Bobcat is returning to its roots with its new line of compact tractors, as well as attachments and implements for the machines.
The equipment manufacturer is rolling out 15 new tractor models, ranging from 21 to 58 horsepower with four transmission types.
“Bobcat is here to stay in this business. We’re going to design and manufacture our own tractors,” said Doosan Bobcat President Mike Ballweber.
Compact tractor models
Bobcat is offering an extensive lineup of sub-compact and compact tractors across four platforms to match customer needs. Each model varies in size, horsepower and open-station or cab options.
James Crouch, senior product manager for compact tractors, noted 70 per cent of the compact equipment market is held by compact tractors.
“We invented compact equipment. So, it’s kind of a no brainer that we have to be present in that market,” Crouch said. “This is the first step. There’s going to be a lot of new equipment comping out in the future.”
He added that a compact tractor is also often the first step away from handheld equipment for a general contractor before they begin to tackle larger jobs.
“The majority of our customers also have tractors. We should be able to offer them something for their entire business,” Crouch said.
Standard four-wheel drive
Every Bobcat tractor model comes standard with four-wheel drive. Customers can engage four-wheel drive whenever the work demands it to provide more power and traction in the toughest working conditions.
As well, the compact tractors feature a tight turning radius of as little as 2.4 metres for effective mowing, tilling and operating in close proximity to possible barriers.
Select Bobcat tractors also offer steering brakes to give customers more control when working between buildings or around other obstacles. The feature improves maneuverability by helping maintain a tighter turning radius – nearly pivoting the tractor on the inside wheel.
“The turning radius is extremely tight on these machines and they’re very maneuverable in tight spaces,” Crouch said.
Tractor attachments
The Bobcat quick attach mounting system is standard across all platforms to save customers time and money. The feature enables customers to easily exchange front- and mid-mounted attachments for multiple jobs.
The machines will also be compatible with various attachments and implements, including:
- Attachments: front-end loader, backhoe and mid-mount mower.
- Implements: box blade, angle blade, tine rake, rotary cutter, tiller, snowblower, finish mower, auger, rear ballast box and quick hitch.
The three-point hitch is essential to a tractor’s versatility. With the standard three-point hitch, operators can perform a number of tasks, or replace work previously done by hand, by attaching and removing implements and attachments with ease.
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As well, the compact tractors are equipped with a rear power take-off (PTO). The feature is essential for transferring power from the engine to any rotary implement – keeping users moving regardless of the chore.
Tractor transmission types
Bobcat compact tractors are designed with one of four transmission types, depending on the tractor’s frame size and model:
- Manual shift transmission is an economical and reliable option that changes gears and ranges by stopping and clutching – perfect for jobs that require a constant speed.
- Synchro shift transmission is a manual option that provides the greatest ease of use – allowing users to clutch and shift between all speeds and ranges as they travel.
- Hydrostatic transmission (HST) provides ease of use and is ideal for front-end loader work. HST also allows the operator to quickly and easily change direction from forward to reverse and back.
- Electric hydrostatic transmission (E-HST) boasts all the same benefits of HST, however it also allows operators to maintain their uphill speed without travel pedal adjustments.
Maintenance
With one-sided maintenance, users have easy access to engine fluid fills and filters from one side of the tractor. The metal hood on select models also works to protect a user’s uptime by shielding the engine and components from dirt and debris while providing more visibility from the operator station. A brush guard protects the front of the machine from debris, branches and other obstacles.
Comfort features
For comfort, Bobcat compact tractors include a suspension seat for absorbing bumps and creating an overall smoother ride, a rubber deck mat to dampen vibrations through the floor and an operator station with ergonomic controls to enable hours of comfortable work.
All controls, gauges and buttons on Bobcat compact tractors are thoughtfully laid out with ease of use in mind. The illuminated dashboard allows users to operate and monitor performance in any light condition.
