WEST FARGO, ND - Bobcat Company has continued to expand the line with new models, new options and new attachments. For the rest of 2009 and into 2010, Bobcat has exciting plans for its whole compact tractor line.

Some of the additions coming this year and in 2010 include a shuttle shift transmission (SST) option, to complement the current hydrostatic transmission, and a line of front-mounted implements.

Shuttle shift transmission option

In the coming months, Bobcat will launch a semi-synchronized gear transmission option which will be available on the CT335, CT445, and CT450 models. This transmission will feature 12 forward gears and 12 reverse gears with shuttle shift capabilities for ease of use, which will complement the hydrostatic transmission (HST) models offered today.

Ideal for customers of all types, the SST transmission will provide optimal PTO output and efficiencies for use in applications such as mowing, tilling and other rear PTO demanding applications. These models will also excel in applications such as spraying and seeding, where aspecific speed needs to be maintained.

Front-mounted implements for compact tractors

Starting with two snowblower models, Bobcat is now offering front-mounted implements that mount directly to the tractor frame and can utilize the mid-PTO for power. The first snowblowermodels being offered are 49-inch and 62-inch cutting widths. These models are available to order from Bobcat dealers and approved for use on Bobcat CT120 to CT235 compact tractors. A 72-inch-cutting-width model is coming later in the year for use on the CT225 to CT450. A lift kit, mid-PTO and PTO kit are required to use the snowblowers. In addition to the snowblowers, Bobcat has plans for additional front-mounted implements in 2010.

About the line

Launched in 2007, the Bobcat compact tractor line currently includes eight models, from the 22-horsepower CT122 to the 49-horsepower CT450. A shuttle shift transmission option on three models launched in late 2009. Bobcat currently offers more than 20 implements and attachments for its compact tractor line, including three-point hitch implements, mid-mount PTO implements, front-end loaders and front-mounted PTO attachments. Bobcat also  offers the optional Bob-Tach attachment mounting system on all models of front-end loaders, which allows for use of non-hydraulic attachments such as buckets or pallets forks. For the CT335 and larger an optional front hydraulic kit is available for hydraulic attachments such as augers or utility grapples.

Models CT335 and larger also feature an optional factory-installed cab with heat and air conditioning.

For the name of the nearest Bobcat dealer, visit www.bobcatdealer.com. For more information onBobcat compact tractors, visit  www.bobcat.com/utility_machines/tractors.