Who Makes Bobcat Engines? Understanding the Power Behind Your Equipment
When you fire up a Bobcat skid steer loader or compact excavator, you're experiencing decades of engineering excellence. But who actually makes Bobcat engines? The answer reveals a fascinating story of innovation, global partnerships, and strategic business decisions that have shaped the construction equipment industry. Understanding the engines inside your Bobcat machines helps you make informed decisions about maintenance, repair, and equipment purchases.
Table of Contents:
- The Bobcat Company: A Brief History of Innovation
- Doosan Bobcat: The Current Owner
- Who Makes Bobcat Engines: The Main Engine Models
- Doosan Bobcat and Daedong: An Important Partnership
- Engine Performance and Reliability: What Matters to Customers
- The Future of Bobcat Engines: Emissions and Innovation
- Why Engine Choice Matters for Your Business?
- Finding the Right Bobcat Equipment and Support
The Bobcat Company: A Brief History of Innovation
Before diving into who makes Bobcat engines, let's establish some context. The story begins in 1947 when Edward Gideon "E.G." Melroe founded Melroe Manufacturing Company in Gwinner, North Dakota. While Melroe's company initially focused on farm implements, the real breakthrough came when two inventor brothers from Minnesota changed everything.
In 1956, Louis and Cyril Keller were operating Keller Welding and Repair near Rothsay, Minnesota, when turkey farmer Eddie Velo approached them with a unique problem. He needed a machine compact enough to clean manure from the second floor of his turkey barns. The Kellers built a revolutionary three-wheeled loader that could navigate tight spaces while remaining light enough for elevated floors.
By 1958, the Kellers partnered with Melroe Manufacturing, and together they developed the world's first compact loader. The "Bobcat" brand name was born in 1962, transforming construction and agricultural work forever. The brand's popularity grew based on reliability, durability, and performance – qualities that depend heavily on the engines installed in these machines.
Doosan Bobcat: The Current Owner
To understand who makes Bobcat engines today, we need to recognize that Bobcat is owned by Doosan Group, a South Korea-based conglomerate. Doosan acquired Bobcat from Ingersoll Rand's construction equipment division in 2007. This deal created Doosan Bobcat, bringing together Doosan's manufacturing expertise with Bobcat's industry-leading equipment design.
The Doosan ownership brought significant changes to Bobcat's engine business strategy. The acquisition opened doors to new partnerships and in-house engine development possibilities. This investment in engine technology has helped Bobcat maintain its competitiveness in the global construction equipment market.
Bobcat's headquarters remain in West Fargo, North Dakota, but the company now benefits from Doosan's global presence. Manufacturing facilities span the United States, Europe (with European headquarters in Dobříš, Czech Republic), and other locations abroad. This worldwide footprint allows Bobcat to serve customers across diverse markets while maintaining consistent quality standards.
Who Makes Bobcat Engines: The Main Engine Models
The answer to "who makes Bobcat engines" isn't straightforward because Bobcat uses different engine manufacturers depending on the machine model, size, and market requirements. Here's a breakdown of the primary engine suppliers.
Doosan Engines: In-House Power Solutions
Following the 2007 acquisition, Doosan began developing engines specifically for Bobcat machines. Doosan Infracore Engine Business Group produces diesel engines that are increasingly found inside Bobcat equipment. Starting around 2014, Bobcat announced it would fit its own Doosan-branded engines in selected machines greater than 37kW (50hp).
The engine range includes three models from 37kW (50hp) to 74kW (99hp) with displacements of 1.8, 2.4, and 3.4 liters. These engines underwent more than 140,000 hours of testing – four times more than other engines in the Bobcat range – to ensure exceptional reliability.
Doosan engines offer several advantages. They're designed to work seamlessly with Bobcat's hydraulic systems, ensuring maximum efficiency. The integration between engine manufacturer and equipment maker streamlines service and repair processes. A notable advantage is their ability to meet Tier 4 emissions standards without using a diesel particulate filter (DPF) system, meaning less mounting space, no residue burning off, and simplified maintenance.
Kubota Engines: Trusted Performance Partner
Kubota remains one of the most popular engine suppliers for Bobcat equipment, particularly in smaller skid steer loaders and compact tractors. This Japan-based company has built a reputation for producing reliable, fuel-efficient diesel engines that excel in demanding applications. Many Bobcat customers specifically seek out models with Kubota engines due to their proven track record.
Bobcat continues to use Kubota engines in selected machines, and dealers maintain strong competence in servicing these engines. Kubota engines typically range from 24 to 74 horsepower, making them ideal for compact equipment. These engines deliver excellent torque characteristics for digging, loading, and pushing operations. The widespread use of Kubota engines also means readily available parts and service support.
