Gulf Construction Online - Bobcat strengthens compact loader range

Transport & Materials Handling

Bobcat’s new range of compact loaders ... high on load performance.

Bobcat strengthens compact loader range

01 December 2005

In a significant development, Bobcat – a business of diversified industrial firm Ingersoll-Rand Company – has announced an expansion of the company’s compact loader range with the launch of a family of three new compact articulated loaders.

The loaders are intended for a wide range of applications in construction, landscaping and rental, as well as general material handling and road repair work.
“By combining the three new articulated loaders with 15 skid-steer models, five compact tracked loader models, a mini-tracked loader, and an all-wheel steer loader, Bobcat now offers the industry’s broadest range of compact loaders,” says a company spokesman.
“The new articulated loaders incorporate the features of larger machines in a compact package. Like all Bobcat compact loaders, the articulated loaders combine high performance with superior build quality, high operator comfort, versatility and durability. In addition, the new articulated loaders are backed by the product knowledge and spares and service support provided by the Bobcat dealer network,” he adds.
Elaborating on the range, the spokesman says: “Commonality with the existing Bobcat compact loader range is provided by the transverse-mounted Kubota diesel engines. The tilt-up hood at the rear of the loaders opens wide to provide easy access to daily service points, the cooling system, fuel filters, the battery and all other components for routine maintenance and servicing.
“The loader equipment on the new Bobcat articulated loaders is engineered to provide high breakout forces. In addition, the loader linkage is designed to maintain the load position parallel to the ground throughout the lifting range for greater load retention and simple operation.
“A third hydraulic circuit allows the articulated loaders to function as efficient tool carriers, with speedy interchange of attachments via a mechanical quick coupler system, though a hydraulic quick coupler system is available as an option. The hydraulic quick coupler, which is controlled by one simple switch, allows the operator to change attachments with minimal effort, an important time-saving feature when switching frequently between attachments such as light material buckets, side-dump buckets, high-tip buckets, multipurpose buckets and pallet forks.
“The limited slip differential axles on the articulated loaders minimise wheel spin and transfer power to the wheel with most traction, maximising drive power and reducing tyre wear. This allows the loaders to adapt to virtually any surface conditions, maintaining traction in tough conditions and when loading the bucket.
“Independent from the loader function hydraulics, the closed circuit hydrostatic four-wheel drivetrain system in the new articulated loaders provides automatic adjustment of the drawbar pull and infinitely variable speed control in both forward and reverse directions. A shuttle shift transmission ensures the loaders can shift smoothly between forward and reverse operations, maximising productivity and minimising operator fatigue. The conveniently located joystick control enables the operator to change directions without a jerking motion that may affect the operator and unsettle loads being carried.
“An important feature providing stability and enhancing safety and operator comfort is the maintenance-free rear oscillating axle. This feature, which provides superior ground adherence and excellent levelling characteristics, also ensures that the driver’s view remains parallel to the bucket edge. The driver always has full control of the front end of the loader.”
Rubber dampeners are strategically placed between the axles and the mainframe to reduce shock loads on the machine, extending machine life and providing smooth operation. Rubber dampeners are also used to isolate the cab for enhanced operator comfort.
The comfortable, full-vision steel ROPS operator’s cab features two doors providing level entry to the cab. Inside, the operator is seated in a weight-adjustable seat with hydraulic cushioning and a safety belt.
There are three models available in the new Bobcat articulated loader range, the AL275, AL350 and AL440, in ascending size.
Equipped with a standard bucket, the AL275 has an overall length of 4,780 mm, width of 1,700 mm, height of 2,610 mm and a turning radius to the outside of the bucket edge of 3,870 mm. The AL275 is powered by a 35.9 kW Kubota diesel engine. It has an operating weight of 3,900 kg, a tipping load (straight) of 2,750 kg and a heaped bucket capacity of 0.65 cu m. The breakout force at the bucket edge of the AL275 is 37 kN and the lift capacity at ground level is 33 kN.
The AL350 has an overall length of 4,955 mm when equipped with a standard bucket, a total width of 1,850 mm, an overall height of 2,670 mm and a turning radius to the outside of the bucket edge of 4,135 mm. A 45.1 kW Kubota diesel engine provides the power for the AL350, which has an operating weight of 4,800 kg, a tipping load (straight) of 3,500 kg and a heaped bucket capacity of 0.80 cu m. The breakout force at the bucket edge of the AL350 is 45 kN and the lift capacity at ground level is 48 kN.
“The AL440 has a tipping load (straight) of 4,400 kg, a breakout force of 55 kN and a lift capacity at ground level of 61 kN. Equipped with the standard 1.0 cu m bucket, the AL440 has an overall length of 5,310 mm, a total width of 1,950 mm, an overall height of 2,765 mm and a turning radius to the outside of the bucket edge of 4,445 mm. Powered by a 61.2 kW Kubota turbo diesel engine, the AL440 has an operating weight of 5,700 kg,” he concludes.
Bobcat is part of the Compact Vehicle Technologies Sector of diversified industrial firm, Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (IR), a global innovation and solutions provider with powerful brands and leading positions within its markets.