John Deere 26 P-Tier vs. Bobcat E26: Head to Head Comparison

The John Deere 26 P-Tier is the lighter machine with the lower ground pressure, carries the bigger fuel tank, and John Deere publishes its auxiliary flow where Bobcat does not. The Bobcat E26 digs deeper, reaches farther, dumps higher and lists more horsepower. Digging forces, low-range travel speed and width come out even.

The top things to know when comparing the John Deere 26 P-Tier to the Bobcat E26:

1. The 26 P-Tier is lighter whichever configuration Bobcat meant: even Deere's heaviest published build, with cab, long arm and extra counterweight, is 5,795 lb against the E26's 6,489 lb.
2. It also sits lighter on the ground. The canopy 26 P-Tier runs 3.5 psi, and even the heavy cab build's 3.8 psi is under the E26's 4.1 psi, so it is easier on lawns and soft ground.
3. The 26 P-Tier carries 10.4 gal of fuel against 9.1 gal, and Deere publishes its 11.9 gpm auxiliary flow, set with the AUX button to match the attachment. Bobcat does not publish an auxiliary flow figure.
4. The E26 digs 11.4 in deeper, reaches 13.9 in farther at ground level, dumps to 10 ft 8.8 in against 9 ft 1 in and is faster in high range. It also lists 24.8 hp against 18.52 hp, though Bobcat does not say whether that figure is gross or net.

John Deere 26 P-Tier vs. Bobcat E26 Specs

Bobcat's figures are converted into the units John Deere states, and Bobcat's brochure does not say whether its operating weight and ground pressure are for a canopy or cab machine. John Deere figures are for the 26 P-Tier as normally ordered here: canopy, 1.05 m (3 ft 5 in) standard arm, standard counterweight, on 300 mm (12 in) rubber track, with a full fuel tank and a 175 lb operator. Deere's engine power is the ISO 9249 net rating at 2,200 rpm; Bobcat does not state whether its 24.8 hp is gross or net. Deere's digging forces are measured with a pinned-on bucket; Bobcat's brochure does not state how its breakout forces were measured. Deere also publishes a heavier configuration with the cab, the 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) long arm and the extra counterweight, which weighs 5,795 lb with the cab, digs 9 ft 3 in deep, runs 3.8 psi ground pressure and swings a 35 in tail radius. Compare like for like before choosing.

Which machine is better for your work?

Start with the 26 P-Tier for work where weight and footprint matter: moving between jobs on a trailer, tracking across a customer's yard, or running a hydraulic attachment you want matched to a known flow. Its reduced tail swing design is built for cramped places and tight spaces.

Start with the E26 for jobs that need more depth or height: deep trenches, footings, or loading a truck with high sides.

Serviceability, visibility, and daily use

On the 26 P-Tier, a hinged door and a handy battery location open up access to service components, and the display lets you track service intervals and job times. A debris-resistant cooler system and extended service intervals help you work long and strong. JDLink connectivity comes standard from the factory, free from subscriptions or annual renewals, and it feeds John Deere Connected Support. The standard backfill blade now has float, so it can both backfill and grade.

The optional four-season cab comes with standard heat, A/C and Bluetooth radio, a wide entryway and a multi-position front window designed to optimize visibility.

Oklahoma owners get support from CL Boyd in Oklahoma City, Lawton and Ardmore.

Other Comparisons:

The 26 P-Tier also goes head to head with the Kubota U27-4, Cat 302.7 CR and Yanmar ViO25-6B. Bobcat shoppers can also see how the John Deere 35 P-Tier compares with the Bobcat E35. For the rest of the lineup, read John Deere 26 P-Tier comparison guide and John Deere P-Tier Excavators.

Frequently asked questions