April 2009
New Generation of 3 Tonne Excavators Offers Smooth Power by Bobcat

Waterloo, Belgium. Bobcat has launched a completely new generation of 3 tonne mini-excavators, the 3.2 tonne E32 conventional tail swing and the 3.5 tonne E35 zero tail swing models. Both excavators feature smooth and precise workgroup control, exceptional hydraulic performance, enhanced convenience and comfort for the operator, as well as increased reliability.

Smoothness and optimised hydraulic performance

Designed to achieve the highest performance with exceptionally smooth movements, the E32 and E35 mini-excavators combine maximum productivity with the ability to carry out jobs with precision and fingertip control. The load sense piston pump and the closed centre valve enable exceptionally fine metering of hydraulic flow for smooth, precise control of machine functions, while reducing hydraulic noise. The boom and dipper arm cylinders are cushioned to provide a smooth, end-of stroke operation.

A thumb-operated boom offset control located on the left joystick enables improved control of the boom swing function while providing more floor space for the operator. This feature is in contrast to the pedal control used on many excavators of the 3 tonne class.

An important new feature which provides smooth travel in all operating conditions is the auto-shift travel motor which allows an automatic transition from the low to high speed range or vice versa. The operator can select the auto-shift feature via a rocker switch on the right hand dashboard. Alternatively, the auto-shift can be disengaged and the operator can use the switch located on the blade control lever to select the travel speed desired.

Unmatched operator comfort

Operator comfort has always been an important feature of Bobcat mini-excavators. In the E32 and E35, the operator area offers the latest comfort, visibility and space standards. The canopy and cab are designed so the operator has plenty of space for their feet and legs as well as a very comfortable work environment. The cab version is equipped standard with heating and ventilation. Airconditioning is available as an option.

The engine, air intake, cooling and exhaust systems, along with the hydraulic pump and valve are designed to offer a lower bystander noise (94 dBA) and operator ear noise level (78 dBA). This results in a noise environment unequalled by other 3 tonne mini-excavators. On the undercarriage, the directional lug rubber track is designed to offer a smoother ride with less vibration without reducing surface grip. Sealed floor plates and the routing of the hydraulic hoses below the floor mat and next to the operator seat significantly isolate the operator from undesired heat in the cab.

The E32 and E35 have as standard an ‘auto idle’ feature which reduces fuel consumption and noise and creates a more comfortable environment. The auto idle feature, which can be enabled at the operator’s discretion, automatically causes the engine to drop to idle if the excavator functions are not used for a period of about four seconds. The engine automatically returns to the pre-set throttle position when the operator moves a joystick or a travel function.

The E32 and E35 have 360° visibility from the cab with full visibility to the right track of the machine as well as to the rear of the cab. The wiper motor is mounted on the lower front window to provide superior visibility to the front. This design also reduces the weight of the front window, so that it can be opened with minimum effort.

The travel pedals, which are made of cast aluminum, provide smooth, accurate control of the excavator. When not in use, the pedals can fold forward for maximum foot room. The travel levers are positioned adjacent to each other, allowing for easy drive control, even with one hand if desired. This increases productivity when backfilling as the operator can steer with one hand while adjusting the blade with the other.

Enhanced reliability

Bobcat excavators are known for their reliability, an important factor contributing to the low overall lifetime operating cost of a Bobcat excavator. CAD techniques, endurance testing of components and assemblies under extreme conditions, and highly durable materials are used to ensure reliability. These processes underpin the design of the E32 and E35, which have the same upper-structure, cab/canopy and workgroup.

The boom of the E32 and E35 consists of a ‘4-plate box design’ with internal gussets that reduces weight, yet provides a stronger, more durable and reliable structure, offering increased lift capacity and smoother machine operation.

The design of the hydraulic components, routing of the hydraulic hoses and hydraulic connections, combined with improved assembly procedures, significantly reduces the possibility of hydraulic leaks and increases quality and reliability. ‘Quicklock’ snap-to-connect fittings for connections to the valve block ports reduce stress on the fittings as they exit the valve, further reducing the chance of leaks. Compared to the classical 90° fittings, the Quicklock fittings also generate less heat and thus lower the cooling requirements of the machines.

The undercarriage of the E32 and E35 features sealed, maintenance-free track rollers, a top roller and wide sprockets offering high resilience and a long service life. The ‘open’ design and sloped surfaces of the X-frame undercarriage help prevent the build up of mud and debris, reducing the time and effort required to clean the machine.

Access through the wide opening tailgate and sidegate simplifies routine maintenance. There is easy access to all service components such as filters, the battery and radiator as well as centralised grease points. The air conditioning condenser and hydraulic cooler can be easily separated for cleaning purposes, without need for tools. The starter, alternator and compressor can be taken out without removing the counterweight. Auto-tension belts help to reduce maintenance needs. The E32 and E35 also offer the protection of an electronically controlled engine and hydraulic system monitor with automatic shutdown.

The fuel fill point, which can be locked, is designed to make refuelling simpler. The counterweight, tailgate and sidegate can be removed easily for unlimited access. The tailgate is lockable and, since the sidegate is released via the tailgate, this design offers protection from vandalism and theft. Other security features include the lockable storage compartment under the seat and the battery disconnect switch.

