Bobcat's latest lifts to 17m

Bobcat says its new 7-model range of telehandlers, offer class-leading features that separate them from the competition, and make them the first choice for performance and versatility.

They range from the 2.5t T2556 with 5.6m lifting height to the 4t fully-featured T40170 lifting to 17m.

All feature unitised frames, hydrostatic drive, single joystick hydraulic operation and an advanced boom with internal hydraulic lines and cylinders.

These structural features are combined with a 920mm wide, air conditioned cabin. Switches and indicators are intuitive to minimise distractions on busy job sites and driving is simple due to proportional steering and hydrostatic drive.

The hydrostatic transmission provides increased safety over a torque converter drive while at the same time allowing for increased drive torque and feel. An inching function can be used, for example, to change the drive pedal sensitivity for delicate operations while working at various speeds. Also, it allows for fast, clutchless shifting between low and high travel speed ranges as well as forward and reverse.

It also increases safety on the site by preventing the telehandler from moving when the drive pedal is released. This important safety feature prevents the telehandler from rolling away or moving if the operator accidentally releases the brake pedal.

The multi-function joystick controls all boom functions and provides a true multi-function capability, the manufacturer says. Boom lift and tilt, extension and retraction and auxiliary hydraulic controls, are all controlled through the single joystick. This multi-function capability means that the range can handle functions such as extending the boom and curling a bucket at the same time.

The unitised frame and finite element analysis, increases the frame strength and durability, while at the same time reducing the frame weight by almost 1t on the larger models. “The end result is a telehandler that is stiffer, stronger and lighter than the competition with the added benefit of increased protection for hydraulic and drive components on the bottom of the boom,” Bobcat says. The telehandlers also use a proportional boom design which means that all boom sections extend and retract simultaneously for smooth movement. The boom extension cylinder as well as the extension chains and hydraulic lines are all enclosed within the boom structure and protected from potential job site damage. Boom components are serviceable through a unique cassette mechanism which allows easy removal of all internal boom components.

Job-matched attachments have industry-leading breakout force and dump angles when used with buckets, Bobcat says. Their Quick-Tach system is also compatible with a large number of Bobcat skid steer attachments.

More information: James Kennedy, Clark Equipment, asv@clarkequipment.com