BOBCAT has hailed the success of its recent Demo Days event, which saw hundreds of visitors attend Doosan Bobcat’s European HQ near Prague to check out more than 70 products.
Blending established products with new developments, attendees had the opportunity to try out the full range of Bobcat equipment. This encompassed compact machinery (including loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers, light compaction, compact tractors, mowers and turf equipment), portable power products (including compressors, generators and lighting towers), and material handling equipment (including forklifts and warehouse solutions), complemented by a range of matching attachments.
Jan Moravec, VP of product, Bobcat EMEA, said, “Since 2011, Demo Days has been providing a great platform for our Bobcat dealers and their customers to try out a wide selection of machines and over 100 different types of attachments in working conditions. The event continues to reflect the very close relationship between Bobcat and its customers from all around EMEA.”
One of the highlights was the first showing at Demo Days of the company’s new R2-Series 1-2-tonne mini-excavator models, alongside an upgrade to the R2-Series E88 mini-digger.
The R2-Series introduces several new features, notably its SmartFlow hydraulic system, which uses a load-sensing pump bundled with a closed centre/flow-sharing main control valve. All of this is powered by a new engine, creating an engineering setup that Bobcat said is ‘exceptionally sophisticated’ for compact machines of this size.
Like in larger machines, the new hydraulic system allows operators to carry out multiple functions simultaneously.
Bobcat also showcased an enhanced version of the E88 R2-Series mini-excavator. This 9-tonne machine is said to offer enhanced comfort, an improved fit and finish, and the availability of multiple predefined configurations. The increased comfort results from the use of the Fritzmeier cab, offering improved window and windscreen open and close access, reduced noise and vibrations, and additional standard features and options.
All the new Bobcat minis come equipped with the Machine IQ telematics system. Visitors to Demo Days were able to see the new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature on the Machine IQ platform for the first time. This allows customers to remotely enable or disable their machine’s engine through the Owner Portal or Machine IQ app.
Further innovations on display included Bobcat’s new Collision Warning and Avoidance System installed on a S76 skid-steer loader. This leverages machine-integrated radar sensors to enhance the situational awareness of skid-steer and compact track loader operators. The technology can be customised to suit site-specific requirements.
