Bobcat Excavator Attachment Systems & Couplers

Pin-On System

The pin-on system for excavators secures attachments directly to the machine's arm via pins – without the use of a coupler.

Standard on select mini and large excavators, this system is the most basic attachment interface and provides the highest level of performance. Although not overly difficult or time-consuming on smaller excavators, this manual process gets more challenging as the machine and attachments increase in size, especially when using a clamp.

This cost-effective and straightforward setup is a great option for excavators where a single attachment is used for extended periods.

How It Works 

• Operators manually position, align and insert pins to secure attachments onto the excavator arm 
• Requires the use of tools to insert and remove pins 

Highlights 

• Good option for infrequent attachment changes due to time and effort required 
• This economical system provides full breakout force 
• Works with pin-on attachments only (not compatible with the X-Change attachments) 
• Ability to mount certain attachments in reverse gives operators flexibility and precision for backfilling material against walls and foundations or digging under pipes 

Compatibility 

• Comes standard on select compact and large excavator models such as the E10, E10e, E19e, E20, E88, E145, E165, E220 and E245. 

Mechanical X-Change Coupler 

The Bobcat-exclusive mechanical X-Change™ coupler system comes standard on many Bobcat mini-excavators and offers a simple and efficient way to change attachments. While the process does require operators to exit the cab to secure a single pin, this process is more efficient than the manual pin-on system as there’s less time involved to manually align the pins. Although attachments are not able to be mounted in reverse, operators benefit from its ease of operation, mechanical reliability, and premium performance compared to other coupler systems. 

View Mechanical X-Change Coupler

How It Works 

• X-Change “pin and hook” design allow operators to easily pickup attachments and align pin hole. 
• Operators must leave the cab once during attachment hookup and once during detachment.  
• Requires a single pin to be manually driven in and out of the bucket (or attachment mount) and X-Change system. 

Highlights 

• Delivers optimal geometry for maximizing breakout force compared to other couplers that extend the bucket tip radius.  
• Ensures a bucket angle for optimal material retention when working near maximum height. 
• Delivers superior range of motion for additional vertical wall depth when compared to pin-grabber couplers. 
• To add tilting functionality, Bobcat offers several X-Change accessories that mount between the coupler and attachment. 
  • The Hydra Tilt Swing Accessory provides 90 degrees of swing to the left or right for 180 degrees of total rotation. 
  • Power Tilt Accessory angles the bucket 30 degrees to the left or right for 60 total degrees of rotation. 

Compatibility 

• Comes standard on select compact excavator models:  E26, E32, E35, E38, E40, E48, E55 and E60. 

Hydraulic X-Change Coupler 

For operators looking for fast attachment changes - and the best performance in a quick coupler – upgrade to the optional hydraulic X-Change™ coupler system. This advanced version of the mechanical X-Change coupler has many of the same benefits with the added ability for operators to effortlessly change non-hydraulic attachments from inside the cab with the press of a button. This exclusive mounting system eliminates the need for tools or manual alignment, simplifying your workday and keeping you focused on the task ahead. 

View Hydraulic X-Change Coupler 

How It Works 

• Hydraulic X-Change “pin and hook” design allow operators to easily pickup and swap attachments. 
• Operators can switch non-hydraulic attachments with the press of a switch without having to leave the cab. 
• When activated from inside the cab, the retention pins hydraulically extend and retract. 

Highlights 

• Allows non-hydraulic attachments to be swapped without having to leave the cab. 
• Design offers all the same benefits of the X-Change system. 
• Delivers optimal geometry for maximizing breakout force compared to other couplers that extend the bucket tip radius.  
• Ensures a bucket angle for optimal material retention when working near maximum height. 
• Delivers superior range of motion for additional vertical wall depth when compared to pin-grabber couplers. 
• Similar to mechanical X-Change, design does not allow for attachments to be mounted in reverse. 
• To add tilting functionality, Bobcat offers several X-Change accessories that mount between the coupler and attachment.  
  • The Hydra Tilt Swing Accessory provides 90 degrees of swing to the left or right for 180 degrees of total rotation. 
  • Power Tilt Accessory angles the bucket 30 degrees to the left or right for 60 total degrees of rotation. 

Compatibility 

• Option on select compact excavator models such as the E32, E35, E38, E40, E48, E55 and E60.  

