Bobcat’s dual-control skid steer loader ... an industry first.
MTS Bobcat offers dual control units
01 August 2006
UK-based Bobcat dealer MTS Bobcat has recently created an industry first with the development of the first skid-steers to offer both remote controls and standard controls interchangeable on the same machine.
“This is the first time that a skid-steer has offered switchable controls on the same machine, transferring by the flick of a switch between the remote-control and standard formats and can complement all standard models from Bobcat,” says Peter Watson, managing director of MTS Bobcat. “This will result in even higher utilisation of the same machine.”
The cost-effective solution utilises a switch mounted inside the Bobcat skid-steer that allows the user to convert it into a remote-controlled system for applications that are potentially hazardous for operators. The company used the services of a leading expert in radio control technology to provide full remote control of the drive and hydraulic systems and to operate attachments on the skid-steer.
“In combination with more than 50 types of Bobcat attachment, the dual-control skid-steers are candidates for anything from work in hazardous areas and reduced access site jobs to emergency situations such as rail and road accidents, fires, and bomb disposal,” adds Watson.
The first of these innovative skid rollers have been purchased by M J Gleeson, working on behalf of Yorkshire Water, for a range of applications which includes cleaning storm tanks at the Knostrop Wastewater Treatment Works in Leeds in the UK. The 10 storm tanks, each the size of a football field, with a capacity of 138,000 cu m were previously been cleaned by an operator driving a modified dumper.
Although a common process at much treatment works, the manual procedure for pushing sewage sludge is potentially hazardous as the operator is inside the tank. In the event of an accident, it would take a considerable time to safely rescue the operator from such large tanks. The only solution is to use a remote-control machine, totally removing the operator from the tank, says Watson.
Bobcat is part of Ingersoll-Rand Company, a diversified industrial firm and a world leader in the field of compact vehicles and equipment. The Bobcat brand includes an extensive line of powerful, nimble compact construction equipment and attachments.
MTS Bobcat is the franchised dealer for Bobcat in the UK.
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