Bobcat launches 500 series compact loaders

Bobcat said its new 500 family of skid steer and tracked loaders improve performance and cycle times by around 16% compared to existing models.

The 500 range - which follow the introduction of the larger 600, 700 and 800 platforms over the past two years – have a completely new design providing “significant advances in comfort, visibility, cab room, controllability and cab pressurization. With overall performance and cycle times up by around 16% on the previous models”, said Bobcat.

Bobcat said the new models have more lift capacity, faster cycle times, higher breakout forces, much better traction and more hydraulic power for attachments.

The new family comprise six models with operating weighs in the 2686 to 3054 kg range. The six models are the S510, S530, S550, S570 and S590 skid-steers and the T590 tracked loader, and they replace the existing S150, S160, S175, S185, S205 and T190 loaders.

All are produced at Bobcat’s compact equipment plant in Dobris, Czech Republic, except for the tracked T590, which is made in Gwinner, North Dakota, USA.

The S510 and S550 models are radius lift path loaders, while the S530, S570, S590 and T590 models have vertical lift path boom arms particularly suited to lift and carry and material handling applications.

Examples of improvements include a 10% larger cab, with the surface area of the door increased by 40% to improve visibility and make it easier to enter and exit the machine. Windows on the sides and rear of the cab have been increased in size to provide more visibility to the tyres or tracks and the back of the machine.

Noise in the cab has been reduced by 5 dBA while the noise for bystanders has been lowered by 4 dBA. “The overall result is the perception of a reduction in noise by over 50%”, said Bobcat.

Customers will get their first chance to see a selection of the new range at the Rental Show in Las Vegas, US, taking place on 11-13 February.