Bobcat Excavators Building Fibre Optic Network in Belgium

Bobcat Center Antwerpen, one of the Authorised Bobcat dealers in Belgium, is delivering 80 new Bobcat E17 mini-excavators to Proximus, the largest of Belgium's mobile telecommunications companies.

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Last year, Proximus issued a tender for the supply of a large number of excavators to help build a new fibre optic network. The machines are to be used in both confined and in more accessible locations. With its compact dimensions and powerful engine, the Bobcat E17 mini-excavator model came out on top.

Since the beginning of this year, machines have been delivered weekly, both from the Bobcat Center Antwerpen branch in Kontich and from a new location in Herenthout. Rudi Willemen, manager of Bobcat Center Antwerp, is very pleased with this contract: “The Bobcat E17 is a very solid and reliable excavator with compact dimensions that allow access to even the most inaccessible places. Very soon, we will be able to enjoy super-fast internet almost everywhere in Belgium thanks to the new fibre optic cable network.”

The Bobcat E17 was preferred over several other machines on the market for a number of reasons. The undercarriage, the width of which can be retracted hydraulically to 98 cm, ensures that the machine can go anywhere and can pass through narrow gates and openings, before being expanded again to a larger width for excellent stability when working.

In addition, the E17 also has two driving speeds. This allows the machine to be moved more quickly between two projects, realizing significant productivity benefits. Each machine is also equipped with a breaker which, in combination with the powerful engine, ensures no surface is too hard to get through.

The Bobcat E17 offers great comfort for the driver. All the machines are equipped with an air-suspension seat. Together with the simple and logical controls, the E17 is an easy and comfortable machine that all users can easily operate for a whole day even in difficult conditions.