Construction Equipment Guide
470 Maryland Drive
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800-523-2200
Mon December 03, 2007 - National Edition
Bobcat Company’s fourth compact telescopic tool carrier (TTC) — the V417 — is aimed at residential builders, rental companies, landscapers and agriculture producers.
The 10,648-lb. (4,830 kg) V417 TTC packs a powerful punch with its 75-hp (56 hp) turbocharged engine in a frame that is 72.5 in. (184 cm) wide.
The V417 complements three models already offered by Bobcat with much of the same technology.
An immediate benefit is the availability of attachments. The popular Bob-Tach attachment mounting system, which is standard equipment on the V417, enables customers to easily switch among various attachments in minutes, according to the manufacturer.
Attachments and the V417
Select Bobcat attachments for large-frame skid steer (S220 to S330), compact track (T250 to T320) and all wheel steer loaders (A220 and A300) are approved for use with the V417, further maximizing the machine’s versatility. This is particularly helpful for customers who already own a large-frame loader and want to get the most out of a V417, such as rental companies looking to maximize utilization.
Attachments play an important part in the V417’s versatility in the residential market, giving builders a tough grading and backfilling machine coupled with 17 ft. (5 m) of lift height to easily lift and place building materials, according to the manufacturer. Contractors can connect an angle broom to the V417 to sweep dirt and debris from driveways and streets.
A 4,800-lb. (2,177 kg) load capacity matched with a pallet fork or bucket allows the V417 to quickly lift and carry materials, and load or unload trucks. This also is a popular feature for landscapers who routinely unload pallets of sod or brick.
Additional technologies available on the V417 include a universal joystick for precise control of attachment functions, boom extension and retraction, auxiliary hydraulics and boom float. For enhanced productivity, operators follow the ground contour when backfilling or grading with the boom float feature.
The machine’s hydrostatic drive provides dynamic braking and maximum torque at ground contact with an inching pedal to maintain high rpm with slow travel speeds. For attachments that require full rpm while operating at a slow speed, the creep function comes standard, providing enhanced attachment control.
A standard cab enclosure with heating, ventilation and air conditioning system enables contractors to operate in comfort. A large cab opening offers easy entrance and exit, allowing even the biggest operators to quickly access the machine.
Also, 7-pin connectors for electronic control of various attachments are standard on the enclosed cab model.
First Impressions
Comments from contractors who tried the V417 during demonstrations have been positive, according to Bobcat. Several customers were impressed with the machine’s maneuverability and ability to turn quickly. The V417 uses the same diesel engine utilized in Bobcat compact loaders.
For more information, visit www.bobcat.com/versahandler.
This article was reprinted with permission from Bobcat WorkSaver magazine.