The Bobcat S590 is one of the most widely used mid-frame skid steers in Canada — a rental fleet staple, landscaping workhorse, and Eastern Canada construction site regular. With 68.4 hp, 2,300 lb ROC, and an optional high-flow system at 27.1 GPM, it covers most common attachment categories. But its high-flow ceiling is lower than many machines its size. Here's exactly what it can run, where it hits its limits, and how to get the most from this machine.
Based on published Bobcat manufacturer specifications, Bob-Tach (SSQA-compatible with adapter) coupler standards, and Canadian dealer context (Bobcat Canada's national dealer network). Written for Canadian operators evaluating attachments for the Bobcat S590. Not a dealer — no inventory verification. Last reviewed: 2026-03-17 by Skid Steer Attachments Canada.
The S590 sits at the top of the Bobcat small-to-mid frame class — sharing the platform with the S570 below it and just below the more powerful S650. Its radial lift arm geometry maximizes breakout force near the ground, making it strong for bucket work, grading, and digging operations. For tasks that require reach above truck-bed height, radial lift has less advantage than vertical lift alternatives. The S590 is the machine Canadian rental fleets and landscaping contractors rely on daily — its widespread availability means parts, service, and operator familiarity are all strong assets in the used market.
The S590 uses Bobcat's Bob-Tach quick attach system. Bob-Tach geometry is functionally equivalent to the industry-standard SSQA interface, but there are practical considerations for third-party attachment buyers:
The S590's standard flow of 19.4 GPM handles all conventional skid steer attachments. The optional 27.1 GPM high-flow kit opens some higher-demand attachments but is notably constrained compared to the S650 and S770 — many commercial mulchers and cold planers designed for 28–35+ GPM will be marginal or incompatible at the S590's HF ceiling.
| Flow Mode | GPM Available | Attachment Categories Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Flow | 19.4 GPM | Buckets, forks, grapples, augers, brooms, angle/dozer blades, snow pushers, trenchers, post drivers, cement mixers, box blades, landscape rakes, standard breakers, backhoe attachments |
| High Flow (optional kit) | 27.1 GPM | All standard-flow items + light snowblowers (≤27 GPM rated), light rotary cutters, sweepers, some soil conditioners (check spec), light brush cutters designed for 20–27 GPM output |
| Not Compatible | Needs 28+ GPM | Commercial mulchers, most cold planers, large rotary cutters (28–40+ GPM), commercial forestry heads, aggressive flail mowers — these exceed the S590's HF ceiling |
Standard flow = 19.4 GPM. High flow = 27.1 GPM (if optional kit installed). ROC = 2,300 lbs. Bob-Tach coupler — SSQA adapter needed for universal third-party attachments.
| Attachment | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GP Buckets (dirt, gravel, rock) | ✅ Standard Flow | 62–70" optimal for this mid-frame; 72" comfortable max for most work |
| Pallet Forks | ✅ Standard Flow | 2,300 lb ROC; 48" forks standard; handles standard construction pallets and medium round bales |
| Bale Spears | ✅ Standard Flow | Single and double spear; 2,300 lb ROC handles large round bales at recommended spear heights |
| Auger Drives (standard flow) | ✅ Standard Flow | Up to 18" bits in most soils; 19.4 GPM runs standard auger motors well; HF auger drives not needed for most applications |
| Dozer / Angle Blades | ✅ Standard Flow | 72–80" width optimal for this frame; hydraulic angle function runs at standard flow |
| Grapples (root, rock, brush) | ✅ Standard Flow | 60–66" widths ideal; a staple on landscaping and demo sites running S590s across Ontario and the Maritimes |
| Snow Pushers (box blades) | ✅ Standard Flow | 8'–10' optimal for this frame; passive snow pushers need no hydraulic flow — this is a core S590 rental use case |
| Power Rakes / Landscape Rakes | ✅ Standard Flow | Hydraulic landscape rakes run well at 19.4 GPM; 60–72" widths typical for mid-frame landscaping work |
| Box Blades / Landplanes | ✅ Standard Flow | 72–80" typical; passive attachment — no flow required for basic grading work |
| Post Drivers | ✅ Standard Flow | Standard-flow post drivers operate within the 19.4 GPM range; common fence post application across Eastern Canada |
| Cement / Concrete Mixers | ✅ Standard Flow | Most drum mixers run 10–18 GPM; S590 standard flow handles comfortably with headroom |
| Sweepers / Angle Brooms | ✅ Standard Flow | Hydraulic brooms typically 12–18 GPM; 60–72" common widths for this frame; a rental market staple |
| Trenchers (standard flow) | ✅ Standard Flow | Standard-flow trenchers run well; verify attachment weight vs 2,300 lb ROC on heavier models |
| Hydraulic Breakers (mid-size) | ✅ Standard Flow | Mid-size breakers typically 12–22 GPM; confirm spec sheet against 19.4 GPM standard flow |