Brief specifications – Bobcat E32 excavator with conventional tail swing

Operating weight with cab, rubber tracks and 610 mm bucket: 3327 kg
Digging depth: 3117 mm
Reach at ground level: 4980 mm
Dump height: 3437 mm
Track width: 320 mm
Travel speed: low range – 2.6 km/h; high range – 4.7 km/h
Auxiliary hydraulic flow: 63.9 l/min
Ground pressure with rubber tracks: 28.8 kPa
Engine: liquid-cooled Kubota D1803-M-D1-E3B-BC- 3 diesel engine, 24.8 kW at 2650 rpm
Overall dimensions: 2429 mm high x 1520 mm wide x 4662 mm long in travel position

Brief specifications – Bobcat E35 excavator with zero tail swing
Operating weight with cab, rubber tracks and 610 mm bucket: 3493 kg
Digging depth: 3117 mm
Reach at ground level: 5230 mm
Dump height: 3437 mm
Track width: 320 mm
Travel speed: low range – 2.6 km/h; high range – 4.7 km/h
Auxiliary hydraulic flow: 63.9 l/min Ground pressure with rubber tracks: 28.8 kPa
Engine: liquid-cooled Kubota D1803-M-D1-E3B-BC- 3 diesel engine, 24.8 kW at 2650 rpm
Overall dimensions: 2429 mm high x 1750 mm wide x 4820 mm long in travel position

Small <1-2 T

 

The 1 tonne Bobcat® E08 and E10 micro-excavators are ideal for small jobs typically done with a shovel as well as work inside buildings and extremely tight spaces.

The undercarriage can be retracted to 700mm to pass through narrow openings and doorways and expanded to 1100mm for maximum stability while digging.

Weighing 1.0 to 1.6 tonnes, the Bobcat E08, E10, E14 and E16 excavators combine power, performance and operator comfort to handle a wide variety of digging applications.

 

E08 Micro-Excavator

• Retractable undercarriage and blade
• Foldable TOPS structure
• Built-in operator safety
• Compact dimensions
• Cylinder-over-the-boom design
• Optional Demolition Kit for additional cooling
• Easy access to daily maintenance points

Ideal for applications where larger machines cannot fit.

Powerful and productive
These versatile micro-excavators pack a big punch, whether used for demolition or landscaping work. Thanks to short tail swing, they are less likely to get damaged while working, thus providing a longer service life and lower total cost of ownership.

For work with a breaker, the optional demolition kit for both the E08 and El0 provides additional cooling to allow the machines to keep working longer.

Stable and compact
The expandable undercarriage ensures unmatched stability for this size of machine, while retracting easily to allow the excavator to pass through narrow openings.

Combined with the integrated, foldable TOPS, it means that 710 mm wide, low-headroom openings are no barrier to these machines!

Comfortable and convenient
Low noise and vibration levels ensure excellent operator comfort along with reduced environmental impact. The adjustable joystick controls on the El 0 take comfort to unequalled levels.

E10 Micro-Excavator

• Zero tail swing (ZTS) design
• Unique adjustable hydraulic joystick controls
• 2-speed operation
• Retractable undercarriage and blade
• Foldable TOPS structure
• Built-in operator safety
• Compact dimensions
• Cylinder-over-the-boom design
• Optional Demolition Kit for additional cooling
• Easy access to daily maintenance points

Easy to transport

As well as being able to pass through narrow, low-headroom openings, the Bobcat E08 and E10 micro-excavators are also easy to transport.

 

Medium 2-3 T

Weighing 2.8 and 2.9 tonnes respectively, the 325 and 328 excavators are identical except for the longer dipper stick on the 328 which allows a maximum digging depth of 2.85 m.

Compact, yet offering the performance of larger machines, the 325 and 328 are ideal for a wide variety of digging applications such as cable laying, footing for buildings and installation of drainage and sewerage lines.

Large 3-5.3 T

The popular 3.1 tonne 329, 3.3 tonne 331 and 3.5 tonne 331E excavators, the latter with extendable dipper arm, provide excellent performance in a compact package, ideal for doing a wide variety of digging and landscaping applications.

These and all larger model excavators have load sensing for optimal utilisation of power and speed in digging applications. The  4.2 tonne 335 excavator, which offers a maximum digging depth of 3.58 m, bridges the gap to the larger 337 and 341 5 and 5.3 tonne models.

Zero Housing Swing (ZHS) 2.5 - 5T

Unique in their class, the Bobcat® 430 and 435 excavators are available both with conventional hydraulic drive as well as FastTrackTM hydrostatic drive - an industry first - to provide unmatched travel speed and super smooth maneuvering on the ground.

Thanks to zero housing swing, the entire upper structure of the 425, 428, 430 and 435 stays within the width of the tracks, providing all  models with 320° unimpeded rotation. This feature provides superb flexibility for excavation work alongside walls, spoil placement to the side or behind the machines, as well as maximum protection of the machine.

Midi Excavators 7.5-12.5 T

Both the 7.5 tonne 442 and 12.5 tonne 444 Bobcat® midi excavators combine features characteristic of mini-excavators, such as rubber tracks, boom offset and compact design, with features of large excavators to provide unmatched flexibility and performance in their respective classes.

The 442 is a true zero tail swing (ZTS) excavator whilst the 444 offers the shortest tail swing in its class. Thanks to their compact design, both machines are ideal for work in close quarters.

State-of-the-art joystick controls, load sensing and superior breakout force allow the 442 and 444 to handle a variety of applications from trenching to landscaping and site preparation.