EXECUTIVE REPORT
With its operator seated on the front of the articulated chassis, this L28 is the larger lightweight Bobcat compact wheel loader.
Bobcat loads more options
The company whose name is synonymous with skid steer loaders is busy updating some of its existing models and adding new machine types. Nick Johnson reports.
The announcement by Bobcat of two new product ranges means that this long established company will shortly be able to offer a greater choice of small sized loaders and attachment carriers. To complement its popular wheeled skid steer and compact tracked loaders, Bobcat has designed two new ranges of compact articulated wheel loaders which it classifies as SALs and CWLs.
The two models in the forthcoming SAL (Small Articulated Loader) range are the L23 and L28, which weigh in at 1.7 tonnes and 1.9 tonnes respectively. Featuring an operator compartment on the front chassis, an 18.0kW (25hp) diesel engine and a hydrostatic transmission they will compete against similar style machines made by such companies as Avant, MultiOne and Norcar.
Loader bucket capacity ranges for the lightweight L23 and L28 are 0.2-0.4m3 0.3-0.5m3
and respectively.
Bobcat is also introducing bigger compact wheel loaders with their cabs behind the articulation joint.
The L28 has a telescopic boom and both models can be supplied with either an
open ROPS/FOPS canopy or an enclosed cab. Being produced at the Bobcat factory in Dobris, Czech Republic, these lightweight newcomers being equipped with a Bob-Tach attachment system so that they can be used with an array of small Bobcat attachments.
Moving up in size Bobcat’s two new CWLs (Compact Wheel Loaders) are the L65 and L85. With bucket capacity ranges of 0.6-1.0m3 0.8-1.2m3
and they are powered by Bobcat D24 engines rated at 41.0kW (55hp) and 51.0kW (68hp).
Designed and manufactured at the Bobcat factory in Bismarck, North Dakota, USA, the 4.5 tonne L65 and 4.8 tonne L85 each feature an enclosed cab with glass doors to maximise side visibility. Available from early next year, they have an automatic ride control system and selectable travel modes.
Back in 2007/8 Bobcat offered AL series compact wheel loaders with 0.65m3
, 0.8m3 and 1.0m3 bucket capacities as a result of a badge
engineering deal with Terex for Schaeff derived models. But now, with its own wider range of small articulated loaders, Bobcat should be much better placed in this competitive market.
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In the past, Bobcat briefly badged Ingersoll-Rand compaction equipment to broaden its range. Now the Bobcat name will again appear on rammers, vibratory plates, walk behind rollers, trench rollers and lightweight tandem vibrating rollers – this time following a collaboration agreement with the Ammann Group.
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www.bobcat.com
Meanwhile, the traditional Bobcat skid steer and compact track loader ranges have gained a notable boost with the introduction of four significantly redesigned R-series vertical lift models. Featuring a distinctive style update and a new two-digit model numbering system, the newcomers are the S66 and S76 skid steers and the T66 and T76 compact track loaders.
With rated operating capacities of 1,179kg, 1,361kg, 1,110kg and 1,417kg, the S66, S76, T66 and T76 respectively weigh in at 3,271kg, 4,038kg, 4,296kg and 4,898kg. Each is powered by a 55.2kW (74hp) Bobcat D24 Stage V emissions compliant engine that is now mounted transversely rather than the inline orientation in their M-series predecessors. These new loaders feature longer wheelbases and tracks (to provide a smoother ride) and the provision of 20 percent stronger cast steel structures in the loader arms (to enhance durability).
All R-Series machines come as standard with a fully enclosed one- piece deluxe cab with HVAC, a 5-inch Deluxe Display and an LED lighting system. Available options are the Clear-Side cab, which has mesh-free side screens to aid visibility, a rear-view camera, a 7-inch touch display and a Premium LED light package.
Bobcat compact excavators are an increasingly common sight on UK sites and this range has been enhanced by the introduction of a new R-Series trio of 5-6 tonne models with Stage V emissions compliant Bobcat engines. With operating weights of 4,975kg, 5,346kg and 5,685kg, they are designated the E50Z, E55Z and E60 – with the Z suffix indicating a zero house swing (ZHS) design whereby the rotation of the upper bodywork remains fully within the footprint of the tracks.
Distinguished by a new two-digit model number and a more stylish rear end, this is the T66 compact track loader.
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