Bobcat excavators equipped with the factory-installed hydraulic coupler are now supplied as tailormade systems, ready to go from the start.  All controls are incorporated within the operator area, so there is no need for additional controllers, switches, displays, hoses and/or wire harnesses to be connected.  The factory installed option is designed not to compromise machine efficiency, its robustness and overall performance.

Key features and benefits of the new quick coupler include its triple lock design for greater safety, exceeding the ISO 13031 norm and complying with all safety standards in the industry in Europe and the UK.  There is a wide variable pin centre, to pick up multiple pin-on attachments.  A robust, yet compact design enures maximum breakout force and the system is essentially maintenance free, with few components for peace of mind.  Powerful springs are activated in case of pressure loss to avoid any risk and reversibility is standard when the job requires it.

Important aspects include the increased safety and compliancy offered by a hydraulic pin grab coupler, which enables the operator to rapidly and safely change between non-hydraulic attachments from the comfort of the cab.  The pins in the system are under constant pressure from the hydraulic cylinder ensuring the attachment is tightly gripped, even when there has been pin wear over longer term use.  In the unlikely event of a hydraulic cylinder failure or hydraulic pressure loss, the attachment will remain securely connected thanks to two powerful springs.  Front and rear locks ensure the attachment remains in position at all times.

The ‘curl to release‘ safety protocol is an additional step to release the attachment in a safe position.  A bucket, for example, must be in the fully curled in position, locked on its hooks with the front lock, to allow the changeover process to start.  The front lock, in green, is a highly visible indicator for the operator to check if the attachment is properly locked.  An acoustic alarm will engage when releasing the attachment to warn everyone around the excavator that the operation is in progress.

The operator can change non-hydraulic attachments without leaving their seat.  This means more comfort for the operator as well as higher productivity, because the attachments can be changed faster.  The procedure is quick and safe:  The operator simply activates two switches in the correct sequence, followed by moving the bucket joystick.

The proven and tested design has no greasing requirements and very few moving parts with no maintenance requirements (other than the daily inspection), guaranteeing a hassle-free coupler.  The open and simple design is meant to work in mud – so mud doesn’t get trapped and block the release or unreleased mechanism.  It is manufactured using extra-high-strength steel, increasing durability, while optimising weight and the excavator’s performance.

With the pin grabber coupler, the operator can operate the bucket in both the normal position and in the reverse position, without any modification or extra components, to excavate against walls and under pipes for greater flexibility.  The pin grab concept allows the operator to connect to a widely available range of pin-on attachments for greater versatility.  This makes this coupler an ideal choice for the rental business.  It is also an economical option as unlike dedicated systems, only pins are required to secure the attachment(s).

The LCO Awards are the industry’s only accolade of their kind, based on empirical data regarding the long-term cost of heavy and compact equipment. They are organised by EquipmentWatch, a world leader in data, software and insights for the heavy equipment industry. Nominees are recognised within 15 different categories of machine that exhibit the lowest cost of ownership over a five year span.

Total cost of ownership is one of the most important aspects that buyers take into account when they purchase equipment. The awards won by the T590 and S70 are a testament to the reputation for high performance, quality and reliability that the Bobcat range of compact loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers and attachments has established over the last 60 years.

Commenting on Bobcat’s success in the LCO Awards, Jiri Karmazin, Loaders Product Manager Doosan Bobcat EMEA, said: “We are delighted to win these awards again. They demonstrate why even after more than 60 years, the Bobcat compact loader range continues to be the market leader, so that one in every two skid-steer loaders sold today is still a Bobcat machine. It is our commitment to outstanding quality, workmanship and innovation that has helped to maintain our market leadership.”

The Bobcat T590 and S70 Compact Loaders

The T590 compact track loader has an operating weight of 3548 kg, a rated operating capacity (ISO 14397-1) of 971 kg and a tipping load (ISO 14397-1) of 2774 kg. A particular aspect of Bobcat compact track loaders like the T590 is the excellent ground-hugging abilities and stability offered by the tracks for work in harsh, wet conditions and for utilities and road maintenance with Bobcat planer and wheel saw attachments.

The S70 is the smallest model in the Bobcat skid-steer loader range. With a width of 901 mm, a height of 1814 mm, an overall length with standard bucket of 2472 mm and an operating weight of only 1268 kg, the S70 skid-steer loader ticks all the boxes for compactness, transportability and manoeuvrability. With its small dimensions, the S70 model can access sites with narrow openings such as gates, alleys or aisles. The S70 is ideal for work in tight areas where larger machines cannot manoeuvre effectively.

The T590 and S70, like all Bobcat compact loaders, are equipped with the quick-change Bob-Tach attachment mounting system, allowing them to be combined quickly and safely with a very wide choice of Bobcat attachments, delivering versatility and time-saving efficiency across a huge range of different applications.