New Remote Control Launch for Bobcat Loaders

Posted: 11 April 2019

Bobcat is launching a new Remote Control System for Bobcat compact loaders. This system allows operators to leave their seat in the cab and control their Bobcat loader remotely. It is compatible with Bobcat skid-steer, compact track and all wheel steer loader models equipped with the company’s Selectable Joystick Controls. Bobcat is the first manufacturer to introduce a Remote Control System as original ‘Plug&Play’ equipment, rather than offering it as an add-on development from a third party. The new system will be commercially available later this year.

Remote control solutions have proved their qualities and abilities to save lives in the toughest environments all around the world by providing service during disasters like floods, forest fires, mud or rock slides and in other places where operators can be subjected to dangerous situations.

“We first presented our remote control prototype at Bobcat Demo Days in October 2017 with excellent feedback from our customers, then subjected it to further improvements, testing and licensing, before finally introducing it as an easy ‘Plug&Play’ solution for existing machines here at Bauma for commercial launch,” says Jiri Karmazin, Loaders Product Manager Doosan Bobcat EMEA.

“The remote control system can be used in many applications with the focus on limitless visibility, the ability to communicate with the surroundings without the need to be present in the cab, comfort enhancement for applications with noise, vibration and harshness or even in dangerous areas. This was the voice of our customers and the issues we observed on most jobsites,” Jiri Karmazin continued.

The new plug and play system comprises an easily portable and industrial radio remote control solution that can be mounted and dismounted on machines in a matter of minutes, leaving behind the standard machine in its original form. Being able to control the loader from outside the cab offers the operator a completely new and alternative opportunity in terms of visibility and communication.

Not only does it provide direct sight of the progress of work with a range of attachments, further increasing the versatility of the loader and a comprehensive range of attachments including angle brooms, augers, breakers, buckets, snow blowers or trenchers and wheelsaws where the operator specifically needs to drive backwards with the loader and this solution offers perfect visibility of the project. It also allows operators to talk face-to-face with project partners and manage the surroundings (verbally or non-verbally) at the same time.

Increased Safety and Productivity

Remote control aims to increase safety, comfort and productivity by distancing the operator from dust, noise, vibrations and other hazards encountered at the workface or on job sites that require special safety precautions. Work can be done faster with higher precision and, in some applications, with fewer personnel on the job site. For increased safety, the system also features an emergency stop button and drop and tilt detection.

Every remote-control kit is protected by a dedicated password, with two-way communication providing all the important information about the loader (such as fuel and oil status, warnings, etc.) on a 3.5-inch transflective colour backlit LCD display. The system provides most of the functions that can be performed via direct loader operation, including throttle, light, creep and float controls. There is also speed management control to ensure easier operation in certain applications (such as trenching, tilling, scarifying and so on). The system in very intuitive to use and the training for end users will be provided by Bobcat dealers.

The remote control system is supplied with two exchangeable batteries offering a long 20-hour battery life. The protective case ensures it is easier to transport from one job site to another. This forms part of an updated state-of-the-art ergonomic design with the system housed in a rugged and weatherproof enclosure.

As mentioned above, applications include demolition environments with poor air quality and distracting noise, where the remote control system gives the operator the ability to do work from a distance, free from dirt, dust and noise. For construction work that normally requires two people, this solution can cut labour numbers and costs, as only one operator can complete the job themselves by carrying out work with attachments from outside the cab.

In shipyards with limited space, distancing the operator from the machine keeps them away from hazardous chemicals and other airborne pollutants. The job can be done more easily, with better visibility for managing tight spaces in and around containment areas.

In the waste and recycling industries, the remote control solution allows operators to handle dangerous or toxic materials from a safe distance, minimizing the risk of exposure.

With the remote control solution, operators can work on hazardous applications (such as detecting and removing land mines) and also in areas where more visibility is needed to do the job properly (such as in some road applications).

