At the 2019 GIE+EXPO, Bobcat announced its re-entry in the compact tractor market with 15 new models.
“The company is completely invested in this now,” says James Crouch, senior product manager for Bobcat. “It’s not going to be a flash in the pan for us. We want to attract new customers and foster the relationships we already have today.”
Some of the main features include standard four-wheel drive and a tight turning radius of 96.4 inches. Steer breaks are available on CT2025 models and up to provide users greater control when working between buildings and around other obstacles.
The Bobcat quick attach mounting system comes standard, allowing operators to exchange front- and mid-mount attachments, saving time and boosting versatility. The compact tractors can use a number of attachments including a front-end loader, backhoe and mid-mount mower.
Other implements include a box blade, angle blade, tine rake, rotary cutter, tiller, snowblower, finish mower, auger, rear ballast box and quick hitch.
The Bobcat compact tractors feature a rear power take-off that helps transfer power from the engine to any rotary implement.
End users can access engine fluid and filters all on one side of the tractor and a heavy-duty brush guard protect against debris. Each machine has a 24-month, 1,500-hour warranty.
The models range from 21 to 58 horsepower and have four different transmission types. The transmission types include manual shift, synchro shift, hydrostatic and electric hydrostatic.
Manual shift is ideal for mowing or spraying jobs while the synchro shift provides the greatest ease of use, according to Bobcat. The hydrostatic transmission is well-suited for front-end loader work and allows the operator to quickly change direction from forward to reverse and back.
The electric hydrostatic has all the benefits of a hydrostatic transmission but it also allows operators to maintain their uphill speed without travel pedal adjustments.
There are also three different types of tires available. Agricultural tires for towing heavy loads, turf fires for minimal damage to lawns and industrial tires for maximum traction and protection against wear and tear.
The model number of the machine indicates its structure and power. The first two digits reference the machine’s frame size whether it is a 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 or 5,000 platform machine. The following digit shows whether the compact tractor has an open canopy or deluxe cab. For example, a CT50XX has an open canopy, a CT55XX offers a deluxe cab.
The final two digits indicate the engine horsepower, so the CT4055 has a 55-horsepower engine.
“Compact tractors are a natural complement to existing Bobcat compact equipment,” says Chris Knipfer, general manager, Bobcat compact tractors. “In fact, many of our current customers who own loaders and excavators also own tractors. We now have a Bobcat compact tractor option for those customers.”
Also at the show, Bobcat expanded of its R-Series excavator lineup with the new E26.
According to Bobcat, this new excavator is designed with performance, uptime protection and operator comfort in mind.
With minimal tail overhang, the E26 can work in tight landscaping jobs. It also has a boom swing frame that stays within the width of the machine’s tracks as it swings, allowing it to fit where larger earthmoving equipment can’t.
The E26 excavator offers added dig depth, reach and dump height with the standard long-arm configuration. Increased cylinder size aids in providing better breakout forces and lifting ability.
According to the manufacturer, the E26 offers the best lift capacity for its size and a narrow width for easy trailer loading and working through gates and other tight areas.
The 24.8-horsepower diesel engine does not require a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or a selective catalytic reduction (SCR).
Bobcat has also worked to increase the durability of the E26, making stiffer body panels with stronger hinges and latches. The steel hydraulic lines protect the hydraulic system better than rubber hoses and they are also routed through the lower portion of the boom swing casting and tucked into the top area of the boom structure.
Visibility has been boosted with a 19 percent increase of glass surface area. The cab has also been redesigned to be more spacious for operators. The joystick controls are low effort and designed for ease of use. The cab has also been made quieter, reducing noise levels.
Additionally, coming in early 2020, are Bobcat’s new small articulated loaders. The company says these are a good fit for landscaping, tree care and tree removal customers as it helps minimize workload and complete projects efficiently. The machines can fit in tight spaces and cause little turf disturbance.
The L28 model has a boom that can extend up to 24 inches and the telescoping boom arm’s dual-cylinder design keeps the load level as the operator moves the bucket. The controls are intuitive with a steering wheel and joystick.
Operator comfort is provided with a heated cab enclosure and heated seat for work in the winter.
For more information, contact your local dealer or click here.