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Bobcat brings new generation of telehandlers to the Middle East
Staff Report,
2 Jun 2021
New range of 12 R-Series telehandlers from the compact equipment market leader gives the Middle East market wider choice in lift capacities and boom reach with robust and high-performance machines under the brand’s “Next us Now” programme
Bobcat has introduced its new generation R-Series telehandler range for the Middle East providing a choice of 12 models powered by Stage IIIA engines. The range, also aimed simultaneously for the Africa, Russia and CIS markets, which share some similar characteristics, has new telehandlers that cover lifting heights from 6m to 18m with maximum lifting capacities between 2.6t and 4.1t. Bobcat says this is the latest phase in the company’s revolutionary “Next is Now” programme, combining “innovative product development and diversification with more intelligent, user friendly technologies that reshape how work gets done”.
Commenting on the new R-Series, Gustavo Otero, president, Doosan Bobcat EMEA, says: “Telehandlers are a fundamental asset of our business strategy and key pillar of our ‘Next is Now’ initiative. Our new ground-breaking R-Series offers high performance, robust machines for maximum uptime with a focus on accurate controls and intuitive operation for tackling any job on the construction site. With these new models and the increased investment in our telehandler business, we are aiming to double the production of Bobcat telehandlers by 2025.”
The new R-Series range of telehandlers from Bobcat comprises models in three categories: Compact telescopic loaders; Middle range telehandlers; and High lift telehandlers. In the first category, there are three models – the TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70. The second or middle range telehandlers are made up of four models, which are the TL35.70, T35.105, T35.105L and T36.120SL. The high lift telehandlers, meanwhile, made up of a group of five machines – the T35.130S, T35.130SLP, T35.140S, T41.140SLP and T40.180SLP.
“Bobcat telehandlers are popular in the Middle East and Africa markets and we want to further improve our presence and accelerate our growth in the MEA construction and rental sectors with this new generation. Leveraging from the ease of use, safety and reliability of our equipment, we aim to be present on every job-site, where this kind of equipment is needed,” says Otero.
According to Bobcat, the new R-Series telehandlers offer agility on demand, with a newly configured transmission system providing enhanced smoothness to carry out “the trickiest jobs at height with surgical precision”. These operations are also facilitated by the combination of the Boom Positioning System, the new updated, ultra-accurate joystick, the inching function and the improved visibility from the cab.
An enhanced inching pedal design is easier to use and reduces fatigue, the manufacturer adds. A higher engine brake provides a shorter stop distance and increases safety on construction sites. Turtle/rabbit speeds are standard on all models and operated from the joystick.
Being built with the Middle East market in mind, the cab is one thing that Bobcat cannot ignore in the machine, given the demanding conditions in the region and the effect of those conditions on operators. Bobcat’s R-Series telehandlers feature a new cab, offering what the company terms “unmatched ease of use, designed around the operator”. Offering a unique central control panel for optimised 360° ergonomics, the new high-quality, contemporary interior of the cab features stand-out R-Series branding, as well as colours and textures that clearly reflect Bobcat’s DNA. In the ergonomic design, all surfaces have been optimised to offer increased space and visibility. It is based around a new five-inch LCD display providing interactive and streamlined information, including the feed from the rear camera for easier and more precise operation.
Bobcat says it has made it a very simple process for operators to start working immediately on the company’s R-Series telehandlers. These are made possible with features such as an all-in-one joystick with improved ergonomics; intuitive automotive-style controls with backlit keypad, jog-shuttle and levers under steering wheel; an interactive five-inch LCD display; semi-automatic wheel alignment; an automatic transmission and parking brake; and full protection for maximum uptime on job-sites.
Gaby Rhayem, regional director for Middle East and Africa at Doosan Bobcat EMEA, says: “Uptime is key in construction. Bobcat telehandlers have always had an extra tough design and the new R-Series models build on this reputation, thanks to protective shielding of all vital components in key areas, and the robust frame and boom for working in every possible environment. The shielded design provides protection for hydraulic and electrical components (including the pipes, harness and transmission) and a steel plate protecting the base of the machine. All Bobcat telehandlers have a rigid boom structure and a robust frame with box section layout.”
According to Rhayem, all areas of the R-Series range are designed to inspire full confidence in customers, beginning with the low centre of gravity and well-balanced design of the machines, which also incorporate a heavy counterweight as well as a long wheelbase.
The optimum weight distribution of the new Bobcat telehandlers, with or without the compact stabilisers being deployed, also allows operators to safely reach as high and as far as possible while handling heavy loads with the machines.
Under the bonnet, a proven Perkins Stage IIIA engine provides high power and the simplicity of its mechanical injection system. In addition, all R-Series telehandlers now feature a new engine hood with a steeper profile that increases visibility and reduces blind spots by 15% on the righthand side of the machines. Together with the new dashboard design, Bobcat says this provides excellent unobstructed visibility from the cab, allowing the operator to move around the job-site with ease and minimising accidents or mistakes.
Quentin D’Hérouël, product manager, Telehandlers, at Doosan Bobcat, concludes: “As with all new Bobcat telehandlers, the R-Series offers customers peace of mind with a three-year warranty - or 3,000 hours - on the entire machine as standard from the factory. Bobcat is the only manufacturer to provide a three-year warranty as standard, allowing customers to focus entirely on growing their business without worrying about their machines. And with regards to the cab interior, we’re now the leaders in the field. As we have constantly involved our customers in their design, we’re confident that the new generation machines will be very well received in the marketplace.”
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