Mini Bobcat handler a “good fit” for the US
20 March 2008
The latest French–manufactured telehandler from Ingersoll Rand's Bobcat business is the small T2250, a machine described by the company as “three machines in one,” combining the features of a telehandler with those of a skid–steer loader and articulated wheeled loader.
The handler, Bobcat's smallest yet, can be equipped either with a conventional quick coupling attachment or with the Bob–Tach system used on all Bobcat skid–steers and compact loaders. Powered by a Kubota 56 kW, turbo–charged diesel engine, the handler has a rated lift capacity of 2.2 tonnes (2.4 tons) and a maximum lift height of 5.2 meters (17 feet).
Norbert Donaberger, business director telescopic handlers for Bobcat Europe, tells ALH that the had been asking for access platforms for several years, but that the company would only consider it with a different type of machine. “We think platforms are very close to our telehandlers ... We are ready to transfer this technology with a lot of innovations to the platform world,” he says.
Merlo said the move into access would not stop with the three MPR models, with the company now developing a range of 10, 12 and 14 meter self–propelled booms that will have more in common with current access booms, but offering the same performance with a more compact structure.
The lifts were one of the access highlights at Bauma, and first impressions seemed to be positive, although the pricing levels will be crucial. One Merlo dealer, Vesa Valtonen, sales director at Rotator in Finland, told ALH that they looked like H
T2250 will fit between Bobcat's largest skid steers and small articulated wheel loaders and its bigger telehandlers; “It will be interesting for rental companies because of its versatility … many will already have Bobcat skid steers.”
He added that the new model will have “ a very big potential in North America… It will fit very well with Bobcat's range in the US.”
Bobcat Europe currently sells its smaller European–produced handlers in North America – up to 10 meter models – although the bigger 14 and 17 meter (45 and 55 foot) models are not available. Donaberger said launching these models in North America was “something on my mind,” although he could not give any timescale for a launch.
