Bobcat unveils its new R-Series compact excavator range from 2 to 4 tonnes

With its new R-Series compact excavator range from 2 to 4 tonnes, Bobcat reaches an impressive level of performance and innovation. Comprising five models (the E26, E27z, E27, E34 and E35z), this new range offers an ideal combination of high breakout forces, exceptional stability and control precision, while keeping operating weights low to make transport easier. Their particularly careful manufacturing and finish, together with new innovative features, make the new Bobcat R-Series excavators unique machines on the market.

These new excavators benefit from numerous cutting-edge features and offer an exceptional level of quality and robustness. They are based on new adaptable platforms that allow different configurations and specifications, which customers can combine as they wish to obtain the machine that best meets their needs. In addition, the Bobcat development team was not content with achieving an unprecedented level of engineering and productivity; it also focused on operator ergonomics and comfort.

Jarry Fiser, Product Line Director for Bobcat compact excavators for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, explains: ?Bobcat's current range of compact excavators has made our brand one of the most respected names on the market. After almost 5 years of development work, we are raising the bar even higher and we are confident that we now offer the best machines available.?

Designed around the operator
Drawing on more than 30 years of Bobcat experience, these new compact excavators from 2 to 4 tonnes were specially designed for European customers by the Bobcat European Innovation Center. Designing its products around the operator has always been a Bobcat fundamental. That is why all R-Series excavators receive a completely new cab. This cab offers more than generous interior space, luxurious equipment and extremely easy entry and exit, thanks to a wide door and new ergonomic handles. Its glazed areas have been enlarged and the pillars slimmed down to provide panoramic visibility unequalled on the market.

In addition to excellent noise and vibration insulation, the operator will appreciate the new joysticks and the new optimized metal steering pedals. Thanks to these new low-effort joysticks, the operator enjoys even more precision and smoothness in controlling the working movements. The operator can also use up to five independent auxiliary hydraulic circuits thanks to an attachment control system unique on the market, the S.A.C or "Selectable Auxiliary Control". With the S.A.C, the operator can choose between different control layouts for the auxiliary hydraulic circuits. They can thus work with the most sophisticated attachments in the simplest and most efficient way possible.

The revolutionary concept of the boom cylinder mounted inside the boom (C.I.B) is another exclusive feature*. This innovation guarantees total protection of the boom cylinder and is part of a reinforced work group design that minimizes play and ensures increased longevity.

These excavators can be fitted with a Deluxe instrument panel that offers additional troubleshooting functions while integrating the new attachment control system (S.A.C). While they remain equipped with mechanically injected diesel engines**, which have amply proven their worth and are easy to maintain, all these new excavators already meet the requirements of the upcoming Stage V emission standards.

New models tailored to specific audiences
The new version of the highly popular E26 is a robust and easy-to-use machine, optimized for the specific needs of the rental market, while offering a level of comfort and features that will satisfy the most demanding owner-operators. The transport weight of the new E26 has been reduced by 100 kg, but its side lifting capacity has increased. To avoid recurring problems in the rental sector and thus guarantee maximum availability, the E26 now benefits from innovative features, such as the C.I.B boom cylinder (mounted inside the boom) and working kinematics that minimize the risk of the bucket hitting the cab.

The new E27z surpasses the excellent performance of the current E26, while offering the largest cab on the market for a machine of this size. It is a true zero house swing (ZHS) excavator, even with the optional heavy counterweight. It combines unrivalled freedom of movement, ideal for working very close to walls and other obstacles, with exceptional stability over 360° and a low weight for easy transport. With the optional long arm and its high-comfort cab, the E27z offers digging performance and operator comfort typical of much larger excavators, making it the perfect choice for construction companies operating in cities.

The new conventional tail swing E27 presents a combination unique in this category of superior stability and exceptional breakout forces, while keeping a weight below the permissible limit for transport on a trailer. Even when fitted with the optional heavy counterweight, the rear overhang of the E27 does not exceed 280 mm, which allows it to be used efficiently in confined spaces. It is thus ideally suited to demanding applications where digging performance and ease of transport matter more than compact dimensions.

As for the E34, it is a new 3,4-tonne conventional tail swing model that offers increased stability, impressive performance and even more precise controls. With its new high-comfort cab and the powerful optional air conditioning, the operator will enjoy ideal working conditions in all weather. For applications that do not require trailer transport and zero house swing, this machine is an excellent combination of performance, stability and operator comfort.

With the E35z, a new-generation compact excavator in the highly sought-after 3,5-tonne class, Bobcat offers the additional advantage of zero house swing (ZHS). This machine offers the ideal combination of compact size, a large working envelope (especially with the optional long arm), excellent stability (two counterweight options) and a spacious, comfortable operator station. It is the largest excavator in the R-Series range and will appeal to customers looking for a high-performance zero house swing model, while preferring a significantly lower operating cost than that of higher-tonnage models.

The E34 and the E35z are also the only machines in their category to offer the option of automatic hydraulic track tensioning, a feature that further simplifies their maintenance and minimizes the risk of track derailment.

More equipment and more options
A new design of the backfill blade increases its robustness and self-cleaning capacity. A new boom cylinder guard is complemented by increased protection of the hoses, pipes and valves mounted on the work group. Bobcat is the only brand that offers two mounting options for the quick couplers of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit: on the boom for optimal protection or on the arm for easier access.