Bobcat launch new platform compact loaders
Latest six-model range strengthens company’s position in the compact equipment market
BOBCAT have launched a new family of platform compact loaders with the aim of strengthening their leadership of the worldwide skid-steer and compact tracked loader market.
The 500 series of compact loaders comprise six new-generation models – the S510, S530, S550, S570 and S590 skid-steer loaders, and the T590 compact tracked unit (pictured).
The latest skid-steer loaders will be manufactured in Dobris, in the Czech Republic, while the T590 compact tracked loader will be produced at Bobcat’s main factory in Gwinner, North Dakota, in the US.
Replacing the outgoing S150, S160, S175, S185, S205 and T190 loaders, the new 500-platform machines offer a completely new design with increased performance, enhanced operator comfort and easier serviceability to optimize job site efficiency.
The platform loaders continue the pattern set by the larger machines with significant advances in comfort, visibility, cab room, controllability and cab pressurization. With overall performance and cycle times up by around 16% on the previous models, Bobcat say the latest machines will take efficiency and productivity to higher levels.
Operator benefits include: greater lift capacity; higher breakout forces; better traction for greater pushing and digging power; and more hydraulic power for attachments. The S510 and S550 models are radius lift path loaders, combining high levels of manoeuvrability in tight areas with the reach and visibility needed for applications such as dumping materials over walls, backfilling or loading flatbed trucks.
The S530, S570, S590 and T590 models feature vertical-lift path boom arms particularly suited to lift and carry, and material-handling applications. These units offer an increased lift height over the previous generation of machines and feature an optimized lift arm design to provide operators with the ability to lift heavier loads higher, making it easier to clear high-sided truck boxes and hoppers, as well as placing pallets loaded with heavy materials.
As with all Bobcat’s larger new-generation loaders, the 500-platform machines incorporate a unique forward-positioned cab that moves the operator closer to the attachment and provides visibility in all directions around the machine.
The skid-steer loader models have a two-speed option, which boosts the maximum travel speed from 11.9km/h in low range to 17.3km/h in high range. The hydraulic bucket positioning option keeps the loader bucket level as the lift arms travel upwards, helping to ensure operators spill less and work faster.
