Globally, Bobcat machines are a common sight on construction sites. Without one, tasks cannot be completed. The new version of the M-Series S450 skid-steer loader, recently launched for the Middle East and Africa region, comes with a more powerful engine and new control options. Plant & Equipment takes a closer look at the machine.
The construction market in the UAE today is resilient with a strong growth trajectory and high-valued projects in the pipeline. This in turn makes it a very strong market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) for Bobcat’s loaders. “MEA is a big market for skid-steer loaders (SSLs) and backhoe loaders (BHLs) and beginning to grow for compact track loaders (CTLs),” says Gaby Rhayem, Regional Director Middle East-Africa-CIS for Doosan Bobcat EMEA.
“SSLs are the king of any construction site; you will not find any construction site without an SSL or BHL,” continues Rhayem.
Along with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Africa are leading the market for loaders. “The market is growing in most of these countries as construction projects and cleaning projects are expanding, so we expect continuous growth to carry on in these areas,” he says.
Growth comes with its set of challenges and Bobcat continues to invest to ensure the company offers machines that are suitable for use in high heat and humidity and for working in the hard conditions found in the regional environment. All Bobcat compact loaders are built in Czechia (small and medium frame) and in the US (big frame).
For parts, the company stocks its spares in the UAE where there is their Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. This PDC serves the entire Middle East and East Africa. “We are planning to expand our PDC and integrate the business of Bobcat’s material handling within the same PDC. However, for manufacturing in the region, there is no plan for now, but things can change if big opportunities arise,” says Rhayem.
Bobcat’s machines
Bobcat’s S450 is the successor to the previous S130 model. The latest version of the S450 comes with new options and features. It has an improved engine with 50 hp and higher torque and an increase from 2.2 to 2.4 l in displacement. It has a new air conditioning option, joystick control option and versatile tyres. The design, balance and weight distribution of this SSL delivers more usable horsepower, powerful breakout forces and faster cycle times.
The S550 is a larger model with a change from 62 hp to 66 hp in the engine, high flow capability for attachments, and other additional options like in the S450. Other models include the larger S630 and S770 with more power flow and vertical lift capacity. These models are sold mainly in combination with attachments that require high hydraulic flow. Also, compact track loaders are gaining popularity in the region, especially the T590 and T770 models.
Bobcat’s SSLs are currently being used mainly in construction, but many other applications are carried out using the loaders – for agriculture projects using augers, wood chippers and trenchers. For cleaning projects where the machines are used with sweepers, pressure washers and angle brooms; for maintenance and industrial projects, with breaking with breakers. On the beach, on sand and in farms for cleaning, in forestry. These machines are trenching with special attachments like wheel saws, with self-levelling planers on road surfaces, for soil and asphalt spreading, for grading with Bobcat Graders and for landscaping with many suitable attachments such as scarifiers, tillers and soil conditioners.
Building better
Bobcat continuously collects customer feedback and turns these suggestions into product enhancements, for example the new options on the S450, the power increase on the S550 and more possibilities with track loaders. “The current M-Series replaced the previous K-Series machines which were built in the years from 2004 -2014. The change to the M-Series allowed us to satisfy the requirements of both lower and higher regulated emission countries using just one platform,” adds Rhayem.
The S450 replaced the S130 several years ago. Regionally, the main machines sold here are the S450 and the S630 skid-steer loaders. Other machines sold include the S550. “We sell a small number of S770 models in the region which is equivalent to the S76 sold in Europe,” concludes Rhayem.
The new S450 reinforces the company’s reliability track record. This indicates why Bobcat is still selling over 1,000 S450 machines a year on average in the MEA markets. Additionally, the company has a market share of more than 50%, with certain MEA countries seeing this percentage rise to almost 80%. After four years or 4,000 hours of heavy-duty operation, a used S450’s resale value is typically 60% of its original price.
Bobcat’s SSLs – a closer look
When not carrying loads, SSLs typically have a weight distribution of 70% in the rear and 30% in the front. This ensures easy turning and skidding for ideal work execution. The distribution of weight minimises fuel consumption and power requirements and maximises drive train and tyre life.
The machines offer customers a choice of two lift-path options – vertical lift-path machines provide more reach at full lift height, while radius lift-path models offer maximum reach at truck-bed height. Both are durable and patented single-plane designs which reduce side-to-side lift arm movement and minimise load on the pins.
The star feature has to be Bobcat’s Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC). The low-effort joysticks are loaded with Bobcat-exclusive features and fingertip switches. These make controlling the loader and its attachments easier and comfortable.
Bobcat’s SSLs offer a smooth ride and reduce material spillage through its Automatic Ride Control feature. It allows travel at faster speeds across rough terrain.
With better visibility, Bobcat’s SSL and CTL cabs are designed for all-around visibility improving safety and efficiency. While grading next to a building or loading the machine on a trailer, the operator has better sight lines for easier and faster operation. Also, bucket corners are easily visible as well as tracks or tyres without raising the loader arms.
These better-built loaders rely on a range of features that help minimise maintenance and protect the machine: machine shutdown protection, self-diagnostics, battery run-down protection amongst other features. The machines come with easy, full access to the engine checks and fills, filters and battery.