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Two Lift Arm Configurations — Which is Right For You?

Published on March 17, 2020

Bobcat Company offers two lift arm styles for its loaders to meet your daily challenges. Compare lift arm designs and choose the configuration that matches your lifting needs.

Radius Lift Path

If your projects require you to dump over walls, backfill or load flatbed trucks, consider a radius path loader. This economical option lifts the bucket or attachment in an arc pattern, providing greater reach at mid-range heights compared to a vertical lift path.

Vertical Lift Path

If you frequently place pallets of blocks or sod, or dump into high-sided trucks, a vertical lift path may be the best choice. On vertical-lift-path loaders, the load is raised straight up, closer to the machine. You can safely lift more than an identical radius-lift-path machine. Since you have more reach at full lift height, you dump into the center of the truck — or keep the loader farther away, depending on your needs.

Confused? Here’s a simple guideline: If your tasks are typically at (or below) eye level, a radius lift path is ideal. If you generally work above eye level, a vertical lift path is a better option.