Bobcat entering European wheel loader market
Company launching new compact wheel loaders (CWLs) and new small articulated loaders (SALs)
ADDING to their current European compact loader line-up of skid-steers, compact track loaders, mini-track loaders and telescopic loaders, Bobcat are to extend the range with the introduction of compact wheel loaders (CWLs) and small articulated loaders (SALs).
The company is entering the CWL market with two models, the L65 and L85, designed and built at the company’s campus in Dobris, in the Czech Republic. Offering 41kW (55hp) of engine power, the 4.5-tonne L65 has a bucket capacity of 0.6–1.0 cubic metres, a maximum tipping load of 2.6 tonnes and maximum travel speed of 30km/h. The 4.8-tonne L85 has 51kW of engine power, a bucket capacity of 0.8–1.2 cubic metres, a maximum tipping load of 3.1 tonnes and a maximum speed of 30km/h.
Bobcat loader product manager Jiri Karmazin said: ‘With our new CWLs, you can get any job done thanks to the combination of a powerful Bobcat engine and a well-balanced hydraulics system. Bobcat CWLs can also be adapted to different applications with a wide range of Bobcat-approved attachments. The Bobcat CWL range is built using well-proven components, renowned suppliers and processes used in other Bobcat products.’
As with the CWLs, Bobcat are entering the SAL market with two models, the L23 and L28, though these are designed and built by the company in Bismarck, North Dakota, in the US. With the new SALs, Bobcat say the traditional attributes of high performance in a compact size, agility and versatility are now complemented by a light touch on the ground and increased lift capacity for lower-weight machines.
Both machines achieve minimal ground disturbance through their use of an articulated joint, which allows the rear tyres to match the front tyre path when turning, and both offer 18kW (25hp) of engine power and a maximum travel speed of 13km/h. The 1.7-tonne L23 has a bucket capacity of 0.2–0.4 cubic metres and a maximum tipping load of 1.3 tonnes, whilst the figures for the 1.9-tonne L28 model are 0.3–0.5 cubic metres and 1.4 tonnes respectively.
Bobcat loader product manager John Chattaway said: ‘The high lift capacity offered by Bobcat SALs compared with their machine weight is ideal for lift and carry operations in compact areas. The extendable boom on the L28 further simplifies the placement of loads which is also enhanced by the all-round visibility. Counterweight options allow our SALs to be customized to give users the capacity they need for a particular application.’
Bobcat will provide more detailed specifications for the CWL and SAL ranges at the commercial launch date, which is planned for early 2021.
