Brian Horn
Bobcat is making a change – check that, a lot of changes and they are taking place right now.
Over the next eight months, the company will launch 21 different models in five product categories and has increased its focus on integrating new technologies into its equipment.
“In my 21 years here, this is the most ambitious we’ve ever been,” said Mike Ballwebber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, during the company’s Next is Now media event on Tuesday at Bobcat’s new training center in Denver.
Scott Park, CEO, entered the role in 2013, and at that time the company was coming out of the recession.
But now, coming off its two best years financially in 2017 and 2018, Parker is pushing change at the company through new products, a new training center and working with new technologies like remote control skid-steers. (Watch video of a skid-steer controlled by a phone by clicking here."
“Let’s keep it going, but we need change,” Parker said. “We needed to do something to ensure we had growth and sustainability.”
One change is Bobcat’s re-entering of the compact tractor market, which it left in 2013 after about six years of involvement. Parker said Bobcat needs to be in the market if it wants to be a global leader in compact equipment. Bobcat has an OEM relationship to manufacture its current models, which are available now, and will begin to manufacture its own in 2023.
Unlike the prior dip into the compact tractor market, the company plans to stay a lot longer this time.
“Bobcat is here to stay in this business,” Ballwebber said. “We want to be one of the names that is recognized in the compact tractor market. We know that will take time.”
Ballwebber said the company is still investigating more changes, one of which could include lawn mowers.
The tractor offering will also allow dealers to develop relationships with large-acre owners who want to use the tractors on a personal level, along with further developing their already established landscaper relationships as a one-stop-shop for all compact equipment, Ballwebber said.
You can read the company’s press release with more details about the products and other new developments below.
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AURORA, CO — Bobcat launched its Next is Now campaign at its new Bobcat Training Center Sept. 17.
During the media event, Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, introduced a series of new Bobcat products launching as part of the campaign and Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation, demonstrated technologies available on the newest Bobcat machines.
Bobcat is launching a wider product line, more frequent product updates and new innovative designs and technologies. “The challenges our customers face change and evolve every day,” Ballweber said. “They depend on equipment that works just has hard, if not harder, than they do. With these new products, we’re offering them a comprehensive lineup from a brand they trust to get the work done.”
Compact Tractors
Bobcat is bringing its equipment home to acreage owners, hobby farmers and anyone who loves maintaining their land. The lineup of 15 professional-quality machines, ranging from 21 to 58 horsepower, offers all the versatility and durability they need for a variety of projects around their acreages.
R-Series Compact Loaders
The new R-Series machines have been completely redesigned, inside and outside, to be the most powerful, durable loaders built by Bobcat. The first models of R-Series loaders will be available in early 2020.
R2-Series E42 and E50 Compact Excavators
New R2-Series compact excavators are a further iteration of the R-Series compact excavators to deliver a new look and improved quality, reliability and dependability. The new R2-Series machines offer improved over-the-side digging performance and slewing ability, thanks to a new design and integrated counterweight. R2-Series excavators offer increased lift capacities, enhanced cooling, quieter cabs, class-leading visibility and easier access to service areas. Low-effort joysticks respond easily to operator input, enabling longer operation with less fatigue.
E145 Excavator
Now customers can get the larger size and power combo they need from Bobcat for all worksite tasks. This new, larger-class excavator pairs well with large-frame Bobcat loaders and delivers quick cycle times; powerful hydraulic, arm and bucket forces; and a spacious cab — all to improve operator productivity.
Small Articulated Loaders
Another new product from Bobcat, small articulated loaders are sized to easily fit into backyards yet offer impressive lifting capacity. They are ideal for landscaping, tree care, tree removal and snow removal tasks. Bobcat small articulated loaders are easy to transport and offer a light footprint for low turf disturbance. The first Bobcat small articulated loaders will be available in early 2020.
New technologies
The future isn’t just more powerful, it’s digital and connected. Bobcat is pushing into this space to connect people and machines in new ways. These technologies will allow dealers to better serve customers and help operators work more efficiently, more safely and in ways they couldn’t before.
“Innovation has been at the forefront of Bobcat Company since the start,” Honeyman said. “With these new technologies, we’re furthering our commitment to delivering the latest solutions available with state-of-the-art technology.”
Bobcat MaxControl Remote Operation
This new technology provides convenient, easily accessible remote-control operation using an app on a smartphone. With Bobcat MaxControl remote operation, two-person jobs become single-worker tasks so customers can accomplish more with a smaller crew. Available on M2-Series and R-Series compact loaders with Selectable Joystick Controls (iOS only).
Bobcat Machine IQ Wireless Communications / Bobcat Owner Portal
Customers can take machine management to a new level with Bobcat Machine IQ and the Bobcat Owner Portal. Using wireless communication technology, Bobcat machines can be monitored from anywhere, getting critical information to decrease downtime and reduce costs.
Bobcat Touch Display
The in-cab display improves the operator experience, helping operators more efficiently use the machines and react to unique situations. The optional, full-color 7-inch display features a wide touchscreen to change settings, match performance to the job and continuously monitor the machine’s maintenance needs. It comes with a USB power port and active noise cancelling during phone calls. Available as an option for new R-Series compact loaders, E85 excavators and new R2-Series compact excavators.
Bob-Dock Attachment Mounting System
Bobcat is revolutionizing the way the compact equipment industry changes attachments with the Bob-Dock system — a hands-free hydraulic attachment mounting system. Now Bobcat compact loader operators can change most hydraulic attachments without leaving the comfort of the cab. The Bob-Dock system is available for select M2-Series skid-steer and compact track loaders, and the A770 all-wheel steer loader.
