Bobcat Co. lately expanded its compact excavator lineup with the brand new E17 and a next-generation E20 mannequin, focusing on contractors working in landscaping, residential development and different functions requiring energy in confined areas. To grasp the sensible functions for contractors, Gear At this time spoke with Bobcat product specialists at The Utility Expo 2025 concerning the design philosophy, key options and efficiency enhancements of those new machines.
What was the technique behind introducing the E17 alongside the redesigned E20?
The E17 was added to the portfolio to function a “worth level machine” within the 1- to 2-ton class. It offers a extra reasonably priced possibility for contractors who want the core efficiency of a compact excavator with out among the premium options. It comes completely in a cover configuration, which helps handle the fee whereas nonetheless delivering the important capabilities for this dimension class.
The subsequent-generation E20 builds on the success of its predecessor, which was already a prime performer. We made enhancements to what we felt was the most effective machine in its class to make it even higher. Each machines share key upgrades, together with a redesigned hydraulic system and commonplace fingertip controls, however they’re positioned to satisfy completely different buyer wants and budgets.
Each fashions function a brand new hydraulic system. What are the important thing adjustments and the way do they profit the operator?
Each the E17 and E20 are outfitted with a brand new closed-center hydraulic system that includes a load-sensing pump. This can be a vital improve that improves multi-functioning capabilities. For an operator, this implies you may carry out a number of actions concurrently — like swinging the increase whereas working an attachment — with extra environment friendly use of hydraulic move. The system delivers clean, responsive management and exact positioning.
This enhanced controllability is essential when digging a trench, working close to foundations or utilizing hydraulic attachments. It permits operators to finish duties extra effectively and with larger finesse, whether or not they’re skilled or new to the machine. The improved system would not essentially open up a brand new vary of attachments, nevertheless it considerably enhances the efficiency and performance of the attachments you’re already utilizing.
Fingertip controls for increase swing and auxiliary hydraulics at the moment are commonplace. Why was this function prioritized?
Making fingertip controls commonplace was a serious focus for enhancing operator consolation and precision. Beforehand, a foot pedal rocker was the bottom possibility for these features. Shifting the controls to the joystick permits for a lot finer, extra proportional actions. An operator’s thumb might be extra exact than their foot, which is crucial for duties requiring finesse, reminiscent of digging alongside a basis or fastidiously metering hydraulic move to an attachment.
These controls are proportional, that means a small motion of the swap leads to a sluggish, managed motion, whereas a full push delivers most velocity. This can be a distinct benefit over some aggressive fashions which will use a extra on-off model management. We imagine this function advantages each seasoned operators who demand precision and newer operators who discover it simpler to have all main controls accessible on the joysticks.
What particular options make these excavators ideally suited for tight-access jobsites?
Each the E17 and E20 are zero-tail-swing machines with an in-track swing body, permitting for unrestricted rotation when working near partitions or different obstacles.
A key function for entry is the hydraulically retractable undercarriage. On the E17, for instance, the tracks can retract from a full width of 53.5 inches down to simply 38.6 inches, permitting it to simply cross via commonplace gates and slim entryways. The dozer blade will also be manually folded to match this compact width.
Upgrades to Bobcat’s E20 Compact Excavator embody a redesigned hydraulic system and commonplace fingertip controls, amongst others.Bobcat Co.
On the E20, we have improved the blade retraction mechanism. It now makes use of a easy swivel pivot pin system, making it sooner and simpler for the operator to retract the blade extensions earlier than navigating a good house. These options, mixed with handy tie-down factors and an computerized slew brake, make transport and maneuvering on congested websites hassle-free.
The E20 provides an elective enclosed cab. What efficiency and luxury options does it embody?
The elective cab on the E20 is designed for operators who work in colder climates or just want a extra managed surroundings. It comes commonplace with warmth, a Bluetooth radio, 3D seize handles and decreased noise ranges.
Past consolation, the cab possibility consists of two key efficiency options: auto idle and auto shift. Auto idle features very similar to it does in a automotive, mechanically decreasing engine RPM when the machine shouldn’t be actively working to avoid wasting gasoline.
Auto shift enhances maneuverability when touring in two-speed mode. When an operator makes a flip in excessive velocity, the machine senses the elevated load on the observe motors and mechanically downshifts to low velocity. This offers the mandatory torque to finish the flip easily. As soon as the machine straightens out, it mechanically shifts again as much as excessive velocity. This enables the operator to journey shortly and effectively throughout the jobsite with out manually shifting for turns.
How does the efficiency of the next-generation E20 examine to the earlier mannequin?
The brand new E20 delivers a considerable efficiency increase. It has a rated raise capability of 1,098 kilos and offers 24% extra arm digging pressure and 26% extra lifting capability over the blade than the earlier E20. That is achieved via the brand new hydraulic system, which incorporates bigger increase and blade cylinders.
It additionally comes commonplace with a protracted arm for elevated attain, digging depth and dump peak, in addition to a protracted blade for improved grading and backfilling efficiency. These upgrades make the E20 a robust and productive machine able to tackling extra demanding jobs.
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