be in. Bye.

[@NaterTater]

I'm not sure I follow but ok. I dont set the price...