Bobcat expands R-Series excavator lineup with E85 model

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Updated Feb 9, 2018
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Bobcat Company expanded its R-Series excavator lineup with the new E85, which the company says is the largest machine in its compact excavator family.

Redesigned with performance, uptime protection and operator comfort in mind, Bobcat says the 8.5-ton E85 features the distinct design and other cab upgrades as the E32 and E35 R-Series compact excavators introduced in 2017.

The company says the 66-horsepower E85 will now be designed and manufactured in Bismarck, North Dakota. The company adds that it shares the same Bobcat turbo-charged diesel engine technology – that doesn’t require a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or selective catalytic reduction (SCR) – and similar cab upgrades found on the current R-Series excavators.

To help operators properly lift and place objects, a new standard lift eye is included.

With 13 inches of tail overhang, the company says the E85 can work in compact environments, including construction, landscaping, utilities, rental and agriculture. Bobcat adds that the excavator’s boom swing frame stays within the width of the machine’s tracks as it swings, which they say makes it easier to perform in confined jobsite conditions and next to buildings or other obstructions where larger equipment can’t fit.

The redesigned E85 cab offers more floor space, redesigned travel pedals, a wider seat and cab and an optional automatic heating and air-conditioning system for complete control over the cab climate.

Bobcat says the excavator cabs on the E85 are rated as a Level 1 Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS), and the company says the improved top window and narrower side pillars contribute to better visibility.

They add that the left and right mirrors enhance the operator’s visibility from inside the cab, and a new sun visor over the top window shields operator’s eyes.

Featuring a standard, easy-to-reach control pattern selector located within the operator’s reach, Bobcat says operators are quickly able to switch from ISO controls to standard controls.

The company adds that with the repositioned auxiliary hydraulic selector switch, operators can toggle between the optional second auxiliary and the boom offset without removing their hands from the left joystick.

Maintaining a wide-open access to the engine area, Bobcat says the E85 allows operators panoramic access to the engine and routine maintenance components for superior service and to help minimize machine downtime.

With a lower engine compartment and relocated hydraulic valves, Bobcat says it’s easier to access and service the machine. Additionally, the company says greasing intervals have been extended to 50 hours for the swing and slew and to 250 hours on upper workgroup pivot points for improved uptime. Bobcat adds that the E85 uses Bobcat genuine oils and filters to simplify stocking parts for fleet owners.

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The E85 also features the following optional comfort and performance enhancements:

  • Hydraulic pin-grabber quick coupler accessory to quickly change attachments from the cab
  • Secondary auxiliary hydraulics to operate attachments with multiple capabilities
  • Deluxe instrumentation panel for fast access to critical machine information
  • Factory-installed steel tracks and segmented tracks
  • Travel alarm to meet localized jobsite requirements
  • Rear work light kit to brighten worksites at night
  • Counterweight to add lifting capabilities
  • Guard kits for the front and top windows to elevate the cab to a Level 2 FOPS rating
  • Keyless start to increase machine security
  • Radio kit

Coming standard with the E85 is the tubular-frame reinforced cab door, which Bobcat says makes it even stronger and able to withstand rough jobsite conditions. The company says the tubular frame holds a tighter seal, which helps keep dirt and dust out.

If equipped with a depth check system that Bobcat says allows excavator operators to dig faster using less effort with greater precision, the company says the E85 will allow operators to accurately measure depth and grade without exiting the excavator.

With a depth check system accuracy of ± 0.5 inches, according to Bobcat, excavator operators no longer have to stop machines to measure depth and potentially enter and exit a trench with a measuring device. The company adds that this also helps minimize over-digging and under-digging, as well as the costs and time associated with backfilling, compacting fill material and doing manual labor to finalize depth or grade.

Bobcat says another system benefit is that there are no additional display screens required, which they say allows for more operator space in the excavator’s cab.

Also featuring strengthened hinges and latches and rigid, aligned excavator panels, Bobcat says vibrations are reduced in the cab, especially when working on rough surfaces.

The company says that operators will find it is easier than ever to secure their E85 to trailers and ensure proper transportation procedures are followed because it is equipped with eight machine tie-down locations.

The following Bobcat attachments are approved for use with the E85:

  • Trenching buckets: 18, 24 and 36 inches
  • Grading buckets: 48 and 60 inches
  • Tilt-grading bucket: 48 inches
  • Hydraulic clamp
  • Hydraulic breaker
  • Flail mower
  • Auger
  • Plate compactor

The following are additional specs for the E85:

Operating weight: 18,977 lb.

Bucket digging force: 16,269 lbf.

Arm digging force: 8,253 lbf.

Rated lift capacity: 9,754 lb.

Maximum reach at ground level: 23 ft. 7 in.

Maximum dig depth: 15 ft. 5 in.

Maximum dump height: 16 ft. 7 in.

Width: 87 in.

Auxiliary hydraulic flow: 25.1 gpm

Tail swing type: Conventional

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