Bobcat says the M2-Series features numerous enhancements of its popular M-Series machines.Photo: Bobcat
Building on the popularity of its current M-Series loaders, Bobcat Co. came to GIE+EXPO this week to show off its new M2-Series skid-steer, compact track and all-wheel steer loaders.
Bobcat’s Eric Dahl, center, talks with colleagues while manning the company’s indoor booth at GIE+EXPO this week.Photo: David Rountree
The M2-Series compact loaders feature enhancements in performance, operator comfort and visibility, said Eric Dahl, a Bobcat product manager on hand to talk about the machines with dealers and landscapers at the huge trade show in Louisville, Kentucky.
The M2-Series lineup includes Bobcat 400-, 500-, 600-, 700- and 800-frame-size skid-steer, compact track and all-wheel steer loaders. Altogether, the M2-Series includes 24 skid-steer, compact track and all-wheel steer models.
Among improvements in the new M2-Series, Bobcat says, is that compact loader operators can now turn the automatic ride control option on or off from inside the cab. Previously, turning it on or off required accessing a valve by opening the loader’s tailgate.
Dahl noted that the automatic ride control option reduces material spillage, allowing operators to travel at faster speeds. Its dampening effect, which is optimized for each Bobcat loader frame size, also results in a smoother ride.
A new reversing fan option available for M2-Series loaders allows operators to temporarily reverse the cooling fan direction for several seconds to blow dust and small debris from the radiator and rear screens. The fan can be set to reverse direction at regular intervals automatically to keep the loader’s engine coolant and hydraulic oil at proper operating temperatures.
Bobcat says its M2-Series loaders also have new front and rear cab isolators, door seals and side screen dampers – all of which function to reduce noise, vibration and dust inside the loader cab. Meanwhile, a new lift cylinder cushioning feature slows down the loader arms before they reach the lift-arm stops, ensuring smoother movements and increased operator comfort.
Dahl also highlighted a standard feature for 600- and 700-frame-size M2-Series loaders: a low-effort hydrostatic pump. The new pump reduces pedal pressure required by as much as 25 percent.
The M2-Series also boasts of several improvements in visibility, both through new lighting options and a redesign of the top window of the loader’s cab, increasing the viewable area by 34 percent.
