New Bobcat Excavators Set to Revolutionize Market
Bobcat is aiming to revolutionize the compact excavator market in Europe when it shows a completely new generation of 2-4 tonne machines for the first time at Intermat 2018.
In the new generation, Bobcat 2-4 tonne compact excavators, all the new models already meet the upcoming European Stage V engine emission regulations and introduce new levels of operator comfort, enhanced controllability and smoothness of all working functions complemented by new ground-breaking design features and styling.
The first details to be released by the company are on the new 2-3 tonne E26, E27z and E27 models (with operating weights of 2560, 2700 and 2610 kg, respectively). All three models offer best-in-class stability as well as complying with weight limits for easy trailering. The main focus has been on operator comfort with the new machines incorporating many innovative features and offering an enhanced level of quality and robustness. They form a new flexible machine platform with different configurations of machines and specifications to suit a wide range of applications and customer needs.
A similar radical transformation is taking place in the 3-4 tonne range. The new E34 and E35z have been developed to reinforce the Bobcat product offering in this category of compact excavator. The company will release more information on these new machines at Intermat.
Jaroslav Fiser, Product Line Director for Bobcat Mini-Excavators in EMEA, commented: “This is a very exciting time for everybody in Bobcat involved in the development of our new products. Our engineers and product experts have worked closely together with our salesforce and selected European dealers to ensure the new products meet the specific requirements of the very demanding customer base in Europe. We are very much looking forward to unveiling our new machines at the Intermat Fair in Paris in April 2018.”
Taking Performance to New Levels
The new generation version of the popular E26 excavator has a transport weight reduced by around 40 kg, increased over-the-side lifting capacity and a brand new robust workgroup with an innovative cylinder-inside-boom (CIB) feature. The new Bobcat E26 excavator is optimized for specific rental industry needs while introducing a new level of operator comfort and features required by demanding owner-operators.
The new E27z model further enhances the excellent performance characteristics of Bobcat’s current E26 machine. As a true Zero House Swing (ZHS) machine (even with the optional heavy counterweight), the E27z offers higher 360 degree stability and a lower weight for easier transportation. With the optional long arm and deluxe cab, the E27z offers the digging output and operator comfort of much larger excavators.
The new conventional swing E27 model introduces a unique in-class combination of superior stability, class leading digging performance and breakout forces together with a transport weight that is still below the weight limits for appropriate trailers. Even with the optional heavy counterweight, the E27 offers just 280 mm of tail overhang which allows the machine to be operated in confined spaces.
Built Around the Operator
Like all Bobcat compact equipment, the new excavators have been designed around the operator to offer the highest levels of comfort and functionality. In the new cab, the larger operator space and luxury interior deliver best-in-class comfort with an improved entry/exit with new handles and a wider door. The new cab features larger windows and narrower pillars giving market-leading all-around visibility. In addition, it is very easy to open the front window on the excavators.
Inside the low noise-low vibration cab, the operator has the benefit of new minimal effort joysticks and a new travel control system with optimized metal travel pedals. The new minimal effort joysticks offer further enhanced controllability and smoothness of working functions. The operator also has a new ‘Selectable Auxiliary Control’ (SAC) system for up to five independent auxiliary hydraulic circuits.
The excavators can be also equipped with a deluxe display on the control panel offering additional information for increased troubleshooting and the new optional selectable auxiliary control system (SAC). All parameters can be checked quickly and easily in a single viewing, including standard readouts such as the fuel gauge and RPM meter but also auto engine shut-down; auto glow plugs countdown; auto cab lights switch-off and audible alarm (in case of malfunction).
The reinforced workgroup in all three excavators has been designed to minimize free play and improve durability. A new blade design enhances robustness and self-cleaning and the strong, innovative protection provided for the boom cylinder is complemented by increased life for hoses, pipes and valves.
As well as the arm-mounted auxiliaries on the workgroup, Bobcat offers Geith and Lehnhoff Hydraulic Coupler and tilt coupler options. A bucket diverter valve kit is also available to power a clam shell bucket attachment. Other options include LED lights and an easy to install beacon. For safer loading and transport, four more tie down points have been added as standard on the upper structure.
Easy Access for Service and Maintenance
The new excavators offer very good access for daily maintenance and service. Metal covers are used, which can be repaired in the case of accidental damage. There is also easy access to upper structure components thanks to the two-piece floor mat and easy to remove floor covers.
The new 2-4 tonne excavators have a very high quality finish with a paint coating that meets the highest customer expectations for toughness and durability. Exterior covers have been designed to be very easy to open and close and dedicated storage has been provided for a grease gun.
Note to press: Make sure you visit us at Intermat - we will be disclosing all relevant information on both the 2-3 t and even more on the 3-4 t models including full specs. You will be able to see them all at our booth and some of them will be in action at our Demo Area.