Bobcat Company Introduces New R2-Series E88 Compact Excavator

Published on July 1, 2021

Owners and operators looking for exceptional power, leading lift capacity and productivity in an efficient package will meet their match with the new Bobcat E88 compact excavator. This workhorse has up to a 14 percent increase in over-the-side lift capacity, as compared to the previous generation, which is perfect for a variety of demanding tasks.

WEST FARGO, N.D. (June 29, 2021) – Owners and operators looking for exceptional power, leading lift capacity and productivity in an efficient package will meet their match with the new Bobcat E88 compact excavator. This workhorse has up to a 14 percent increase in over-the-side lift capacity, as compared to the previous generation, which is perfect for a variety of demanding tasks. 

The E88 comes equipped with dual-flange track rollers, integrated counterweight, extra machine weight and added track on ground. These new undercarriage improvements offer increased over-the-side lift capacity allowing operators to dig with greater confidence over the side of the machine. Like other Bobcat compact excavators, the E88’s Tier 4 turbo charged Bobcat engine achieves emissions compliance without the use of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or selective catalyst reduction (SCR). This means fewer components for easier maintenance, plus no work stoppage due to DPF regeneration. 

“We are excited to welcome the E88 to the world-class Bobcat excavator lineup. The new model is designed for performance, ruggedness and operator convenience,” said Mike Wetzel, director of Product Management at Doosan Bobcat North America. “The R2-Series takes the key benefits from the prior generations with new improvements in lift performance, work group fine control and ride smoothness to push what is possible in a compact machine. The E88 is poised to help customers tackle the toughest jobs in a compact product.” 

Peak Performance and Uptime in a Compact Package 

Owners and operators looking for leading lift capability will find it – and then some – within the narrow footprint of the new Bobcat E88. Along with the added confidence in over the-side- performance, the excellent slewing ability lends the ability to push productivity higher. 

Increased distance from sprocket to idler puts more track on the ground, which adds stability and helps to prevent a rocking sensation while lifting heavier loads. Improvements to the track design increase uptime and the overall life of the tracks as well. In addition, increased machine weight gives operators a rock-solid base for strong productivity, especially during the tough digging and heavy lifting tasks. 

The E88 is powered by a newly redesigned Bobcat engine that delivers efficiency and performance, plus simplified routine maintenance. It also improves cold-weather operation and includes a variety of features that make maintenance and service more convenient. The new low-effort joysticks coupled with the new hydraulic control valve offers improved metering, movement and controllability, enabling a quick, smooth and precise work group for ultimate operator control. 

Achieve More with Operator-Focused Features Built Throughout 

For generations, Bobcat equipment has been known for being one of the most versatile compact equipment choices on the market. That tradition continues with the E88, designed to help operators get more utilization from one machine to tackle a variety of demanding tasks. Key new features include integrated lift eye, optional clamp diverter valve and an add-on counterweight option to propel lift capacity even higher. 

In addition, the E88 features an optional angle blade, important for fast backfilling and grading. This feature allows operators to angle the machine’s backfill blade 25 degrees left or right to direct spoil from one side to the other – without forming windrows on both sides of the blade. A great range of downward positioning ability enables the perfect angle for stabilizing the machine on uneven surfaces or while trenching at an angle. The blade is also ideal for “dust panning” material into the bucket, providing extra versatility for jobsite cleanup. 

Experience a Superior Cab Environment 

Everything about the E88 cab is designed to enhance operator efficiency, performance and comfort. The spacious interior houses an easy-to-reach control pattern selector right underneath the seat, so operators can switch between ISO and standard controls without getting up or over-reaching. The optional automatic heating and air conditioning adjusts depending on the temperature of the cab, keeping operators in a comfortable environment. An optional high-back, heated seat with headrest provides added support for long hours of operation and serves as an ideal complement to the automatic climate control feature. 

Owners have the option to add on a waterproof, chemically hardened 7-inch touch display; the most advanced compact equipment in-cab display available. Via a wide and easy-to-use touch screen, operators can access their mobile devices via Bluetooth™, connect with their dealer or customer easily through a quick contacts option and secure convenient touch operation without the inconvenience of glove removal. 

Additional Standard Features: 

•    Low-effort joysticks 
•    Auto-Idle 
•    Auto-Shift 
•    Two-Speed Travel 
•    Auxiliary Hydraulics with Arm Mounted Couplers & Selectable Flow Rates 
•    LED Work Lights 
•    Password-protected keyless start 
•    5-inch Display 
•    Long Arm 
•    Fingertip Auxiliary Hydraulics 
•    Fingertip Boom Swing Control 
•    Machine IQ (basic subscription) 

Additional Upgrade Options: 

•    7” Touch Display 
•    Rear View Camera 
•    Heated High-Back Seat with Headrest 
•    Automatic Heating and Air Conditioning 
•    Angle Blade 
•    Clamp diverter valve for enhanced hydraulic clamp functionality 
•    Hydraulic pin grabber for quick attachment changes 
•    Add-On Counterweight 
•    Steel Tracks 
•    Segmented Tracks 
•    Protection Plus® extended warranty 
•    Machine IQ (health and security package) 
 
R-2 Series E88 Product Specs: 
•    Engine: Bobcat turbo diesel engine 
•    Gross power, hp (kW): 65.4 (48.7) 
•    Operating weight: 19,600 lbs. 
•    Auxiliary Hydraulics Flow: 25.1 GPM 
•    Reach: 282.5 in. 
•    Dig depth: 182 in. 
•    Width: 86.6 in. 
 
For more information on the Bobcat R2-Series E88 compact excavator, visit your local Bobcat dealer or www.bobcat.com. 

About Bobcat Company 

Bobcat Company is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and distribution of compact equipment. Headquartered in West Fargo, North Dakota, Bobcat offers a complete line of compact equipment including: skid-steer, mini track and compact track loaders; excavators; VersaHANDLER® telescopic tool carriers; utility vehicles; Toolcat™ utility work machines; compact tractors; small articulated loaders; zero-turn mowers; attachments and implements. As a global brand with a worldwide network of dealers and distributors, Bobcat is the industry’s original innovator, beginning in 1958 with the first compact machine and predecessor to the skid-steer loader. Bobcat continues to lead the industry by offering quality product solutions and technologies to empower people to accomplish more. For more information, visit Bobcat.com.