Bobcat Mowers: Pros and Cons

After spending the better part of two decades in landscape maintenance, I've seen plenty of equipment come and go. However, when it comes to Bobcat mowers, the conversation becomes interesting quite quickly. These aren't your typical Saturday afternoon lawn mowers – they're serious pieces of machinery that can either be your best investment or a costly mistake, depending on your situation.

Let me walk you through what you're really getting into.

Why Bobcat Mowers Might Be Worth Every Penny

They're Built Like Tanks (And That's Not an Exaggeration)

I've watched crews abuse these machines in ways that would make you cringe, and they continue to run. The steel construction isn't just marketing fluff – it's the real deal. I know contractors who've put thousands of hours on their Bobcats with nothing more than routine maintenance. Compare that to some of the cheaper alternatives I've seen literally fall apart after a season of heavy use, and you start to understand why people swear by the brand.

The Cut Quality is Honestly Impressive

There's something satisfying about watching a Bobcat work through thick, uneven grass and leave behind a carpet-like finish. The deck design creates this powerful suction that lifts grass before cutting, which means you get that crisp, professional look even when conditions aren't ideal. I've seen these machines handle everything from overgrown fields to perfectly manicured commercial properties with the same consistent results.

Maneuverability That Actually Saves Time

Here's where these machines really shine – the zero-turn capability isn't just a fancy feature, it's a game changer. I've timed myself mowing the same property with different equipment, and the Bobcat consistently cuts the job time by 20-30%. Less time spent on three-point turns and awkward backing up means more properties per day, which translates directly to more money in your pocket.

Your Back Will Thank You

Anyone who's spent a full day on cheaper equipment knows the feeling – you climb off feeling like you've been in a boxing match. Bobcat's operator stations are designed by people who understand what eight hours of mowing does to your body. The suspension, seat design, and control placement make those long days manageable instead of miserable.

They Hold Their Value Surprisingly Well

When I finally decided to upgrade my first Bobcat after five years, I was shocked at what it was still worth. While most equipment depreciates like a rock, these machines maintain value because everyone knows they're reliable. It's not uncommon to see used Bobcats selling for 60-70% of their original price after several years of use.

The Reality Check: What They Don't Tell You

The Sticker Shock is Real

Let's not dance around this – Bobcat mowers are expensive. We're talking about the price of a decent used car for a quality machine. When I bought my first one, my accountant nearly had a heart attack. Unless you're running a serious operation or maintaining large properties regularly, that initial cost can be tough to swallow and even tougher to justify.

Maintenance Costs Add Up Fast

Here's something that caught me off guard early on: parts aren't cheap, and you can't just run down to the local hardware store for everything. Oil changes, filter replacements, and seasonal maintenance can easily run several hundred dollars each time. And if something major breaks? Well, let's just say I learned to budget for repairs pretty quickly.

There's Definitely a Learning Curve

Don't expect to hop on and immediately be productive. These machines have hydraulic systems, multiple control inputs, and operating characteristics that take time to master. I've seen experienced operators struggle for weeks getting comfortable with the controls. And if you're not careful during that learning phase, you can do some expensive damage.

Storage and Transport Headaches

These things are really big. My first Bobcat barely fit through the gate at one of my regular properties, and I had to completely reorganize my shop to store it properly. If you're thinking about getting one, measure everything twice – gates, storage areas, trailer capacity. I learned this lesson the hard way when I showed up to a job and couldn't get the mower through the customer's fence.

Sometimes They're Just Overkill

I'll be honest – for smaller residential properties, a Bobcat is like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture. The capabilities that make these machines incredible for large commercial work become irrelevant when you're mowing a half-acre suburban lot. The extra cost and complexity just don't make sense in those situations.

So Should You Buy One?

After all these years, my take is pretty simple: if you're serious about commercial mowing or maintaining large properties, a Bobcat mower is probably worth the investment. The time savings, cut quality, and reliability will pay for themselves over time.

But if you're just looking to upgrade from a riding mower for your own property, or you're only doing occasional side work, you're probably better off with something less expensive. Be realistic about how much you'll use it and whether the capabilities match your needs.

My advice? Find a dealer who'll let you demo different models. Spend a day using one of your typical jobs. The machine will either prove its worth or help you realize you need something different. Either way, you'll make a decision based on experience rather than marketing brochures.