Other Engine Manufacturers
Depending on the specific Bobcat model and year of manufacture, you might also find engines from Perkins (owned by Caterpillar), Yanmar, and Deutz. This multi-supplier approach gives Bobcat flexibility in engine sourcing, helps manage costs, and ensures access to cutting-edge engine technology from multiple leading manufacturers.
Doosan Bobcat and Daedong: An Important Partnership
In October 2023, an important development changed Bobcat's engine landscape. Doosan Bobcat announced a strategic partnership with Daedong, a leading South Korean manufacturer of agricultural machinery and engines. Under this five-year agreement running from September 2023 to September 2028, Daedong would supply 1.2-liter and 1.8-liter multicylinder diesel engines for Bobcat's compact equipment lineup.
The $52 million contract made strategic sense. Daedong had established itself as a major player in the compact equipment engine market. Founded in 1947, Daedong was Korea's first farming machinery maker to mass-produce single-cylinder diesel engines in 1966. The company developed its first multicylinder engine with proprietary technology in 1983 and currently supplies diesel engines from 1.2 liters to 3.8 liters to customers worldwide.
However, this partnership didn't begin in 2023. The relationship between Doosan Bobcat and Daedong started in 2018 with a compact tractor joint development contract, followed by a substantial tractor and powertrain OEM supply contract in 2019. The 2023 engine supply deal represented the natural evolution of an already established business relationship.
Daedong plans to continue investing in engine technology, focusing on emissions compliance and fuel efficiency improvements that benefit Bobcat customers directly. The partnership represents strategic thinking that keeps Bobcat competitive – leveraging partnerships with leading engine manufacturers while maintaining control over equipment design and customer experience.
Engine Performance and Reliability: What Matters to Customers
Regardless of who makes Bobcat engines, customers care most about performance, reliability, and durability. Bobcat's reputation depends on these engines delivering consistent power in challenging conditions – from frozen ground in northern construction sites to dusty agricultural operations under intense heat.
Modern Bobcat engines incorporate advanced technology to meet these demands. Common features include:
- high-pressure fuel injection systems that optimize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions;
- advanced cooling systems designed to prevent overheating during extended operation;
- robust filtration to protect engines from dust, dirt, and debris common in construction environments;
- electronic engine management that maximizes performance while meeting emissions standards;
- efficient turbocharging in many models to increase power output without significantly increasing engine size.
These technological improvements mean today's Bobcat engines deliver more power from smaller displacements compared to older engine models. This efficiency translates to better fuel economy, reduced operating costs, and improved machine balance – all factors that matter when you're running equipment for eight hours or more daily.
The Future of Bobcat Engines: Emissions and Innovation
The engine business faces significant challenges as emissions regulations become increasingly strict worldwide. Doosan, Kubota, Daedong, and other Bobcat engine suppliers are all developing next-generation powerplants that meet or exceed upcoming emissions standards.
Looking beyond traditional diesel engines, the industry is exploring alternative power sources. Electric and hybrid systems are gaining traction in compact construction equipment. Bobcat has already introduced the T7X, the world's first all-electric compact track loader. However, diesel engines will remain dominant for the foreseeable future, especially in larger machines and applications requiring extended runtime between refueling.
Why Engine Choice Matters for Your Business?
Understanding who makes Bobcat engines helps you make better equipment decisions. If your operation has existing relationships with specific dealers or service providers, choosing Bobcat models with compatible engines can simplify parts inventory and technician training. The engine inside your Bobcat also affects resale value, operating costs, and maintenance requirements.
The variety of engine manufacturers supplying Bobcat provides strategic advantages including competitive pricing, reduced supply chain vulnerabilities, and access to the latest innovations from multiple engineering teams. For customers, this translates to better value, more choices, and confidence that Bobcat selects engines based on performance merit.
Finding the Right Bobcat Equipment and Support
Whether you're operating a Bobcat skid steer with a Kubota engine, a compact excavator powered by Doosan, or any other configuration, having access to quality parts and expert service makes all the difference. The complexity of modern engines means proper maintenance isn't optional – it's essential for protecting your investment and maximizing equipment life.
At skidsteers.com, we understand the importance of keeping your Bobcat equipment running at peak performance. While we specialize in attachments, parts, and accessories for skid steers and compact equipment, our team's extensive knowledge extends to helping customers understand their machines – including the engines that power them. Whether you need guidance on maintenance practices, recommendations for compatible attachments, or advice on maximizing your Bobcat's capabilities, we're here to provide the expertise and support your operation deserves. Visit our website to explore our comprehensive range of products designed to enhance your Bobcat equipment's versatility and productivity.