Bobcat, which this year marks its 60th anniversary, has launched a new version of its top-of-the-range T870 compact tracked loader featuring a new torsion suspension undercarriage, replacing the previous roller suspension system.

The new undercarriage features torsion axles that dampen vibration, combining comfort and the stability of a solid mount undercarriage with other new features to provide a tracked loader that outperforms all other machines on the market, according to a Bobcat spokesman.

He says: “The new T870 torsion suspension machine offers 10 per cent more lift capacity than the previous roller suspension model. It is available with a wide range of standard and optional features and in a range of configurations to match emissions and specification requirements for all European, Middle East, Africa and Russia and CIS markets.”

The new T870 provides a more comfortable and relaxed environment in the cab − achieving a new level of comfort without sacrificing work performance. The torsion suspension improves not only ride quality, it also absorbs stresses and vibrations encountered on the job. The result is reduced wear and tear, and improved component life, throughout the machine.

The five-link torsion suspension undercarriage minimises rocking when lifting a load high or when performing grading tasks. An additional link on the rear axle stabilises the system to decrease rocking or bouncing and increase productivity. The fifth link acts like an independent suspension, increasing ride comfort and greatly reducing the rocking effect that is typi-cally associated with torsion suspensions. 

The dual-flange front idlers that ride on the rubber track’s roller way also improve comfort and ride quality.  The rollers and the dual-flange front idler ride on rubber to dampen vibration.  They are also wider, which maximises their contact with the track for a smoother ride, further improving comfort and ride quality as well as increasing uptime.  The larger circumference of the rear idler provides more surface area for less wear per rotation, which increases overall component life. 

The larger rear idler is positioned further back within the undercarriage system, allowing for greatly increased downward force to the cutting edge of the bucket or attachment.  The added diameter of the new rear idler provides optimal contact with the track, which maintains tension and protects against de-tracking. 

The upgraded machine has auto track tensioning, which increases uptime by automatically ensuring the proper track tension. This eliminates the need to manually adjust the loader’s track tension with a grease gun and provides consistent tensioning to minimise the chance of loosening and de-tracking in tough working conditions.

An open shape design improves ease of clean-out and debris shedding. A horizontally mounted hydraulic track tension cylinder opens more room between the carriage and the track for easier clean-out.

The T870 loader is intended to run the most powerful attachments from Bobcat such as wheelsaws to cut trenches for cable/pipe laying (including the WS32 wheelsaw providing an 80 cm dig depth). As well as work with these powerful attachments, the high productivity of the machine provides new solutions for other demanding applications such as grading, lifting, planing, landscaping, trenching, rental, construction and demolition.

Bobcat Company was launched 60 years ago as Melroe Manufacturing Company. It introduced a compact front-end loader that evolved quickly into the M-400, the world’s first true skid-steer loader.  The M-400 later adopted what became the world famous ‘Bobcat’ brand and its success created the global compact equipment industry we know today.

“Over the last 60 years, Bobcat has gone through many changes, but one thing has not changed: Bobcat’s commitment to outstanding quality, workmanship and innovation that has helped to maintain its market leadership,” the spokesman says.

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), the company’s passion and customer commitment has been invigorated by the development of a fully integrated structure based in the region, capable of defining, designing and manufacturing machines, products and services to meet the specific needs of local markets in EMEA.

In 2008, the first Bobcat office in the Middle East opened in Dubai, UAE, and in 2015, Bobcat opened a new Dubai-based Parts Distribution Centre to support the company’s products in the Middle East and Africa.