Bobcat Expands Zero-Tail-Swing Line with New 425 ZTS Compact Excavator

WEST FARGO, N.D. — November 2006

Contractors needing a zero-tail-swing (ZTS) excavator in the 2 – 3 metric ton size class now have a new option with the 425 compact excavator from Bobcat Company, a business of Ingersoll Rand, a diversified industrial firm. And for those needing added dig depth and reach, a long-arm configuration of the 425 is also available.

The new Bobcat® 425 compact excavator builds upon the existing 430, 435 and 442 ZTS excavators. Bobcat representatives say its class-leading performance will appeal to a variety of customers, especially those in the rental, construction, utility and landscaping markets. They say more customers are wanting a 2 – 3 metric ton excavator with zero tail overhang because it optimizes spoil placement and reduces the likelihood of contact with surrounding objects.

The 425 standard-arm excavator delivers a maximum digging depth of 8 feet 4 inches and a maximum reach of 14 feet 10 inches at ground level. The 425 long-arm option has a maximum digging depth of 9 feet 4 inches and a maximum reach of 15 feet 9 inches at ground level for even greater spoil placement.

Both models are powered by a 26-hp liquid-cooled diesel engine and feature two-speed travel motors. The two-speed travel motors increase the excavator's mobility around jobsites by providing a 1.2 mph low travel speed and a 2.3 mph high travel speed.

The 425 provides excellent lifting ability, and its 3,282-pound arm breakout force and 5,058-pound bucket breakout force (5,530-pound with long-arm option) provide ultimate digging power. In addition, the 425 compact excavator's ZTS feature doesn't compromise its slew torque performance, which is critical for any operator working on hillsides.

The 425 long-arm option provides optimal over-the-side performance with minimal tail swing because of an additional counterweight, which extends about 3 inches beyond the excavator's tracks.

Both 425 models have several industry-leading features, including a spacious operator station, simplified service and maintenance access and an easy-to-use attachment mounting system. The roomy cab with suspension seat provides easy entry and exit. To quickly and easily switch between attachments, the clamp-ready excavators are equipped with the exclusive Bobcat X-Change® mounting system.

Turf-friendly rubber tracks distribute the operating weight of the 5,849-pound (6,257-pound long-arm option) excavator over a larger area to lower ground pressure to 3.7 psi (3.9 psi long-arm option) and minimize damage to landscapes, paving stones and other established surfaces. Steel tracks are also available for harsher working environments. With an overall width of 61 inches, the 425 is able to access areas that larger excavators and tractor loader backhoes cannot.

The 425 offers 13.2 gpm of auxiliary hydraulic flow, which is controlled by a convenient thumb switch located on the right joystick. With this fingertip auxiliary hydraulic control, the operator can precisely manage the direction and rate of flow, thus significantly enhancing operation of attachments such as the hydraulic clamp.

The instrumentation system on the 425 monitors vital machine fluid temperatures and pressures, and in the event a system sensor reads an abnormal condition, it will alert the operator and ultimately shut down the engine before catastrophic damage to the engine or the hydraulic system occurs. The monitoring system provides the operator with engine temperature, fuel level, engine speed and machine hours.

QuickLook: 425 Compact Excavator

• 425 standard arm features zero tail swing, which optimizes spoil placement and reduces likelihood of contact with surrounding objects
• Maximum digging depth: 8 feet 4 inches (Std Arm); 9 feet 4 inches (Long Arm)
• Maximum reach at ground level: 14 feet 10 inches (Std Arm); 15 feet 9 inches (Long Arm)
• Arm breakout force of 3,282 pounds
• Bucket breakout force: 5,058 pounds (Std Arm); 5,530 pounds (Long Arm)
• 13.2 gpm of auxiliary hydraulic flow
• Overall width of 61 inches for access to confined areas
• Turf-friendly rubber tracks for low ground pressure: 3.7 psi (Std Arm); 3.9 psi (Long Arm)
• Spacious cab with suspension seat provides easy entry and exit
• Simplified service and maintenance access
• Bobcat X-Change® mounting system for quickly switching between attachments

Ingersoll Rand is a world leader in the field of compact vehicles and equipment. The widely known Bobcat brand includes an extensive line of powerful, nimble compact construction equipment and attachments, and our state-of-the-art engineering capabilities and stylish designs are reflected in our world famous Club Car vehicles. For more information, visit www.bobcat.com or www.ingersollrand.com.