GEHL vs Bobcat: Which Compact Track Loader Is Right for Your NKY Jobsite?
Compact track loaders are the workhorse of Northern Kentucky jobsites. The rubber tracks provide superior traction on the soft, muddy ground that’s common after Kentucky’s frequent rain events, and the low ground pressure means you can work on finished lawns and sensitive surfaces without tearing them up.
If you’re comparing compact track loaders, the two names you’ll hear most often are Bobcat and GEHL. Both make capable machines. But when you look at the specs side by side — and consider the dealer standing behind each brand — the differences are significant.
The Flagship Matchup: GEHL VT360 vs Bobcat T770
Let’s start at the top of each lineup. The GEHL VT360 is the largest compact track loader available from any dealer in Northern Kentucky. Here’s how it stacks up against Bobcat’s T770:
The VT360 delivers 114 hp to the T770’s 92 hp — that’s 22 more horsepower pushing your bucket, auger, or mulcher. Rated operating capacity is 3,600 lb vs 3,475 lb. And the VT360 includes IdealTrax automatic track tensioning, a 7-inch color display, Bluetooth radio, and ride control as standard equipment. Bobcat charges extra for comparable features on the T770.
IdealTrax: The Technology Bobcat Doesn’t Have
Track tension is the single most important factor in track life on a compact track loader. Too tight and you accelerate wear on sprockets and rollers. Too loose and the track can derail or wear unevenly.
GEHL’s IdealTrax system monitors and adjusts track tension automatically during operation, then releases tension when the engine shuts off to prevent stress on the undercarriage overnight. The result is approximately 15% longer track life — and tracks are the most expensive wear item on any CTL.
Bobcat offers no equivalent system. Their operators must manually check and adjust track tension, which in practice means it’s often neglected until problems appear.
Undercarriage Built for Kentucky Conditions
The VT360 features forged steel sprockets and triple-flange track rollers — a heavy-duty undercarriage designed for the rocky clay and construction debris common on NKY jobsites. The heavier undercarriage components resist damage from rocks and debris that would bend or crack lighter components.
For contractors working in Boone County, Kenton County, and the Greater Cincinnati metro area, this durability translates directly to less downtime and lower repair costs over the life of the machine.
The Dealer Behind the Machine
When your compact track loader needs service, the quality of your dealer matters as much as the quality of the machine. Bluegrass Diesel Specialists brings capabilities that no other equipment dealer in the region can match:
On-site machine shop with valve grinding, cylinder boring, and head resurfacing. Complete engine rebuild capability for all diesel engine brands. Mobile service trucks that come to your jobsite for emergency repairs. Fleet PM programs that keep multi-unit operations running on schedule.
We’re not just selling you a machine — we’re providing the full lifecycle of support from purchase through trade-in.
What About Price?
We won’t publish competitor pricing here — that’s between you and their dealer. What we will say is this: when you add the options to a Bobcat T770 that come standard on a GEHL VT360 (color display, Bluetooth, ride control), the price difference narrows considerably.
And when you factor in the 15% longer track life from IdealTrax, the in-house engine service capability, and the local dealer support, the total cost of ownership over 5–10 years often favors GEHL.
The best way to compare is to get a quote on both and look at the total package — not just the sticker price.
Both GEHL and Bobcat build capable compact track loaders. The question is which machine — and which dealer — gives you the best value over the life of the equipment. We’re confident enough in the answer to invite you to compare them side by side. Schedule a demo at our Burlington, KY location or call (859) 282-8785. We’ll show you the VT360 in person and let the machine speak for itself.
Call (859) 282-8785Bluegrass Diesel Specialists. View original article