Bobcat skid-steers power up for 2020

Bobcat has launched new versions of its M-series skid steer loaders, the first in the range to feature specially developed Stage V-compliant Bobcat engines.

The machines, manufactured at Bobcat’s compact equipment plant in Dobris in the Czech Republic, promise 37% more torque than predecessor models.

This offers operators greater comfort, as they are able to work with the same power, but at lower RPM. Subsequently, both noise levels and fuel consumption can be reduced. While offering more power, the loaders retain the compact dimensions of previous models, with a width of 1,490mm on the S450 and 1,643mm on the S510 and S530.

Operating weight also remains low, with the S450 weighing in at 2,436kg, the S510 at 2,816kg and the S530 at 2,952kg.

The new machines have a high-flow hydraulics option (available on the S510 and S530 Stage V models). The addition allows the loaders to use higher flow attachments, including sweepers, planers and wheel saws.

Bobcat says the M-series loaders are tool carriers and can be supplied with over 50 different product families of attachments.

All three skid-steer loader models offer a two-speed option, boosting the maximum travel speed from 11.4 km/h in low range to 17.3 km/h in high range. The hydraulic bucket positioning option keeps the loader bucket level as the lift arms travel upward.

The S530 model features vertical lift path boom arms, suited to lift-and-carry as well as material-handling applications.

Mike Vought, senior director, Product Management, said, “M-series loaders are some of the best-selling models for Bobcat in Europe and the new Stage V machines build on the legacy set by their predecessors. Customers will benefit from the compact size coupled with the high torque…of the new engines. The Stage V engines also allow us to add the popular air conditioning and high flow hydraulics options to the 500 series models…increasing operator comfort and performance.”