The E145: Bobcat’s biggest excavator to date

e145

Bobcat’s new E145 excavator is nearly twice the size as the company’s previous machine to hold the title as its largest excavator.

As a 14 tonne reduced tail swing machine, the E145 excavator is a significant step up in size for the compact equipment manufacturer. Previously, the 8 tonne E85 was the largest excavator in the Bobcat lineup.

The E145 was announced at a press conference held at Bobcat’s new training centre in Aurora, Colorado.  

“Our new large frame class excavator will pair well with our compact portfolio,” said Mike Wetzel, Bobcat’s general manager of the company’s excavator portfolio. “It will deliver quick cycle time, powerful boom arm and bucket forces and a spacious cab.”

The E145 was announced at a press conference held at Bobcat’s new training centre in Aurora, Colorado.

Bobcat decided to develop a 14 tonne excavator following consultations with its existing customer base.

“We did some market research and found out that a lot of our customers who own our track and skid steer loaders and 6 to 8 tonne excavators, also own 14 tonne excavators,” said Bobcat President Mike Ballweber. “So, it made a lot of sense.”

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The E145 excavator complements the performance of 700 and 800 frame size Bobcat compact track and skid-steer loaders, particularly on new residential and commercial jobsites.

Contractors also commonly use 14 tonne excavators alongside smaller excavators on jobsites.

“We expect to draw a lot of demand from our current Bobcat customers, and we look forward to the opportunity to access new customers,” Wetzel said.

 E145 performance

The turbo-charged 115 hp Perkins non-DPF engine provides consistently high torque levels, regardless of elevation.

As well, the E145 delivers class-leading hydraulic performance that provides reliable, steady power to the work group, alongside industry-leading lifting capacity and more slew torque for slewing uphill, backfilling and all-around better productivity.

“The E145 is a powerful, reliable expansion to our portfolio,” Wetzel said.

Furthermore, four selectable power models allow E145 operators to adapt to the work at hand, whether they need efficient fuel consumption or all-out power. In addition, a power-boost button temporarily increases hydraulic power, when operators need to break through hard ground.

The new E145 may also be equipped with a dozer blade to improve digging stability, levelling ability on uneven surfaces and fast, easy backfilling.

The E145 will be available with a full range of bobcat branded buckets, and a breaker for demolition,” Wetzel added.  

Defense against downtime

The D-channel design of the E145 upper structure frame adds strength to withstand side impacts and protect machine components. Hard, wear-resistant wear plates at the attachment connecting pins eliminate side play for extended service intervals on bucket pin-up points.

Track pin links are permanently sealed and never need lubrication, while drive motors are recessed within the track width to protect against jobsite hazards. An automatic belt tensioner maintains constant tension on the engine accessory belt, compensating for regular wear and maintaining the performance. Every major pin joint on the boom and arm is cast and reinforced cast steel pin bosses provide extra strength for the tough working conditions.

In addition, the E145 offers several features that help protect the machine from theft or vandalism, including a passcode protection, a master battery disconnect, lockable panels and lockable fuel fill points.

In the E145 cab

The pressurized cab features a seamless sound-isolating seal to keep sound levels low inside the operator station. Thorough sound isolation reduces noise output outside the cab.

“This spacious cab offers industry leading noise and vibration levels. This is through the implementation of several technologies, like double wall mufflers and sound absorption materials,” Wetzel said.

Other comfort features include an air suspension seat, a premium heating and air-conditioning system, a 15 cm LCD screen and standard rearview and sideview cameras.

Easy access

Access panels open wide and provide ample room to reach the top side of the E145 engine and a hinged belly pan allows access from the bottom.

As well, solid steel side panels provide access to regular daily maintenance items for easy upkeep and more uptime protection. Centralized grease banks can be easily accessed from ground level for essential daily maintenance.

The E145 begins shipping in early October.