WEST FARGO, N.D. – Bobcat has expanded its R-Series excavator lineup with the new E85, the largest machine in the company’s compact excavator family.
The 8.5-ton E85 has been redesigned with performance, uptime protection and operator comfort in mind, and features the same design and other cab upgrades as the E32 and E35 R-Series compact excavators that were introduced in 2017.
As part of the new R-Series model, the 66-horsepower E85 will now be designed and manufactured in Bismarck, North Dakota. It shares the same Bobcat turbo-charged diesel engine technology –that does not require a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and similar cab upgrades found on the current R-Series excavators. A new standard lift eye is included to help operators properly lift and place objects.
The 13 inches of tail overhang allows the E85 to work in compact environments, including construction, landscaping, utilities, rental and agriculture. The excavator’s boom swing frame stays within the width of the machine’s tracks as it swings, making it easier to perform in confined jobsite conditions and next to buildings or other obstructions where larger equipment can’t fit.
Redesigned cab layout
Like other R-Series excavators, there is increased floor space in the E85 for the operator’s feet and legs. Redesigned travel pedals fold away, maximizing floor space even more. The E85 seat and cab are also wider. Option automatic heating and air-conditioning systems are available. When it’s cold outside, an optional heated seat can be used.
Bobcat E85 excavator cabs are rated as a Level 1 Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS). The improved top window and narrower side pillars contribute to enhances visibility. Left and right mirrors enhance the operator’s visibility from inside the cab. A new sun visor over the top window shields operators’ eyes from the sun on bright days.
The new machine features a standard, easy-to-reach control pattern selector. This feature is located within the operator’s reach, allowing the operator to quickly switch from ISO controls to standard controls. With the repositioned second auxiliary hydraulic selector switch, operators can toggle between the optional second auxiliary and the boom offset without removing their hands from the left joystick.
The design maintains wide-open access to the engine area for daily maintenance checks. Operators have panoramic access to the engine and routine maintenance components for superior service and to help minimize machine downtime.
A new tubular-frame reinforced cab door comes standard, making the E85 even stronger and able to withstand rough jobsite conditions. The tubular frame holds a tighter seal, helping keep out dirt and dust for an enhanced operating experience.
The E85 can be equipped with a depth check system, allowing operators to accurately measure depth and grade without exiting the excavator. The depth check system has an accuracy of ± 0.5 inches, minimizing excavator operators from stopping the machine to measure depth and potentially entering and exiting a trench with a measuring device. It also helps to minimize over-digging and under-digging, and the costs and time associated with backfilling, compacting fill material and doing manual labor to finalize depth or grade. Another benefit of the system: No additional display screens are required, allowing for more operator space in the excavator’s cab because the Bobcat depth check system utilizes the machine’s deluxe panel to provide operator guidance and to facilitate operator inputs to the guidance system.
The new R-Series E85 features strengthened hinges and latches and rigid, aligned excavator panels to reduce vibration in the cab.
A lower engine compartment and relocated hydraulic valves makes it easy to access and service the machine. In addition, greasing intervals have been extended to 50 hours for the swing and slew and to 250 hours on upper work group pivot points for improved uptime. Similar to other R-Series machines, the E85 uses Bobcat genuine oils and filters to simplify stocking parts for fleet owners.
The excavator is equipped with eight machine tie-down locations to ensure proper transportation procedures are followed.
