Enhancing its leadership of the skid-steer loader market in Europe, Bobcat has launched new versions of its M-Series S450, S510 and S530 models
If you want an indication of dominance in a particular class of machinery then consider that nearly one out of every two skid-steer loaders on the global market is a Bobcat machine. Now, with the launch of the first units to feature a specially developed Stage V compliant Bobcat engine, that’s a position which is set to continue.
“M-series loaders are some of the best-selling models for Bobcat in Europe and the new Stage V machines build on the legacy set by their predecessors,” declares Mike Vought, Senior Director, Product Management. “Customers will benefit from the compact size coupled with the high torque and performance of the new engines. The Stage V engines also allow us to add the popular air conditioning and high flow hydraulics options to the 500 series models further increasing operator comfort and performance.”
More Power but Still Compact
Compactness within this performance class was the key benefit appreciated by customers. Skilful design work has ensured that even with the Stage V engine incorporated, the small dimensions of the new S450, S510 and S530 skid-steer loaders are maintained, offering a truly compact size and low weight, so they can work/manoeuvre easily in tight spaces and can be easily transported.
The new engine provides 37 per cent more torque and fast recovery from overload compared to the previous machines, which ensures increased comfort for the operator as they can work with the same power at lower RPM, at lower noise levels and with lower fuel consumption for the same jobs.
New High-Flow Hydraulics Option
Another very important advantage derived from the Bobcat engine is the availability of a new high-flow hydraulics option for the S510 and S530 Stage V models. This further expands the exceptional versatility of these machines, allowing them to be used with higher flow attachments, such as sweepers, planers and wheel saws. There is also a new air conditioning option on the S510 and S530.
By offering the same power at lower RPM, the new Bobcat engine provides a significant decrease in noise levels, reducing operator fatigue and lowering fuel consumption for the same type of work. In addition, with an engine equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard, users can work in emission-regulated zones such as city and town centres.
The new engine has also allowed the company to extend maintenance intervals, with the first service now being after 500 hours and to reduce the number of fuel filter replacements required.
Innovative Machine Styling and Built-in Technologies
The new Stage V M-Series machines are the first models in the Bobcat compact equipment range in Europe to have the company’s innovative new machine styling scheme, which includes 3D decals for the first time.
The new Stage V loaders now feature the previously optional Deluxe control panel as standard, offering a choice of different languages and telematics to protect machines and to monitor their performance. Bobcat has also extended the choice of factory installed tyres for the three models, ensuring they can be more closely matched to customers’ applications right from the start.
The cab on the new loaders is radio ready with a 12 volt power outlet for charging mobile phones and other devices, a cup holder, added storage compartments and new full-colour, deluxe instrument panels.
The ‘Swiss Knife’ of the Compact Equipment Market
As well as their compactness, the S450, S510 and S530 skid-steer loaders can be supplied with a comprehensive choice of over 50 different product families of approved attachments, offering solutions for a very wide range of applications and providing a perfect illustration of the Bobcat Tool Carrier concept common to all Bobcat compact loaders.
The S450 and S510 radius lift path loaders combine excellent manoeuvrability in tight areas with the reach and visibility needed for applications such as dumping materials over walls, backfilling or loading flatbed trucks. The S530 model features vertical lift path boom arms particularly suited to lift and carry as well as material-handling applications.
All three skid-steer loader models offer a two-speed option which boosts the maximum travel speed from 11.4 km/h in low range to 17.3 km/h in high range. The hydraulic bucket positioning option keeps the loader bucket level as the lift arms travel upward, enabling operators to spill less and work faster.
