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An important feature of the new
generation Bobcat skid steer and
compact tracked loaders is the lower
and more forward mounted cab that
greatly enhances visibility to the front.
Page 12
Plant Editor Nick Johnson reports from Dobris in
the Czech Republic where Bobcat had its new skid
steer loaders, compact tracked loader and latest
mini excavators ready for inspection.
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Bobcats
Bobcats
When the company whose name is synonymous with skid steer
loaders introduces new generation machines it is an important event.
So the arrival of the first new 600 series Bobcat skid steers prompted a
trip to the company’s Training Centre at Dobris in the Czech Republic
to check out exactly what has changed.
As well as the new S630 and S650 wheeled skid steer loaders,
Bobcat has also introduced a new generation T650 compact tracked
loader together with some new attachments for them. Other new
models include the E45 and E50 mini excavators together with new
rotary telescopic handlers. So there was plenty of new product to
check out.
Bobcat was purchased by the South Korean company Doosan in
2007 and now, as part of Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment,
the brand sensibly retains its own well known name and livery.
Generally Doosan orange is used on larger machines with the white,
black and red Bobcats predominating in the lighter weight equipment.
Some mini excavators are still sold around the world as orange
Doosans but Bobcats are now the only skid steers produced by the
company – its former Doosan range from South Korea having been
discontinued.
As soon as the two new generation Bobcat skid steers and the new
compact track loader are seen it is obvious that they represent a significant step forward. With Bobcat, Doosan claims
to be number one in the world in compact loaders and with these new designs it clearly intends to strengthen this
leading position.
Better forward view from roomier cab
The most apparent feature of the new loaders is that their cabs are roomier and are positioned further forward than
has been the norm on previous Bobcats. This ‘cab forward’ change greatly improves visibility – particularly to the
bucket or other attachment being used at the front of the machine.
The new S630 is a radial arm skid steer loader with a rated operating capacity of 989kg which effectively replaces
the S220 model. The 1220kg capacity S650 is a vertical lift path machine set to supersede the S250 and the tracked
T650 (with a 1166kg capacity) replaces the T250.
These new machines set the style of future Bobcat skid steer and compact tracked loader updates and additions,
The next new generation models – not
seen at Dobris – will be the new top-of-therange
S850 skid steer and its tracked
counterpart, the T870. These machines are
expected to arrive later this year with
operating capacities of 1758kg and 1508kg
respectively.
Bobcat says that the development of
the new generation skid steer and compact
tracked loaders is based on feedback from
customers. The designers were given the
brief to improve visibility, enhance
performance and improve operator
comfort, serviceability and durability. As a
result the latest models have their cabs
The rear protection provided by the new rear
bumper can clearly be seen on this picture of an
S650 skid steer equipped with an industrial
grapple.
CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 5