If you're currently hunting for a used 2015 t590 bobcat, you probably already know that these machines have a reputation for being the "Goldilocks" of the compact track loader world. They aren't so big that you need a semi-truck to move them around, but they aren't so small that they struggle with a full pallet of sod or heavy grading work. After nearly a decade on the market, the 2015 model year has settled into a very specific spot in the used equipment world—it's old enough to be affordable but new enough to still have most of the modern comforts we've grown used to.
I've spent a lot of time around these M-series machines, and there's a reason you still see so many of them on job sites. Let's dig into what makes this specific year and model tick, and whether it's actually a smart buy for your fleet or your farm.
Why the 2015 Model Still Hits the Mark
Back in 2015, Bobcat was really hitting its stride with the M-Series design. The 2015 t590 bobcat was part of that push to make machines that were more operator-centric. If you've ever spent eight hours straight in an old 700-series loader, you know how much your back and knees can hurt at the end of the day. By the time 2015 rolled around, Bobcat had really dialed in the cab comfort, visibility, and pressurized environments.
One of the biggest selling points of the T590 is its vertical lift path. This is a big deal if you're doing a lot of loading into high-sided trucks or stacking pallets. Unlike radius lift machines that arc outward, the vertical lift keeps the load closer to the machine until it reaches full height. This makes the machine feel way more stable when you're stretched out. In 2015, this was a major reason people chose the T590 over something like the T550.
Performance and Power Under the Hood
Under the cab, the 2015 t590 bobcat usually packs a Tier 4 diesel engine pushing out about 66 horsepower. Now, I know "Tier 4" can be a dirty word to some mechanics because of the added complexity, but by 2015, the industry had mostly figured out the kinks. This machine doesn't require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), which is a massive plus for a lot of guys. Not having to mess with that extra tank and the freezing issues that come with it saves a lot of headaches.
The engine provides plenty of grunt for the 2,100-pound rated operating capacity. To be fair, you can definitely push it a bit further than that, but 2,100 lbs is the "safe" sweet spot where the machine doesn't feel like it's going to tip every time you hit a bump. The hydraulic flow is also decent enough to run most standard attachments. If you're planning on running a high-flow mulcher, you might want a bigger machine, but for augers, grapples, and standard buckets, it's more than enough.
The Track System: Stability vs. Maintenance
One of the reasons people hunt down a 2015 t590 bobcat specifically is for the track system. Being a compact track loader (CTL) rather than a skid steer, it's a beast in soft conditions. If you're working in mud, sand, or on established turf that you don't want to tear up, the T590 is your best friend. It has a low ground pressure that lets it "float" where a wheeled loader would just dig a hole and get stuck.
However, tracks are a double-edged sword. When you're looking at a used 2015 model, you have to look really closely at the undercarriage. Replacing tracks, rollers, and sprockets isn't cheap. If the previous owner was running this machine on asphalt or jagged rock all day, those tracks might be shredded. When I'm checking out a machine from this era, the first thing I do is look at the drive sprockets—if the teeth are pointed like shark fins, you're looking at a $3,000 to $5,000 repair bill right out of the gate.
Inside the Cab: Comfort and Controls
Bobcat really changed the game with the M-series cab. If you find a 2015 t590 bobcat with the "Deluxe Cab" package, you're getting a pretty plush setup. We're talking about a pressurized cab that actually keeps the dust out, a decent heater, and air conditioning that (usually) works well even in July.
You'll also run into two different control setups: the standard hand-and-foot controls or the Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC). This is purely a matter of preference. Old-school guys usually love the foot pedals because that's what they learned on, but the SJC joysticks are much easier on your body over a long week. If you're buying this for employees to use, most younger operators are going to prefer the joysticks because they feel more like a video game and don't require as much physical effort.
Common Issues to Watch Out For
Let's be real—no machine is perfect, especially one that's been working for nearly a decade. When you're inspecting a 2015 t590 bobcat, there are a few "usual suspects" you should check.
First, check the pins and bushings on the loader arms. If they haven't been greased regularly, they'll have a lot of "slop" or play in them. You can test this by lifting the arms slightly and trying to wiggle them side-to-side. Second, look for hydraulic leaks around the auxiliary couplers. These machines often get used with a dozen different attachments, and those quick-connects can get beat up over time.
Another thing to keep an eye on is the electrical harness. While Bobcat's wiring is generally good, a 2015 model has had plenty of time for vibrations to rub a hole in a wire casing, leading to phantom sensor codes. If the dash is lighting up like a Christmas tree, it might just be a bad ground, but it's something you want to know before you hand over the cash.
How It Holds Its Value
The market for used equipment has been absolutely wild lately, and the 2015 t590 bobcat has held its value surprisingly well. You might see these machines listed for prices that seem high for their age, but that's because they're easy to work on and parts are available at every corner of the country.
Buying a 2015 model often makes more financial sense than buying brand new if you aren't using it 40 hours a week. If you're a landscaper who needs it for three days a month, why take the massive depreciation hit on a new T66? The T590 does 90% of the same work for about 60% of the price. Plus, the 2015 year model is right in that "mechanical" sweet spot where you can still do a lot of the basic maintenance yourself without needing a laptop and proprietary software just to change the oil.
Final Thoughts on the T590
At the end of the day, a 2015 t590 bobcat is a workhorse. It isn't the flashiest machine on the lot anymore, and it doesn't have the fancy touchscreen displays of the new R-Series, but it gets the job done. It's a balanced, reliable, and powerful loader that fits into tight spaces but still has the vertical lift to handle serious work.
If you find one with low hours (anything under 2,000 is a "unicorn," but under 3,500 is still decent) and a clean service record, it's hard to go wrong. Just make sure you do your homework on the undercarriage and listen to the engine for any weird knocking. If it sounds smooth and the hydraulics feel snappy, that 2015 T590 will probably keep making you money for another decade. Just keep the grease gun handy and treat it right, and it'll be one of the best investments you can make for your business.