Bobcat Co. introduced compact excavators to the U.S. market in 1986. Today it continues to be one of the few manufacturers building compact excavators in the United States. This year, Bobcat introduced its newest compact excavator generation — the all-new R-Series. R-Series excavators build on the success of the popular M-Series generation, providing a boost to operator productivity and comfort, as well as machine uptime protection.
R-Series excavators made their debut during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in March 2017. The first two excavators in the new generation are the E32 and E35 in the popular 3- to 4-ton size class. Additional R-Series excavators will be introduced later. R-Series excavators feature a bold, distinct design. A new dual-flange track roller system was added to provide up to 15 percent increase in lift capacity for improved performance when working over the side of the machine. Operators will also experience improved ride quality, high-quality finish and a redesigned cab.
Bobcat offers 12 excavators to match different operating conditions and worksite needs — five conventional tail swing models, six with zero tail swing and two with minimal tail swing. The Bobcat compact excavator lineup spans from the ultra-compact 418 to the 59-hp E85. Bobcat compact excavator dig depths range from 6 to 15.5 ft with the standard excavator arm, and a long-arm option is available on many models. A unique feature of seven Bobcat compact excavators is an extendable-arm option that allows the use of a hydraulic clamp in the extended position. The option provides operators with up to 30 in. of additional reach, when fully extended, giving them more reach, dig depth and dump height without having to purchase a larger machine. Bobcat also says it is the only compact excavator manufacturer with an extendable-arm option that is clamp-compatible.
The optional deluxe instrument panel has a multi-language, full-color display, providing a quick visual of function and machine vitals. The panel’s home screen displays the fuel level, coolant temperature, day, time and engine rpm. Operators can select auxiliary hydraulic flow rates from the panel for more efficient attachment operation. R-Series and M-Series compact excavators feature auto-shift travel, which boosts the machine’s productivity by shifting the machine in and out of high range automatically, and the auto-idle feature, which can be enabled at the operator’s discretion and automatically causes the engine to return to idle if the excavator’s functions are not used for approximately four seconds, saving fuel and reducing sound levels.
Advice to Buyers
“When comparing compact excavator models, investigate whether routine maintenance items can be easily accessed,” says Tom Connor, Bobcat compact excavator product specialist. “Check for access to the daily checkpoints, such as vital machine fluids and other important maintenance items. Determine if the compact excavator has centralized grease points for the slew bearing and pinion gear.”
Bobcat Co.
250 E. Beaton Dr., West Fargo, ND 58078
877-505-3580 | bobcat.com/excavators
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