Building on the productivity of the Bobcat 700 and 800 frame-size loaders, significant upgrades have been made to the skid steer loaders, compact track loaders and all-wheel steer loader. These changes incorporate greater machine performance through enhancements such as increased breakout and lift forces, better horsepower management, shorter cycle times and simplified display navigation, according to the manufacturer.
Bobcat Company also has continued to take steps toward complying with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) diesel engine emissions standards by adopting a systems approach to simultaneously achieve standards compliancy and improved machine performance. Upgraded loader features apply key interim Tier IV (iT4) technologies to provide enhanced loader functionality and reporting for machines with horsepower ranging from 75 to 174.
Machines in this horsepower class include Bobcat’s 700 and 800 frame-size loaders, consisting of seven M-Series loaders: the S750, S770, and S850 skid steer loaders; the A770 all-wheel steer loader; and the T750, T770 and T870 compact track loaders.
With the capabilities of the iT4 electronic technologies, engine rpm recovery is faster as the engine transitions between torque and horsepower demands, providing operators with shorter cycle times and improved productivity for attachment tasks such as excavating, grading or lifting materials.
Increased Breakout and Lift Forces
Bobcat 800 frame-size loaders (S850 and T870) have been equipped with increased hydraulic pressures and breakout and lift forces, resulting in shortened digging cycles. The increased lift and tilt forces on the S850 and T870 will improve machine efficiency in lifting pallets, concrete pieces and wet clay or dirt, and rolling them back to the carry position with less machine effort. For example, the iT4-equipped T870 will have nearly 17 percent more lift breakout force than the Tier 3 model.
Less Noise, Better Fuel Consumption
For Bobcat loaders equipped with selectable joystick controls, an optional auto-idle function is available. Auto idle allows for quieter overall operation and reduced fuel consumption. This feature automatically activates, causing the engine rpm to drop to idle if a loader’s functions are not used within five seconds. With the optional deluxe instrument panel, operators can set a preferred activation time between four and 240 seconds.
Horsepower Management Updates
The new iT4 engines can interpret information that will allow horsepower management — a standard feature of Bobcat selectable joystick controls — to be based on engine torque instead of engine rpm. This minimizes engine stalling and provides additional travel speed at low-mid engine rpm.
New M-Series Loader Hydraulic Control Valve
A new hydraulic control valve allows use of the tilt function — rolling out or rolling back an attachment — regardless of auxiliary system pressure. This change makes it easier to operate attachments like planers, wheel saws, grapples, tillers, etc.
M-Series Instrument Panel Updates
All deluxe instrument panels in M-Series loaders, including 600 frame-size loaders not affected by iT4 in 2012, will provide simplified navigation and more in-depth information regarding operator and machine performance. Operators can set three different drive response modes and select them with simple push-button controls in the left panel information area.
Machine Performance Displays
The 5-in., full-color LCD screen now offers a display screen titled “machine performance,” which provides three functions — viewed only by owner-level individuals — to assist with monitoring key data to determine productivity rates by operators and other project metrics. Those functions include user login information, overall job statistics and user job statistics.
New screens viewed by all users include vital information such as real-time fuel consumption and emissions data. A simplified panel viewed by all users, includes simple universal icons such as “Home” screen button.
Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel (15 Parts per Million)
As with all iT4 emissions controls technologies, it is important to remember that only ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel may be used in iT4 compliant 700 and 800 frame-size loaders. Sulfur is a significant contributor to pollutants that exist in diesel engine exhaust, and iT4 engines are dependent on ULSD, which has significantly less sulfur compared with prior diesel fuels (15 ppm versus 500 ppm). Sulfur amounts that exceed those contained in ULSD will damage or ruin key exhaust system components, requiring replacement or costly repairs.
For more information, visit www.bobcat.com.
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