Mechanical Pin-Grabber Coupler  

 The Bobcat mechanical pin-grabber coupler system is a simple, cost-effective option designed for quick and easy attachment changes on smaller Bobcat mini excavators. Designed for ease of use, this system streamlines the process, reducing manual effort while providing excellent attachment versatility. Compared to the direct pin-on system, attachment hookup with this coupler is far easier as it requires no manual pin alignment or insertion. 

View Mechanical Pin-Grabber Coupler 

How It Works

• Uses a dedicated release tool for quick unlock-and-release functionality.  
• Requires only one exit from the cab to disengage the attachment. 
• Automatically locks the next attachment into place with no additional tools or pins required. 

Highlights 

• Attachment hookup is far easier than other manual pin-on systems. 
• Allows for reverse bucket mounting (shovel mode) for digging under obstacles.  
• Compatible with nearly the same range of attachments as the Bobcat X-Change system (with slightly lower breakout forces, dig depth, and range of motion).  

Compatibility

• Compatible option on select compact excavators E19e, E20 and E26. 

Hydraulic Pin-Grabber Coupler

The optional Bobcat hydraulic pin-grabber coupler system is the newest coupler available for Bobcat excavators. It offers a familiar, easy-to-use quick coupler design that helps operators quickly adapt to changing tasks. This system streamlines attachment changes with a hydraulically activated locking mechanism that allows operators to swap non-hydraulic attachments in a hurry – without ever leaving the seat of their cab. Available on select mini and large excavators, this coupler is a great option for certain applications like pipe and utility work, where operators may desire to reverse the bucket. 

View Hydraulic Pin-Grabber Coupler

How It Works 

• On-off switch and intent switch inside the cab activate locking clasps. 
• Hydraulically activated locking mechanism on the coupler locks attachments into place without having to leave the cab. 
• No need for tools or pins.  

Highlights 

• Allows non-hydraulic attachments to be swapped without having to leave the cab. 
• Great option for operators who are familiar with pin-grabber couplers. 
• Allows for easy bucket reversibility, making it ideal for digging under pipes, utilities and other obstacles. 
• Compatible with nearly the same wide range of Bobcat attachments as the X-Change system (with slightly lower breakout forces, dig depth, and range of motion).  
• If you’re looking for a hydraulic pin-grabber coupler with tilt functionality, Bobcat offers a dealer installed hydraulic tilt coupler for the E88 and E145. 
  • This coupler rotates any bucket or attachment as much as 134 or 180 degrees, depending on model.  
  • Saves time spent on repositioning the excavator to find the right approach angle. 

Compatibility

• Option on select compact and large excavator models such as the E26, E32, E35, E38, E40, E48, E55, E60, E88, E145, E165, E220 and E245.  

Hydraulic Tilt Coupler  

Essentially a hydraulic pin-grabber coupler with tilt functionality, the Bobcat® hydraulic tilt coupler delivers enhanced attachment rotation for superior jobsite performance. Available on the E88 and E145 compact excavators, these couplers allow operators to rotate buckets and other attachments up to 134 degrees – or even 180 degrees, depending on the model.  

Quickly adjust angles without repositioning your machine, saving time, effort and fuel while increasing productivity across every task. This enhanced range of motion is invaluable for complex grading and contouring tasks, such as landscape shaping or precision trenching. 

View Hydraulic Tilt Coupler

How It Works 

• Same functionality as hydraulic pin-grabber, but with added tilt functionality. 
• On-off switch and intent switch inside the cab activate locking mechanism. 
• Hydraulically activated locking mechanism provides fast, easy attachment changes without having to leave the cab. 
• No need for tools or pins. 
• Ability to adjust bucket or attachment angle from within the cab.

Highlights 

• Reduces the need to reposition the excavator to save fuel, labor and effort on every job. 
• Use hydraulic controls to change attachments without leaving the cab. 
• Allows for easy bucket reversibility, making it ideal for digging under pipes, utilities and other obstacles. 
• Compatible with nearly the same wide range of Bobcat attachments as the X-Change system (with slightly lower breakout forces, dig depth, and range of motion).

Compatibility

• Dealer-install option on E88 and E145. 

Conclusion

Bobcat excavator couplers are designed to enhance the versatility and efficiency of their machines, empowering operators to quickly change their bucket and attachment and minimize their downtime. By understanding the full range of available Bobcat excavator attachment systems, model compatibility as well as attachment requirements, operators can make informed choices and select the right coupler to best suit their excavator and specific job requirements. This adaptability ensures that Bobcat excavators provide flexible customer solutions indispensable for construction, landscaping, and numerous other industries.