Bobcat continues to broaden compact machine range

The commanding position of Bobcat in the world skid steer market was graphically illustrated earlier this year when the company produced its one-millionth loader. This achievement is being marked around the world with competitions and the availability of limited edition commemorative S650 (skid steer) and T650 (tracked) loaders. The latest wheeled Bobcat skid steer loader is the M-Series S450, which replaces the popular S130 model. This new radial lift path loader has a rated operating capacity is 608kg and
September 11, 2014 Read time: 3 mins
Bobcat is working with Trimble to introduce a matched 3-D grade control system onto its range of laser equipped grader attachments

The commanding position of 1130 Bobcat in the world skid steer market was graphically illustrated earlier this year when the company produced its one-millionth loader. This achievement is being marked around the world with competitions and the availability of limited edition commemorative S650 (skid steer) and T650 (tracked) loaders.

The latest wheeled Bobcat skid steer loader is the M-Series S450, which replaces the popular S130 model. This new radial lift path loader has a rated operating capacity is 608kg and is powered by a Tier 4 Final/Stage III emissions compliant 36.4kW 1265 Kubota V2203-M-DI 1.8litre diesel engine. Improvements include a new, 10% more spacious cab that has been mounted 50mm further forward to increase visibility to the front.

Bobcat was acquired by 6902 Doosan Infracore of South Korea in 2007 and now this significant engine producer is developing new smaller engines for future use in selected Bobcat machines. New Bobcat branded engines, built by the Doosan Infracore Engine Business Group, will be introduced into some Bobcat loaders during 2015.

There will be three non-DPF (diesel particulate filter) Bobcat engines with power ratings from 37-74kW and displacements of 1.8, 2.4 and 3.4litres respectively. The new engines will be used in 500, 600, 700 and 800 platform Bobcat loaders, except for the S510 and S530 models, which are rated below 37kW.

While the Bobcat name is most closely associated with compact loaders, the company also makes a comprehensive range of compact excavators. Later this year the company will be introducing three more new European designed and made mini excavators - the zero tail swing E20 and conventional swing E19 and E17 (rental market) models. When fitted with a cab the E20 weighs 1,983kg and it digs down to a maximum depth of 2062mm with long dipper arm – without the need for any protruding additional counterweight.

The E20 is powered by a 13.9kW Kubota D722 engine and it will come with two-speed travel, auto shift and an automatic slew brake as standard. The machine has a spacious cab (able to accommodate a European-sized operator) and an extending undercarriage to provide a narrow travel width of 980mm and a more stable operating width of 1360mm. With the tracks fully extended, the machine scores by having not only zero tail swing, but also non-protruding front cab corners.

The three new minis have been designed in Bobcat’s Research and Development Centre in Dobris in the Czech Republic close to the factory where they will be made.

A new research and development centre is being built in Dobris in order to accelerate the introduction of more new models.

As part of its attachment development programme, Bobcat is working on a more advanced laser system for use with its grader equipped skid steer, compact track and all wheel steer loaders. Prototype testing is being carried out with machines fitted with a 2122 Trimble 3-D grade control system to enhance the ability of a Bobcat with a grader attachment to carry out precision levelling work.

Maintenance

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New excavators dig more efficiently
    March 18, 2016
    Increased performance and more durable construction are key features of new generation excavators – Mike Woof writes. All the major equipment manufacturers are introducing new hydraulic excavators to meet market demand. These machines are offering increased output at the same time as producing lower emission levels and burning less fuel than before. From Caterpillar for instance comes its new 330F, which features a maximum operating weight of 29.75tonnes and is powered by a 178kW Cat C7.1 ACERT diesel that
    Read More
  • Wacker’s latest skid steer offers increased performance
    June 14, 2017
    From Germany, Wacker Neuson recently launched a new line of medium-frame skid steer and compact track loaders that the company says are ideal for a variety of applications. The four new skid steer and two new compact track loaders have hinge pin height on the vertical loaders to provide maximum loading and unloading capabilities. For example, pin height for the SW16 wheel skid steer is 300cm while for the ST31 radial lift track model is nearly 319cm. An engine torque of 300Nm provides the power needed for i
    Read More
  • Volvo EC30, ECR40 excavators for UK
    May 30, 2024

    SMT GB recently introduced the new Volvo EC37 and ECR40 compact excavators into England, Scotland and Wales.

    Both the 3.5 tonne EC37 and the 4 tonne ECR40 boast smooth operation and easy servicing, as well as a spaciousness and more comfortable cab, according to SMT GB - the exclusive dealer of Volvo Construction Equipment and K-Tec Earthmover products in the three nations.

    Read More
  • Innovations are pushing boundaries in the concrete road paving sector
    February 18, 2013
    The concrete road paving market continues to develop - Mike Woof reports Concrete road paving technology continues to evolve, with new equipment and techniques coming to market. Although concrete road construction has been used for many years, problems with early generation technologies affected this market segment. The first concrete roads were constructed in sections, which led to problems at joints but these were addressed many years ago with the advent of slipform paving. Concrete roads constructed in t
    Read More

Highlighted Content