Competitive Comparison: Bobcat T86 vs. John Deere 333G Compact Track Loader

Published on June 7, 2023

Looking to upgrade your compact loader or add to your fleet? Look into bigger done better. The Bobcat® T86 compact track loader is an excellent choice if you are in the market for a new machine with at least 100 horsepower and that can lift over 3,500 pounds. This large-frame compact track loader can tackle residential or commercial construction jobsites, conquer heavy-duty hardscaping projects and move landscaping materials, as well as remove trees and brush for land clearing and land management or work from sunup to sundown on the farm. 

Many people who are looking for a large-frame loader will compare the Bobcat T86 to the John Deere 333G. See how these two compact loaders compare.  

Bobcat T86 vs John Deere 333G Comparison 

If you’re comparing the Bobcat T86 to the John Deere 333G compact track loader, here are the top things to know: 

Horsepower (HP) 

The T86 has more horsepower in a more compact machine frame size (105 hp vs. 100 hp for the 333G). 

Operating Capacity 

The Bobcat T86 offers higher rated operating capacity so you can lift more and tackle heavy-duty work (3,800 lb. vs. 3,700 for the 333G). 

Maneuverability 

The T86 has an optimized machine-to-horsepower ratio that makes the T86 more maneuverable.  

Two-Speed Travel 

Work quicker and get more done faster with standard Two-Speed travel (T86 at 10.4 mph vs. 7.8 mph the 333G).

Hydraulic Flow Options 

  • The T86 offers three hydraulic flow options – standard, high and super flow – in one machine for more versatility than ever before.  
  • Optional super-flow hydraulics in the T86 offers higher auxiliary flow and pressure that provides more hydraulic horsepower (T86 at 42 gpm vs. 41.1 gpm for the 333G).

New Hydraulic Oil 

With the introduction of our most powerful hydraulics yet in the T86 compact track loader, Bobcat now offers two new hydraulic oil products to ensure maximum performance and uptime.  

Premium Power Performance 

Premium Power Performance intelligently distributes the power where it’s needed and provides improved productivity with up to 13% more output during work cycles. 

Operator Comfort 

  • R-Series comfort brings an industry-leading touch display and one-piece enclosed cab with best-in-class visibility and an optional clear-side enclosure.  
  • Rear view camera comes standard on the T86. 
  • Bobcat Selectable Joystick controls come standard on the T86 to reduce operator fatigue and give you the flexibility to choose between ISO or H-Pattern with the flip of a switch.  

Bucket Positioning & Ride Control 

The T86 includes standard dual-direction bucket positioning and automatic ride control to enhance productivity.  

Cooling System 

  • The T86 cooling system was designed for optimal performance with larger cooling components and a standard reversing fan. 
  • R-Series loaders feature a Bobcat® engine. An efficient design provides the performance you need while reducing and simplifying routine maintenance.  

Bobcat 5-Link Torsion Suspension Undercarriage 

The T86 has a 5-Link torsion suspension undercarriage – a Bobcat-patented design – for industry-leading operator comfort and a smooth ride.  

Attachment Availability & Offerings 

The T86 can use  Bobcat’s existing attachment offerings and newly developed Bobcat super-flow attachments, including the planer, forestry drum mulcher and snowblower

Productivity Comparison 

Premium Power Performance – 13% More Productivity 

Premium Power Performance will help make the Bobcat T86 up to 13% more productive than competitive compact track loaders. Designed to boost productivity on high-flow and super-flow machines, the optional power management system distributes power more efficiently. This intelligent power management system improves engine-to-workgroup efficiency, distributing more power where and when it’s needed during multitasking operations.  

Premium Power Performance – Hydraulics 

The new feature exclusive to the T86 and S86 compact loaders, Premium Power Performance, is standard on loader models equipped with high-flow or super-flow hydraulics. The hydrostatic pump that controls the drive train and the electronic displacement control pump that controls the hydraulics work together to determine where to efficiently distribute more power, whether it’s to the tires and tracks or to the attachment at the front of the machine. This power management system makes the R-Series machines highly controllable and extremely efficient.  

Horsepower vs. Flow, Capacity & Speed 

The John Deere 333G offers 100 horsepower compared to 105 horsepower with the T86. In addition, the T86 offers higher auxiliary hydraulic flow, pressure, rated operating capacity and top travel speed. The T86 boasts a balanced mix of ideal machine weight, powerful engine and high-performance hydraulic pumps. This is above and beyond other innovations like Premium Power Performance that direct available power more efficiently.  

Attachment Versatility Comparison 

Compared to the John Deere 333G, the Bobcat T86 compact track loader provides versatility advantages with more attachment capabilities and productivity than ever before. The T86 delivers more hydraulic horsepower and three hydraulic flow options in one machine, setting a new industry benchmark in performance.  

Three Hydraulic Flow Settings 

With the Bobcat T86, you can get three hydraulic flow settings in one machine: standard flow (23.6 gpm), high flow (36.6 gpm) and super flow (42 gpm). The John Deere 333G offers two: standard (25 gpm) and high flow (41.1 gpm). Each component of the T86 – including the engine, pumps and hydraulic system – is engineered to deliver maximum hydraulic performance so you can work quicker, lift more and take productivity to new heights.  

Super-Flow Hydraulics Attachments 

Bobcat super-flow attachments are specifically designed for super-flow hydraulics – so you can get the most productivity and performance possible. These new attachments include super-flow forestry drum mulchers, planers and snowblowers. Compared to the high-flow planer, the super-flow planer was up to 20% more productive! 

The widest John Deere cold planer model is 30 inches, compared to the 48-inch super-flow planer from Bobcat. Besides being smaller, you’ll have a bit less hydraulic horsepower and flow to work with. That can mean a measurable difference in productivity when you compare the work over multiple hours. 

Pick the Right Compact Track Loader for You

Choosing the perfect loader for your work comes with lots of things to think about. One of the best ways to pick the right machine is to give it a test run. Use the Build & Quote tool to configure your dream T86 and connect with a dealer today.