Bobcat introduce new L85 compact wheel loader

First Bobcat compact wheel loader starts rolling off the production line in the Czech Republic

THE first new Bobcat compact wheel loader (CWL) – the L85 – is now in full production at the company’s Dobris campus in the Czech Republic. Weighing 5,091kg and designed for a multitude of tasks in a wide range of industries, Bobcat say high performance is assured by the combination of the powerful Bobcat engine and hydraulics, complemented by the high stability, breakout, push and pull forces, and a comprehensive selection of Bobcat attachments.

Jiri Karmazin, loader product manager at Bobcat, said: ‘A product of the Bobcat Innovation Centre at our Dobris campus, the L85 has been designed to set a new market-leading performance benchmark in this segment of the market.

‘The L85 is built with proven components including the engine, structures, axles, electronics and hydraulics, sourced either from Bobcat or our prestigious Tier 1 suppliers. Many components are already widely used in our market-leading compact loaders, mini-excavators and telehandlers, and the L85 undergoes the same final assembly and test procedures as these products.’

Already, multiple Bobcat loader attachments have been approved for use on the L85, with more to be announced in the near future. The current portfolio includes a general-purpose bucket, light material buckets, a combination bucket and pallet forks. The L85 is also equipped as standard with the Power Quick-Tach system compatible with widely used industry-standard couplers.

The 50.7kW (68hp) Bobcat D24 engine is generally started by the standard key, but for quick engine start and stop during the day, the operator can also use soft-touch buttons conveniently located on the right-hand console. The machine is also equipped with automotive-style automatic parking brake and slope assist features, which are said to be unique in the industry for this type of machine.

The location of all the controls is designed to make the L85 easy and comfortable to operate. The direction-changing switch [Forward-Neutral-Reverse] is located on the front side of the joystick and is index-finger operated, whilst the jog shuttle is used to reach, navigate and confirm the set-up of the L85 on the 5in LED display, and also to switch quickly to the view provided by the rear-view camera. All the machine’s vital information display and set-up screens are managed via the jog shuttle.

Designed around the operator, the cab on the L85 offers high levels of comfort and easy operation. The joystick’s position is adjustable horizontally and integrated in the operator’s suspension seat and the steering column is also adjustable in two directions, horizontal and vertical, a feature unique in the CWL industry. The cab is fully enclosed and pressurized, meeting the strictest FOPS II safety requirements.

There are two full glass doors either side of the cab, providing excellent visibility on both sides. This is further enhanced with the low front window corners, a hood design that offers both toughness and high visibility, and the output from the rear-view camera. The L85 is equipped as standard with a heating system, with a full heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system available as a factory option. Other comfort and performance features available include high-flow hydraulics, automatic ride control, bucket level indicator, LED road Lights, 30km/h speed option, wheel options and a road package.