Bobcat unveil new concept machines at Conexpo

World’s first all-electric skid-steer loader and a new all-electric autonomous concept machine

TAKING innovation to the next level, Bobcat have introduced two new concept machines at Conexpo 2023.

Following the 2022 release of the Bobcat T7X, the world’s first all-electric compact track loader, the company now unveiled the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader, the Bobcat S7X. Bobcat have also stepped beyond industry expectations with the unveiling of their new concept track loader, the Bobcat RogueX – a next-generation concept machine that explores the capabilities of electric power, autonomous operation and dual lift-arm geometry.

‘At Bobcat, we are always pushing the boundaries to explore the next leading advancements that help our customers accomplish more and propel the industry forward,’ said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat chief executive officer and vice-chairman. ‘As an organization, we are committed to innovating for our customers’ needs first and foremost, so that they can become more efficient, more productive and more successful.’

Like the T7X, the S7X is all electric, as it is powered by a 60.5kWh lithium-ion battery, features electric drive motors and utilizes ball screw actuators for lift and tilt functions.

Together, the battery and electrical powertrain are said to generate incredible performance characteristics, with instantaneous torque that is as much as three times greater than traditional loaders. The powerful loader balances sustainability and performance with zero emissions and is equipped to outperform its diesel-powered equivalent. It also offers operators a smooth and comfortable experience with minimal vibration and nearly silent operation.

The S7X can operate for up to 8h on a single charge, depending on the application, giving most operators more than a full day’s work when breaks and downtime are taken into consideration. A full charge takes approximately 10h.

‘As the inventor of the original skid-steer loader, we are excited to take the machine that created the industry and reinvent it all over again,’ said Joel Honeyman, Doosan Bobcat vice-president of Global Innovation. ‘The S7X is an incredible product with real-world application that can support operators on environmentally sensitive sites, in noise-restricted areas and for indoor operation.’

Currently, the S7X skid-steer loader is being debuted as a prototype machine.

Meanwhile, the Bobcat RogueX combines technologically advanced features to make it a one-of-a-kind conceptual machine. While most closely resembling a track loader, the machine is said to be in a league of its own. As a research and development project, the machine was built as a proving ground to advance the Bobcat innovation roadmap, evaluate customer perceptions and test the limits of machine functionality.

‘RogueX was concepted with consideration for the worksite of the future and how a customer’s needs may evolve – with a focus on ease of use, remote operations, autonomous functionality, sustainable operations and features that allow operators to accomplish more with one machine,’ said Mr Honeyman.

As jobsites change and operators turn to remote operation, Bobcat have taken their concept further by fully eliminating an operator station. The machine explores the idea of operating where humans cannot go to tackle more work in more places than ever from a remote position.

By building the loader without a cab and using advanced kinematics, RogueX features unique next-generation functionality, including both vertical-path and radial-path lift capabilities in one machine.

The all-electric and autonomous concept machine produces zero emissions as it features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive system and no hydraulics.

‘After our successful development of building an all-electric loader [the Bobcat T7X], we wanted to think bigger, broader and take a leap far into the future,’ said Matt Sagaser, director of innovation accelerated at Bobcat. ‘Our dedicated innovation team took a bold approach and designed a machine that breaks all the rules. RogueX sets a framework for what is possible, and our team is just getting started on what is next.’

RogueX is in the early research and development stage at Bobcat.