Bobcat Grader Review with ON Grade Civils

Grading All Wrapped Up
How a Customized Bobcat T76 is Elevating Precision for On Grade Civils Ltd with Eoghan Daly (Earthmovers) 

Owner-operator Brian O’Connor of On Grade Civils Ltd. has built a solid reputation for specialist grading and finishing using a Case CX210D excavator equipped with Topcon 3D GPS. Recognizing a growing demand for work on roads, cycle lanes, and greenways, he decided to add a Bobcat T76 compact tracked loader to expand his services. This investment not only boosts versatility but also maintains the precision and quality for which he is known.

When searching for a new machine, Brian weighed options like small dozers but found compact loaders more adaptable due to their ability to operate with multiple attachments. He chose Bobcat—supplied by Irish importer Adare Machinery—because they could offer a one-stop solution: a high-spec T76 plus a comprehensive range of attachments.

Attachments and Technology

The Bobcat T76 is equipped with a high-flow hydraulic system (114.7 L/min), allowing it to run specialized implements:

• 4-in-1 Bucket and a custom levelling beam, handling general digging and leveling.

• Bobcat Landscaping Rake, providing meticulous de-stoning and topsoil preparation when working in reverse, then leveling moving forward.

• Bobcat 244cm Grader with full Leica Dual Grade 3D guidance, delivering precise sub-base formation and contouring.

Brian, already experienced with Topcon on his excavator, compared several 3D guidance systems before selecting Leica Dual Grade 3D. The kit gives manual or automatic control options on the grader, with an 8-inch screen showing crisp graphics to guide the operator. This system can also switch to total station or laser-based methods—vital for working in enclosed spaces like large indoor floors.

Safety and Customization

One of the first things that stands out is the striking wrap from Dirty Graphix—the first of its kind on a Bobcat T76 in Ireland—giving the machine a unique yet tasteful look. But the modifications go far beyond aesthetics:

• 360-Degree Camera System supplements the factory rear camera for unrivaled visibility on busy jobsites.

• Rear-view mirrors on each loader arm help maintain awareness of surroundings, especially when the arms stay low for grading.

• Blue LED strobe lights activate when reversing, enhancing safety alongside the standard audible alarm.

The side and rear window tinting reduces glare and makes on-screen displays easier to see, while multi-bar lug tracks deliver solid traction without leaving scuffs on finished surfaces.

Real-World Performance

Since arriving in July 2024, the T76 has already proven itself on the Killaloe Bypass / Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Upgrade projects, working under main contractor John Sisk & Son. Its tasks range from forming sub-bases, constructing roundabouts, and grading cycle lanes to reinstating driveways—all requiring high safety standards and tight tolerances.

Even with the grader attachment fully loaded, the T76’s 5-Link torsion suspension and vertical lift geometry ensure smooth travel and precise results. The machine’s compact dimensions (2032 mm wide, 3737 mm long) let it navigate tight areas while still providing a stable platform for larger attachments.

Operator Comfort and Maintenance

Inside the spacious cab, a 7-inch Bobcat control screen keeps all machine data in one place, while a separate Durite monitor displays the 360-degree camera feed. Controls are intuitive: all grader and movement functions operate through the joysticks, and the Leica display sits on a specialized mount for constant visibility.

Maintenance is straightforward: the rear panel swings out, and the top cover raises to expose the radiator. The cab can tilt forward for more in-depth service on hydraulic or drive components.

Conclusion

For Brian O’Connor and On Grade Civils Ltd., the Bobcat T76 has become a key asset in delivering precision grading and finishing on demanding projects. By opting for a custom wrap, enhanced safety features, and a top-tier 3D guidance system, Brian has ensured the machine meets (and exceeds) modern site requirements. As roadbuilding, cycle lanes, and general construction work continue to expand, this meticulously equipped compact tracked loader is well positioned to tackle a broad range of high-accuracy grading tasks—efficiently, safely, and profitably.