READ MORE

View all
Bobcat Shows New L95 Compact Wheel Loader and TL25.60 Super Compact Telehandler For First Time at Agritechnica Bobcat Shows New L95 Compact Wheel Loader and TL25.60 Super Compact Telehandler For First Time at Agritechnica

Bobcat Shows New L95 Compact Wheel Loader and TL25.60 Super Compact Telehandler For First Time at Agritechnica

13 November 2023

At Agritechnica 2023 in Hanover, Germany from 12-18 November 2023, the world's largest trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment, Bobcat will debut a number of new products and technological developments for the first time at the show.
Bobcat Expands Global Manufacturing Footprint with New Facility in Monterrey, Mexico  Bobcat Expands Global Manufacturing Footprint with  New Facility in Monterrey, Mexico 

Bobcat Expands Global Manufacturing Footprint with New Facility in Monterrey, Mexico 

8 November 2023

Doosan Bobcat, a global compact equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, announced today intentions to expand its footprint with a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, anticipated to begin production in early 2026. 
Bobcat Machine IQ System Now Available as a Subscription Service with Standard and Premium Package Options Bobcat Machine IQ System Now Available as a Subscription  Service with Standard and Premium Package Options

Bobcat Machine IQ System Now Available as a Subscription Service with Standard and Premium Package Options

12 October 2023

Bobcat, a global compact equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, has announced the launch of the company’s new Machine IQ telematics subscription service in Europe and Israel.
Doosan Bobcat Expands Global Brand Strategy – RYAN Turf Renovation Equipment Transitions to Bobcat Brand RYAN Turf Renovation Equipment Transitions to Bobcat Brand

Doosan Bobcat Expands Global Brand Strategy – RYAN Turf Renovation Equipment Transitions to Bobcat Brand

4 October 2023

Doosan Bobcat has expanded its global branding strategy as it announces its RYAN turf renovation equipment will rebrand under the Bobcat trade dress in 2024.
New Top-of-the-Range L95 Compact Wheel Loader from Bobcat New Top-of-the-Range L95 Compact Wheel Loader from Bobcat

New Top-of-the-Range L95 Compact Wheel Loader from Bobcat

2 October 2023

Bobcat has extended the company’s Compact Wheel Loader portfolio with the introduction of the new top-of-the-range L95 model, adding to the L85 and L75 compact wheel loaders launched in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
New Top-of-the-Range L95 Compact Wheel Loader from Bobcat, designed for Agriculture New Top-of-the-Range L95 Compact Wheel Loader from Bobcat

New Top-of-the-Range L95 Compact Wheel Loader from Bobcat, designed for Agriculture

2 October 2023

The L95 is ideal for a wide range of agricultural applications.
Bobcat Celebrates 60 years of Pontchâteau, France Factory Bobcat Celebrates 60 years of Pontchâteau, France Factory

Bobcat Celebrates 60 years of Pontchâteau, France Factory

6 September 2023

Bobcat’s factory in Pontchâteau in France traces its history back to the early 20th century when Joseph Sambron transformed his school bench factory into a hub for farm machinery and bicycles.
Doosan Bobcat Appoints Gary Hornbacher as New EMEA President Doosan Bobcat Appoints Gary Hornbacher as New EMEA President

Doosan Bobcat Appoints Gary Hornbacher as New EMEA President

30 June 2023

Doosan Bobcat, a global leader in compact equipment, has announced the appointment of Gary Hornbacher as the company’s new President for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
Bobcat Launches New Line of Mowers for Professional Use Bobcat Launches New Line of Mowers for Professional Use

Bobcat Launches New Line of Mowers for Professional Use

27 June 2023

Bobcat has launched the first four models in the company’s new range of Mowers for the European market, as part of the Ground Maintenance Equipment (GME) portfolio introduced at the end of 2022.
Automatic Ride Control Automatic Ride Control

Automatic Ride Control

8 June 2023

Automatic Ride Control (ARC) is a suspension system on a loader lift arms that offsets any terrain irregularities for a smoother and more comfortable ride with less worry about the transported load.