EXECUTIVE REPORT
Better Bobcat
In updating the last of its mini excavators to E series configuration, Bobcat has produced an easily transported 2.7 tonner that should appeal to hirers. Nick Johnson gives his hands-on assessment.
UK plant hire companies like long arm mini excavators as they offer customers deeper digging capability. To maximise dig depth in the 2-3 tonne machine range, Bobcat previously offered its long arm 428 and 328 models, but, weighing in at 3188 and 2935kg respectively (with cabs), they were too heavy to transport on a plant trailer within the 3500kg towing restriction.
The cab door safely latches back to eliminate the risk of damage.
Now, however, with the 10% weight reduction on its new E26, Bobcat can offer a zero tail swing machine, with a long arm and a cab, which weighs 2705kg, allowing legal movement on an aluminium plant
trailer. It can dig down to 2890mm, is 1515mm wide and its standard tail swing of 770mm means that side overhang is negligible.
By adopting a new robust four-plate boom design to reduce front end weight, the manufacturer’s engineers have produced a well balanced machine that can operate effectively for most applications. Where there is the need to use a heavy attachment, it is possible to fit an extra 183kg counterweight to enhance stability. This increases overhang beyond the track edge to 84.5mm.
Made in the Bobcat factory at Dobris, Czech Republic, the E26 has a 3-cylinder Kubota engine rated at 15.5kW (21hp) with auto-idle as an option. The engine powers a new hydraulic system with optimised Nachi pumps. A higher working pressure usefully contributes up to 20% more digging arm forces. Interestingly, the hydraulic system utilises a combination of the technology previously used on the former 425 and 325 models. An open centre system from the 325 produces more flow with the dedicated fourth pump for pilot control. A priority system, which simulates the load-sensing feature of the 425, provides additional flow from the gear pump to the boom and arm when the slew, blade and offset functions are not being used.
Bobcat uses the slogan ‘Smooth Power’ on the E26’s spec sheet and, after a test drive of the machine on the Dobris training ground, it appears fully justified. The machine was certainly smooth to operate and I was impressed with the precision of slew - something that is not found on all mini excavators. As the cab on the E26 is basically the same structure as used on the company’s 5.0 tonne E50, it was not surprising that I found it acceptably spacious and comfortable. Foot space has been freed up because the boom offset is now precisely controlled with a thumb wheel located on the left joystick, rather than being operated by an obtrusive foot pedal.
To aid site levelling, the dozer blade has a float function and, with the long arm fitted, it is possible to get a wide bucket closer to the blade so as to ‘dustpan’ up material. Another good feature is the standard fitting of auto-shift travel motors, which select the best speed range to suit demand. Maximum speeds are 4.6km/h in high range and 2.4km/h in low range.
During warm weather, many mini operators like to work with the cab door open. On the E26 there is no risk of damage as its hinged door can be safely latched back so that it does not protrude beyond the machine’s rounded superstructure skirt. Whilst the cab does not tilt, service access is adequately achieved by means of a hinge-up rear tailgate, a wide opening right hand side cover and an easily removable side grille. All greasing points have been centralised and the new mini also has maintenance free idlers and track rollers, as well as an auto- tensioning engine belt, giving the operator further peace of mind.
Users will also appreciate the external fuel filler, with a lockable cap, as well as the audible indication of when fuelling is almost complete. Such small details can make a big difference.
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0800 756 6813
www.bobcat.eu
Daily maintenance points are easily accessible.
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