M2-Series T870 compact track loaders are the first Bobcat loaders manufactured with the new 5-Link torsion suspension undercarriage.
- Increased durability and reliability
The 5-Link torsion suspension undercarriage includes a new drive motor – to ensure the undercarriage is operating properly. The undercarriage’s new drive motor is easier to maintain, while the drive motor’s outer bearing receives continuous lubrication from oil within the loader’s hydraulic system. A 15 percent increase in diameter to the drive shaft inside the gearbox also increases the component’s durability. For ease of maintenance, the inner gear box reservoir housed within the new drive motor is easier to flush and fill through the two service ports.
Dual flange front idlers are made with forged steel and are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions. An additional fifth link on the rear axle stabilizes the undercarriage to increase machine stability and performance when grading, and provides enhanced ride quality for operators.
The undercarriages are designed with a solid cast spindle mount for increased durability. An inner bar in the axle system is heat-treated for maximum strength and surrounded by four rubber cords. New rollers are wider to maximize their contact with the compact track loader’s rubber tracks, minimize wear and deliver a smoother ride for operators. In addition, a larger rear idler positioned further back within the undercarriage provides more surface area for less wear per rotation, increasing overall component life, as well as supplying more down force to the cutting edge.
Hydraulic hoses are routed and protected inside the 5-Link torsion suspension undercarriage. The undercarriage design helps keep hoses free from snags and obstacles that operators may encounter on a jobsite.
A new feature of Bobcat compact track loader undercarriages is an automatic hydraulic track tensioning system. The hydraulic tensioning system automatically ensures the proper track tension, eliminating the need to manually adjust the compact track loader’s track tension with a grease gun
Bobcat lengthened the undercarriage’s rubber tracks to increase surface area and ground contact, which provides better flotation and improving machine performance in soft ground conditions such as sand or mud.
- Enhanced operator comfort
The new undercarriage design significantly improves operator comfort and ride quality without sacrificing performance. Less vibration reduces machine wear and improves the machine’s components life. In addition, the 5-Link torsion suspension undercarriage produces less noise and provides a quieter work environment for the compact loader operator.
- Maintenance made easy
The bushings are made with high-grade, high-quality steel for added durability. The grease-fittings are easily accessible. Recessed fittings are protected from jobsite objects and debris to help minimize machine downtime. A redesigned undercarriage main frame allows operators to perform preventive maintenance easier and quicker. A horizontally mounted hydraulic track tension cylinder provides more room between the undercarriage components and the track for easier cleanout. The undercarriage is sloped on both sides to shed sand, dirt, mud and other material. Raised cutouts between the rollers allow for easier cleaning.