Bobcat recently introduced a number of new products for the rental industry at the company's facilities in Bismarck, N.D. RER staff was on hand to operate the M-Series loaders and M-Series excavators, as well as E60 and E80 excavators. New designs enable operators to accomplish more work through performance and durability enhancements that provide more power and keep the equipment working longer, while increasing operator comfort through improved visibility and a more spacious and comfortable cab.
The first M-Series models are the S630 skid-steer loader and the T630 compact track loader. The S650 and the T650 will be available in August and additional models will be available in the future. A new removable hydraulic hose guide makes changing attachments easier and correctly routes the hoses, preventing wear. Other performance enhancements include an increase of the tractive effort of the loaders by 15 to 20 percent to provide increased pushing and digging power; holes for frame-mounted counterweights that increase lifting performance with certain attachments; and a larger fuel capacity that allows the loaders to work longer between fueling. The S630 has a rated operating capacity of 2,180 pounds and an operating weight of 7,707 pounds, while the T630 has a rated operating capacity of 2,230 pounds and an operating weight of 9,015 pounds.
Bobcat has re-engineered the design of the M-Series excavators, reducing the weight to create a lighter machine. A new load-sensing piston pump and closed center-valve system deliver exceptional metering for smooth control of machine functions. With the new advanced hydraulic system, the company was able to increase the arm breakout force by 10-percent more than previous models. The E32 is a conventional-tail-swing excavator, and the re-engineered house has reduced the overhang by 45 percent. The E35 is a zero-tail-swing excavator that is designed to work in space-constrained jobsites, such as next to buildings or other obstacles. The units also have an auto-idle feature, which automatically causes the engine to return to idle if the excavator's functions are not used for a period of four seconds. The machine returns to the preset throttle position after the operator starts working again. The M-Series excavators also include an X-frame undercarriage, which has increased ground clearance and enables better shedding of debris for easy cleanup when work is finished.
The E60 and E80 excavators offer spacious cabs with an operator seat that adjusts nine ways along with a heating and air conditioning system that has true automotive-style controls. The high-capacity climate-control system has five modes of air placement. The E60 has a 50-hp engine and the E80 has a 57-hp engine, both of which are Interim Tier-4 compliant. The engine control system on each excavator also has an auto-idle feature, reducing fuel consumption when the machine is not working. Engine rpm is controlled electronically so that the operator uses only as much engine power as necessary for the applications. The E60 has a dig depth of 13 feet, 7 inches, and an operating weight of 13,556 pounds with rubber tracks. The E80 has a dig depth of 15 feet, 6 inches and an operating weight of 18,689 pounds with rubber tracks.
RER also interviewed Greg Rostberg, marketing manager for Bobcat, about the key features of each new product that are specifically designed for the rental industry. To view these videos, visit http://rent-talk.rermag.com/2009/06/30/a-place-in-history.
