Skip to main content

SmartFlow for Bobcat’s R2-Series mini excavators

By David Arminas June 16, 2025 Read time: 1 min
Bobcat’s R2-Series introduces several new features, notably its high-performance SmartFlow hydraulic system

Bobcat’s new “groundbreaking” R2-Series 1-2 tonne mini excavator models are designed to boost customer productivity.

The series includes the E16, E17z, E19 and E20z models, replacing the previous M-Series E17, E17z, E19 and E20z machines, respectively, that were introduced in 2014.

The R2-Series introduces several new features, notably its high-performance SmartFlow hydraulic system. This system uses load-sensing pump bundled with a closed center/flow-sharing main control valve. All of this is powered by a new engine, creating an engineering setup that is exceptionally sophisticated for compact machines of this size.

This combination essentially provides the power on demand seen in larger excavators, ensuring continuously available power that improves precision and efficiency. The new mini excavators maximise hydraulic flow, while using minimum energy for operation.  

These changes allow the operator to tackle challenging jobs, while lowering fuel consumption by up to 18%. Bobcat also reduced the operating noise by up to 3dBA compared to the previous generation. This represents a significant decrease of 50% in sound energy, meaning a noticeably quieter machine on the job site.
 

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Innovations in asphalt surfacing will deliver improvements
    June 20, 2017
    The first few months of 2017 have seen a flurry of new model introductions in the asphalt paving sector for both European and North American paving types - Mike Woof writes. Developments are being seen in both European and North American asphalt paving machines. The latest equipment will help boost productivity and quality for asphalt paving work, while many of the new machines also offer increased versatility. Innovations in telematics meanwhile are helping to ensure that new generation asphalt pavers also
  • Intelligent bulldozers provide productivity boost
    September 27, 2013
    New smart dozers provide faster working and greater efficiency - Mike Woof reports Both Caterpillar and Komatsu are making key moves in offering intelligent bulldozing capabilities on their latest machines. In the medium-sized bulldozer market, both companies have sophisticated new models that will increase both productivity and finish quality, while lowering running costs for the user.
  • Trio of manufacturers release cutting-edge hybrid excavators
    May 19, 2014
    A trio of leading global construction equipment manufacturers have released innovative hybrid excavators. Guy Woodford reports on the new models Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) has launched the first of a new generation of excavators, the ZH210LC-5 hybrid. The latest innovative Zaxis-5 model has been designed to deliver reliable performance with fewer emissions and less fuel than the ZX210-3 model.
  • Case CE unveils CX350D hydraulic excavator
    January 6, 2017
    Case Construction Equipment’s new Tier 4 Final CX350D hydraulic excavator is the first of the D Series excavators to be introduced in North America. Available in North America from early 2015, the CX350D is said to offer significant advances in power, fuel savings, operation and control. The CX350D features an innovative combination of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) technologies, helping maximise uptime and performance. In co