Bobcat’s recently concluded Demo Days for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region held in Prague was an opportunity for customers, dealers and the press to get a first hand look and feel of a number of new products. There were also a number of innovative solutions where new technology blended seamlessly with its established loaders and excavators. Also on display were models from Bobcat’s recently acquired lines of forklifts and portable power products in the company’s signature branding for the first time.
Demo Days, Bobcat’s annual event that began in 2011, this year focused on a number of the company’s new talking points. Bobcat showcased the new L35 small articulated loader (SAL) concept machine; the S7X prototype – the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader; the enhanced MaxControl system with the new Kishi physical remote; the T-OLED (transparent touch OLED display) mounted on a loader cab and the E35z Electro-hydraulic Mini-Excavator with MaxControl remote operation. Products for material handling as well as portable power products with Bobcat’s branding were also on display.
Testing market interest with new concept
Bobcat showed the L35, a new small articulated loader (SAL) concept machine, which is an extension of the existing SAL portfolio to cover the market segment for high performance machines which are easy to transport on a trailer. The machine weight is below 2.5 tonne, which allows easy transportation and a high lift capacity. The engine power on the L35 is 57 HP, which allows for higher travel speeds and pushing power. The L35 is designed to be a tool carrier machine with high hydraulic power available for demanding attachments such as sweepers or angle brooms and it is equipped with a telescopic boom as standard to ensure a higher working range.
World’s first all-electric skid-steer loader
Like the T7X, the world’s first all-electric compact track loader unveiled last year, the S7X prototype is all electric, as it is powered by a 60.5-kWh, lithium-ion battery, features electric drive motors and utilizes ball screw actuators for lift and tilt functions.
Together, the battery and electrical powertrain generate incredible performance characteristics, with instantaneous torque that is as much as three times greater than traditional loaders. The powerful loader balances sustainability and performance with zero emissions and is equipped to outperform its diesel-powered equivalent.
This all-electric skid-steer loader offers operators a smooth and comfortable experience with minimal vibration and nearly silent operation.
“The S7X can operate for up to 8 hours on a single charge depending on the application, giving most operators more than a full day’s work when breaks and downtime are considered. A full charge takes approximately 10 hours,” says Joel Honeyman, VP Global Innovation, Doosan Bobcat.
The E35z electro-hydraulic mini-excavator
At Demo Days, visitors could see the Bobcat E35z electro-hydraulic mini-excavator in combination for the first time with the company’s MaxControl remote operation system.
Bobcat MaxControl enables operators to control their Bobcat excavator from outside of the cab at a variety of distances using their iPhone to maximize versatility on the jobsite.
The 3.5-tonne E35z features an electro-hydraulic control system rather than conventional hydraulic joysticks, meaning it can be customized and programmed to suit all levels of operator skill. Thanks to its integrated sensors, the model can perform a variety of semi-automated tasks, helping users to conduct precise grading, levelling and trenching activities in addition to other repetitive operations such as return-to-dig movements.
New Razer Kishi Gaming Controller
As was demonstrated at Demo Days, Bobcat has also combined MaxControl with the universal Razer Kishi mobile gaming controller designed to bring console-level comfort in controlling the machine.
“At Bobcat, we like packaging complex solutions into simple and easy to use products. With this solution, one can simply enable physical joysticks for Bobcat MaxControl Remote Operation by plugging the phone into the Razer Kishi mobile gaming controller,” says Vijay Nerva, Innovation Manager for Doosan Bobcat EMEA.
Achieving full transparency on the jobsite
Mounted on a compact loader, Bobcat showcased its T-OLED touchscreen, an advance in transparent display technology developed together with LG that gives operators the ability to touch and customize their user interface with smart widgets and interactive applications. This transparent, multifunction set-up, delivers jobsite-specific data, providing vital information and machine insights for users in real-time.
Moreover, thanks to its transparent nature, operators can simply refocus their vision to see everything that is going on around them on site.
Global brand expansion
Bobcat has broadened its product portfolio significantly within the past five years, launching more machines and attachments during this period than previously in its entire history. The brand has successfully expanded its offerings with new technologies and innovations and expanded product lines, such as small articulated loaders, light compaction or ground maintenance equipment, including compact tractors, mowers and turf equipment.
Doosan Bobcat recently announced a new global branding strategy to create business and growth opportunities for the Bobcat product portfolio. This initiative includes rebranding of the product offering of Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV), a supplier of quality material handling equipment, including forklifts and Doosan Portable Power (DPP), an industry-leading global manufacturer of air compressors, mobile generators and light towers under the Bobcat brand. At Demo Days 2023, visitors could see the first products with new Bobcat trade dress that will enter the market in the near future.