The Bobcat T590 is a mid-size compact track loader built for rental fleets, landscaping, and general contracting across Canada. With a 1,300 lb ROC and optional high-flow hydraulics, it's one of the most common CTLs on Canadian job sites. Here's exactly what it can run, what needs high flow, and which sizes fit this machine best.
The Bobcat T590 sits in the mid-size bracket of Bobcat's compact track loader lineup. It's a radial-lift machine — meaning the lift path follows an arc rather than going purely vertical — which makes it efficient for ground-level loading and grading tasks but less optimal for precise truck loading at height. Its 1,300 lb ROC is adequate for the majority of landscaping, site prep, and light construction tasks. It is common in Ontario rental fleets, Prairie acreage operations, and BC residential construction sites.
The T590 uses Bobcat's Bob-Tach quick attach system. The physical coupler geometry matches the industry-standard SSQA (Standard Skid Steer Quick Attach), but there is an important practical distinction:
The T590's hydraulic system is the key variable in attachment selection. At 19.4 GPM standard flow, it runs all basic attachment categories comfortably. The optional high-flow upgrade to 27.1 GPM meaningfully expands the machine's capability, though it still falls short of the largest-class mulchers and forestry heads.
Standard flow is sufficient for the vast majority of everyday attachments: buckets, pallet forks, auger drives, grapples, dozer blades, power rakes, sweepers, bale spears, landscape rakes, standard-flow trenchers, and standard-flow hydraulic breakers. If your work stays in these categories, a base T590 without high flow is fully capable.
High-flow at 27.1 GPM opens the door to hydraulic snow blowers (typically requiring 22–35 GPM), rotary cutters, flail mowers, and some entry-level forestry mulchers. Note that the T590's 27.1 GPM is on the lower end of high-flow outputs — some heavy mulchers require 30+ GPM and won't perform at rated capacity. Always check the attachment's minimum GPM requirement against this machine's high-flow output before buying.
Large-class forestry mulchers (typically requiring 35+ GPM), the heaviest cold planers, and high-flow soil conditioners at full rated performance are beyond the T590's hydraulic ceiling. For those applications, a larger machine like the Bobcat T650 or a machine with higher high-flow output is more appropriate.
Standard flow = 19.4 GPM. High-flow (if equipped) = 27.1 GPM. ROC = 1,300 lb.
| Attachment | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GP Buckets (dirt, gravel, fill) | ✅ YES | 60–68" optimal for 1,300 lb ROC; avoid oversized buckets that exceed ROC when loaded |
| Pallet Forks | ✅ YES | ROC limits useful payload to ~1,300 lb; match pallet weight to machine capacity |
| Bale Spears | ✅ YES | Single and double spears work; watch weight — large round bales can approach or exceed ROC |
| Auger Drives | ✅ YES | Up to 18" bits in typical soil; CTL traction helps on soft prairie and BC coastal ground |
| Dozer / Angle Blades | ✅ YES | 72–84" widths suit the T590 frame; rubber tracks protect finished surfaces |
| Root Grapples / Brush Grapples | ✅ YES | 60–66" recommended; keep loaded weight within 1,300 lb ROC |
| Snow Pushers (box blades) | ✅ YES | 8'–10' optimal for T590 frame and ROC; rubber tracks protect asphalt in commercial lots |
| Power Rakes / Landscape Rakes | ✅ YES | 66–72" optimal; standard-flow hydraulic models operate within 19.4 GPM |
| Box Blades / Land Planes | ✅ YES | Passive attachment — no hydraulic flow required; 72–84" typical |
| Sweepers (angle brooms) | ✅ YES | Hydraulic angle brooms operate within standard flow; 66–72" widths match T590 frame |
| Trenchers (standard-flow) | ✅ YES | Standard-flow models run well; CTL traction aids on soft or wet Canadian soils |
| Hydraulic Breakers (light-mid) | ✅ YES | Light to mid-range breakers (up to ~500 ft-lb class) run within standard flow and ROC |
| Cement / Concrete Mixers | ✅ YES | Most drum mixers require 10–18 GPM; 19.4 GPM std flow handles comfortably |
| Post Drivers (hydraulic) | ✅ YES | Standard-flow post drivers work well; CTL traction is an asset on soft ground |
| Rock Buckets / Skeleton Buckets | ✅ YES | Passive attachment; keep loaded weight within 1,300 lb ROC — rock is heavy |
| Attachment | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Snow Blowers (hydraulic) | HF REQUIRED | Commercial snow blowers typically require 22–35 GPM; T590 HF at 27.1 GPM covers mid-range models — verify attachment's minimum GPM |
| Rotary Cutters / Brush Cutters | HF REQUIRED | High-speed motor heads require 25–35 GPM; std flow will underperform significantly |
| Flail Mowers | HF REQUIRED | Commercial flail mowers typically require 22–32 GPM; T590 HF handles entry- to mid-range models |
| Entry-Level Mulchers / Forestry Heads | HF REQUIRED | T590 HF at 27.1 GPM is marginal for mulchers — only suitable for light-duty models spec'd below 27 GPM minimum; verify carefully |
| Soil Conditioners / Rotary Tillers | HF REQUIRED | Mid-size tillers require 22–32 GPM; T590 HF adequate for mid-range models |
| Attachment | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Large Forestry Mulchers (35+ GPM) | NOT RECOMMENDED | T590 high-flow tops at 27.1 GPM — insufficient for full-class mulchers; machine is also too light for forestry terrain |
| Cold Planers (full-size) | NOT RECOMMENDED | Full-size cold planers require 30–40+ GPM; beyond T590 HF output even when equipped |
| Stump Grinders (commercial) | NOT RECOMMENDED | Commercial stump grinders are both heavy (may exceed 1,300 lb ROC) and high-flow-hungry; better matched to T650 or larger |
| Large Backhoes (heavy class) | NOT RECOMMENDED | Heavier backhoe attachments can exceed T590 ROC when counterbalancing deep dig forces; use appropriately-rated machines |
The T590's 1,300 lb ROC is the primary constraint on attachment selection. Width matters for matching the machine's frame size and stability — oversized attachments add weight that reduces usable payload and can push the machine off-balance on slopes.
The T590 is sold and serviced through Bobcat Canada's authorized dealer network — part of the Doosan Bobcat Canada organization. Bobcat dealers are present in all Canadian provinces, with concentrated presence in Ontario, Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan. Parts availability for the T590 is strong across Canada; it's a high-volume machine with broad parts support even from independent dealers.
The T590 is one of the most common machines to appear on the Canadian used market. Rental companies cycle T590s regularly, making 3–5 year-old machines with 2,000–5,000 hours widely available from Ritchie Bros., IronPlanet, and direct dealer used lots across the country. Pricing on used T590s is competitive, and parts support makes them a viable long-term purchase even at higher hours.
Ontario landscaping contractors and residential builders favour the T590 for its versatility on tight urban sites. The machine's moderate size fits through standard gates and around completed structures. Rubber tracks allow work on finished lawns and driveways without the damage a wheeled machine or steel-tracked machine causes.
Alberta and Saskatchewan acreage owners commonly use T590s for general farmyard work — moving materials, clearing scrub, and running auger drives for fence posts. In BC, the T590's rubber tracks are valued for wet coastal and riverside sites where ground pressure matters.
The T590 shines with buckets, grapples, and snow pushers — core landscaping and general contracting tools sized for its 1,300 lb ROC. Confirm high-flow status before shopping hydraulic attachments.