Bobcat continues to broaden compact machine range

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.