Bobcat T320 Compact Track Loader (Field Test)
The Bobcat T320 is a diesel compact track loader rated at 92 hp, with a published 3,200-pound rated operating capacity and 20.6-gpm standard auxiliary flow. Those figures are starting points, not a pass to lift any load or run any attachment. Check the machine’s serial-number-specific manual, inspect safety systems, then test travel, lift, and hydraulics at low speed before work.
A loader field test is not a contest to see how fast a bucket can fill. A fast pass that leaves a damaged coupler, overheated machine, or unstable load is a poor result, even if the pile looks impressive. I use a step-by-step check to judge whether the machine and attachment are ready for the job.
One important limit: without a specific machine, attachment, site, and measured results, I can’t claim to have tested a particular T320 or report job-site performance as fact. The guide below gives the reference specifications and a repeatable field-test method, with example work scenarios clearly marked as scenarios.
Equipment setup and safety prep
A field check starts by confirming the loader’s identity, attachment, and safety systems. A T320’s year, serial number, options, and emissions setup can affect service details. Use the matching Bobcat operator’s manual and the attachment manual before starting; model-level figures alone cannot prove that a specific load or attachment is safe.
Confirm the machine and attachment
Find the machine’s model and serial number, then confirm the correct manual. Check the attachment model, coupler type, and hydraulic flow and pressure needs. The attachment must be approved for the loader and connected as its manual directs. Do not assume that every T320 has high-flow hydraulics.
The following are published reference figures supplied for the T320. Confirm each against documentation for the individual machine:
| Reference figure | Published value | What it means for a field check |
|---|---|---|
| Engine rating | 92 hp | Reference only; not a measure of attachment fit or lift safety |
| Rated operating capacity (ROC) | 3,200 lb | A rated capacity, not a guarantee for every load or setup |
| Tipping load | 9,143 lb | Not a safe working load |
| Standard auxiliary flow | 20.6 gpm | Compare with the attachment’s required flow |
| High-flow auxiliary option | 30.5 gpm | Use only if that option is installed and confirmed |
ROC is the manufacturer’s rated carrying capacity under defined conditions. An attachment, load position, or other factor can affect what is safe to handle. Never use the tipping load as a working limit, and never infer the installed hydraulic option from a model name.
Inspect before climbing in
With the loader parked, attachment lowered, and engine off, look over the tracks and undercarriage, lift arms, cylinders, hoses, guards, and coupler. Check fluid levels as the manual directs. Look for damage, loose parts, leaks, and packed debris. Confirm that the coupler locks engage as designed; do not rely on appearance alone.
Check the seat belt, restraint bar, interlocks, backup alarm, and controls. Wear the required safety gear, such as safety footwear, eye and hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing when site rules call for it. Before moving, scan for overhead hazards, buried utilities, soft ground, slopes, unprotected edges, people, and traffic. Set a clear exclusion zone and agree on spotter signals.
For construction work, follow applicable site rules and OSHA requirements, including 29 CFR 1926.602. The operator’s manual and the site’s safety plan govern the work; chainsaw procedures do not apply to a loader.
How to field-test the T320
A controlled field test checks safe function before judging production. Begin on firm, level ground with the right attachment secured. Test each control at low engine speed, then move to the intended work area only if the machine responds normally. Stop for a warning, leak, unusual noise, or control problem rather than trying to work through it.
Start and check functions
- Park level, lower the attachment, and set controls as directed in the manual. Inspect for leaks or visible damage. Make sure the attachment is secured.
- Start from the operator’s station with the seat belt fastened and restraint bar engaged. Follow the manual’s cold-start steps.
- At low engine speed, check steering, travel, lift, tilt, brakes, and parking brake. Confirm that the coupler and auxiliary hydraulics work as intended.
- If any warning appears, or a control feels wrong, stop. Lower the attachment, park safely, shut down as directed, and consult the manual or qualified service support.
Do not check for hydraulic leaks with a hand. Pressurized fluid can pierce skin and cause a medical emergency. Keep clear of moving parts and pressurized lines during inspection.
Work in short, controlled passes
Start with a small, manageable load and travel slowly. Keep the load low and stable while moving. Avoid abrupt turns, sudden stops, excessive side-slope travel, and work near unprotected edges. Keep people clear of the loader, attachment, and load; use a spotter when the operator’s view is limited.
Pay attention to how the machine responds, not just how quickly it moves material. Note whether the attachment works as expected, whether the machine stays stable, and whether warning lights, unusual sounds, or leaks appear. Match hydraulic flow to the attachment’s stated needs and the machine’s confirmed configuration. Do not adjust engine controls or hydraulic relief settings by guesswork.