| Backhoe Attachments (mid-size) | ✅ Standard Flow | Mid-size backhoe attachments (9BH class) fit well; verify attachment weight stays within ROC |
| Attachment | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Sweepers (high-flow) | ✅ High Flow | High-capacity commercial sweepers rated 22–27 GPM run at full capacity on the S590 HF; a practical pairing for parking lot and site cleanup work |
| Soil Conditioners (light to mid) | ✅ High Flow | Light soil conditioners rated 22–27 GPM work at full capacity; confirm spec — heavier models rated 28–38 GPM will be marginal |
| Light Brush Cutters / Rotary Cutters | ⚠️ HF — Check GPM | Light rotary cutters rated 20–27 GPM can work on the S590 HF. Commercial brush cutters and rotary cutters rated 28+ GPM will run underpowered — motor underperformance and potential heat buildup. Always verify the attachment's minimum GPM requirement. |
| Light Snowblowers (≤27 GPM) | ⚠️ HF — Check GPM | Some lighter hydraulic snowblowers are rated 20–27 GPM and will operate on the S590 HF. Most commercial snowblowers need 28–35 GPM — verify the specific unit's minimum requirement before purchase. |
| Flail Mowers (light) | ⚠️ HF — Check GPM | Light-duty flail mowers may work at 27.1 GPM; most commercial flail mowers need 28–35 GPM. Verify spec sheet — running a flail mower below minimum GPM will reduce cut quality and stress the motor. |
| Attachment | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Mulchers / Forestry Heads | ❌ Incompatible | Commercial mulchers require 28–45+ GPM. The S590's 27.1 GPM HF ceiling is insufficient. Running these attachments on an S590 will underpower the motor, cause heat buildup, and risk motor damage. Use S650, S770, or T650/T76 for mulching applications. |
| Cold Planers (standard commercial) | ❌ Incompatible | Most cold planers require 28–40 GPM. The S590 cannot run these attachments at rated capacity regardless of HF kit installation. For pavement planing, upgrade to S650 or larger. |
| Large Commercial Snowblowers (28+ GPM) | ❌ Incompatible | Commercial-grade snowblowers from most major manufacturers require 28–35 GPM minimum. The S590 HF at 27.1 GPM will not run these at rated output — the rotor will struggle at full throw distance. Not recommended. |
| Stump Grinders (heavy commercial) | ⚠️ ROC + Flow Concern | Heavy commercial stump grinders may exceed the S590's 2,300 lb ROC and simultaneously require HF flow the machine cannot provide at rated spec. Light-duty stump grinders (under 2,000 lbs, under 27 GPM) may work — check both weight and GPM before purchase. |
The S590 is a mid-frame machine with a body width of approximately 68" — wider attachments create stability and visibility issues, particularly during loaded travel. These width recommendations align with the machine's physical proportions and ROC rating.
The S590 is among the most common mid-frame skid steers in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada's landscaping and light commercial construction sectors. Its compact footprint and Bob-Tach versatility make it a reliable daily machine for grading, material handling, grapple work, and seasonal snow management. Ontario landscaping contractors running the S590 typically pair it with a grapple or power rake in summer and a snow pusher in winter — both well within the machine's standard-flow capability. The Bobcat Canada dealer network in Ontario (Bobcat of Toronto, Ottawa, Barrie, London, and regional locations) provides strong parts and warranty support for this model, which remains in production and in active dealer inventory.
The S590 is a rental fleet staple across Canada. Sunbelt Rentals, Toromont CAT Rentals, and regional rental operators from BC to Newfoundland stock S590 units or comparable Bob-Tach machines. This rental prevalence has a practical effect: operators are already familiar with the platform, parts availability is deep, and used S590 pricing is transparent from AgDealer and other Canadian used equipment markets. For contractors who run borrowed or rented machines as much as owned ones, the S590's ubiquity means lower learning curves and broader sourcing flexibility.
On mid-size residential and light commercial construction sites across Canada — infill projects, subdivision development, municipal landscaping contracts — the S590 handles the standard daily workload of bucket work, grapple demolition, material staging, and site cleanup without the operating cost or transportation weight of a large-frame machine. Where contractors need more power for specific high-flow tasks (mulching, pavement work), the S590 is typically supplemented with a larger machine or rental unit rather than replaced — it remains productive on the 80% of site tasks that standard flow handles easily.
The S590 covers buckets, grapples, forks, snow pushers, augers, brooms, and the full range of standard-flow work. Browse the catalog to find what fits.