Customers claim Bobcat has designed the best operator’s cab ever in the construction telehandler industry

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In May 2021, Bobcat announced a major update in the telehandler market when the company launched the new R-Series, comprising 12 new telehandler models for construction and rental applications. Patrik Eder, Editor at LECTURA, talked to Quentin d’Hérouël, Product Manager Telescopics Doosan Bobcat EMEA, about Bobcat’s new R-Series telehandlers. The discussion explored the machines’ benefits, capabilities, range, feedback from customers and the future industry events where the machines will be displayed this year.

PE: What was the main focus when developing the new models?

QH: The main focus was to ensure the highest possible ease of use as well as a state-of the-art date interface for the operator. Bobcat equipment is already known for being user friendly so any new operator can intuitively understand how to operate our machines. In the new R-Series telehandlers, this has been taken several stages further utilising hardware and logic from the automotive industry, allowing us to provide an even greater level of familiarity, whoever the user is - from a contractor operator from France to a rental customer in the UK, for example.

The use of the latest interfaces such as an LCD display, keypads and a navigation wheel was a key contributor to the user friendliness as well as the upgrading of the cab in the R-Series machines.

PE: Can you highlight the most important features of the new R-series telehandlers?

QH:  The ground-breaking R-Series range 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.

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. 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. There is a new DYNAMIC mode for applications requiring rapid transmission response and the new optional hand throttle with FLEX DRIVE function allows for the control of travel speed independent from engine rpm.

New Cab for Remarkable Operator Experience:

Bobcat R-Series telehandlers feature a new cab with unmatched ease of use, designed around the operator, offering a unique central control panel for optimized 360° ergonomics. In the ergonomic design, all surfaces have been optimised to offer increased space and visibility. It is based around a new 5-inch LCD display providing interactive and streamlined information, including the feed from the rear camera for easier and more precise operation.

PE: How many R-Series machines have you introduced in total? What is the range of capabilities offered by the new R-Series?

QH: Bobcat’s new generation R-Series telehandler range for construction and rental provides a choice of 12 models with Stage V engines. The new telehandlers cover lifting heights from 6 to 18 m with maximum lifting capacities between 2.6 and 4.1 tonne.

The new R-Series range for construction and rental comprises the models:

Compact telehandlers - TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70

Middle range telehandlers - TL35.70, T35.105, T35.105L and T36.120SL

High lift telehandlers - T35.130S, T35.130SLP, T35.140S, T41.140SLP and T40.180SLP

PE: What is the feedback from your customers regarding the new models?

QH: We are receiving very positive feedback on a daily basis. Many customers are confirming we now have the best operator’s cab ever in the construction telehandler industry! In general they say that the operator experience has been significantly upgraded and is very well backed up by the smooth transmission and the precise boom movements. They are also confirming that the ease of use will contribute to increased machine safety on site.

PE: At which events and shows can your customers see the new series of telehandlers in action?

QH: They will feature at all the major national shows in Europe this year such as Hillhead in the UK or Ecomondo in Italy. They will certainly be a centrepiece at the upcoming BAUMA international exhibition in October 2022, which will definitely provide a good opportunity to see a wide range of our new R-Series telehandler models.

PE: Due to their versatility and compact size, telehandlers are becoming more and more popular throughout the world. Can we expect an even larger telehandler portfolio from Bobcat in the future?

QH: Sure. We are actively working on a very promising new compact solution that will further demonstrate Bobcat’s commitment to delivering agile, tough and versatile machines…stay tuned!

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