Attachment fit and landscaping work scenarios
Attachment performance depends on more than whether the coupler connects. The attachment must suit the T320, its installed hydraulic system, and the job. The scenarios below are practical test setups, not reported test results; use the machine and attachment manuals to confirm safe use and limits before trying them.
| Work scenario | Before the test | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Moving soil with a bucket | Confirm bucket fit and check the load against the machine and attachment guidance | Stable travel, clear view, and a low load |
| Grading with a compatible attachment | Check coupler security, attachment condition, and hydraulic needs | Smooth lift and tilt response; stop if controls behave abnormally |
| Running a hydraulic attachment | Confirm required flow and that standard or high-flow hydraulics are installed | Correct operation without leaks, warnings, or unusual noise |
A useful field record includes the date, machine hours, attachment, site conditions, and any warning or fault. Note what worked and what did not, but do not treat a single pass as proof that the setup is safe for every load or surface.
For each change of attachment, lower the equipment, park safely, shut down, and relieve hydraulic pressure before disconnecting, following the manuals. Check couplers and hoses for wear or damage. Never force a connection or reach into a moving coupler area.
Maintenance and seasonal readiness
Seasonal reliability comes from routine checks and the right service information, not improvised adjustments. This is a diesel loader, not a two-stroke yard tool: it has no premix ratio, chain pitch, or carburetor tune-up. Use the correct fuel, fluids, filters, service intervals, and settings for the machine’s serial number and configuration.
Inspect tracks and the undercarriage as the manual directs, including track condition and tension. Check hoses and hydraulic couplers for damage, and inspect attachment teeth or cutting edges for wear. Replace damaged parts with specified components. Use the manual for fluid grades, capacities, torque values, and service intervals; those details should not be guessed from general model information.
After work, park on firm, level ground, lower the attachment and lift arms, engage the parking brake, and let the machine cool or idle as the manual directs. Shut it off, remove the key, and clean debris only when the machine is secured and cool. Clean the undercarriage, cooling screens, and radiator areas as directed; packed debris can affect cooling and track operation.
For storage, use an indoor space or firm, level ground when possible. Lower equipment and prevent unauthorized use. Follow the manual’s guidance for cold-weather fuel, battery, and coolant care. Record operating hours, inspections, faults, and service. That record helps identify a recurring issue before the next busy season.
Field-test verdict
A sound T320 field check confirms the individual machine, attachment, safety features, and hydraulic setup before testing work performance. Published power and capacity figures help frame the assessment, but they do not replace the manuals or a site-specific risk check. If a fault, leak, or unstable condition appears, stop and resolve it before continuing.
The key decision is not whether the loader can move a load once. It is whether the machine, attachment, ground, and task work together within their limits. Keep the load low, use a spotter when sightlines are restricted, and never exceed the attachment-adjusted operating capacity.
If the loader begins to tip, stay seated with the restraint engaged and follow the emergency guidance in the operator’s manual. Do not jump out. Never carry people on an attachment or work beneath raised lift arms unless the manufacturer’s approved lift-arm support device is in place.
Frequently asked questions
These short answers cover common T320 questions that matter when preparing for a field test. Confirm machine-specific details in the serial-number-matched manual, especially where options or attachment requirements may differ.
What is the Bobcat T320 rated operating capacity?
The published reference ROC is 3,200 lb. Confirm the rating and any applicable limits for the specific machine and attachment.
What is the T320 tipping load?
The published reference tipping load is 9,143 lb. It is not a safe working load and must not be used as a lift limit.
Does every T320 have high-flow hydraulics?
No. High-flow is listed as an option. Confirm whether it is installed, then compare the system with the attachment’s flow requirements.
What is the T320’s standard auxiliary hydraulic flow?
The published reference is 20.6 gpm for standard auxiliary flow. Verify the machine configuration and attachment needs.
Can I use a chainsaw fuel-mix ratio for a T320?
No. The T320 is a diesel loader and has no two-stroke fuel-oil mix. Follow its manual for the correct fuel and service items.
What should I check before starting?
Check the machine and attachment, fluids, visible damage or leaks, coupler locks, safety restraints, interlocks, and work area. Follow the specific operator’s manual.
What should I do if a hydraulic hose leaks?
Lower and secure the equipment, shut down, and get qualified service. Never use your hand to find a leak; pressurized fluid can cause a serious injection injury.
How should I travel with a load?
Travel slowly with the load low and stable. Avoid abrupt turns, sudden stops, unsafe slopes, and unprotected edges.
What should I do if the loader starts to tip?
Remain seated with the restraint engaged and follow the operator’s manual emergency guidance. Do not jump from the machine.
How should I store the T320 between seasons?
Clean it as directed, park on firm and level ground when possible, lower equipment, secure the machine, and follow the manual’s cold-weather guidance. Record hours, faults, and maintenance.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Harrison Croft. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
