Machine operator for a day: Highlights from Bobcat Demo Days 2026

• Bobcat Demo Days 2026 showcased the integration of innovation, production, and training at the Dobříš Campus, Bobcat's European headquarters.

• The Innovation Centre plays a vital role in prototype development, testing, and validation of new machines and components.

• New product launches included the R-Series Evolution Loaders with enhanced power and technology, the Stage V-compliant T650 Compact Track Loader, and the powerful MT120 Mini Track Loader.

• A forestry demonstration highlighted the T86-2 compact track loader's capabilities and protective features for demanding environments.

On 26 May 2026, LECTURA attended Bobcat Demo Days at the Dobříš Campus, located near Prague in Czechia. Serving as Bobcat’s headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the campus is a unique institution  that brings several key functions together in one place. Alongside the regional HQ, it is home to the innovation centre, the training centre and the Bobcat manufacturing plant. Our visit offered a close look at how development, training, production and live machine demonstrations are connected within one campus. We also had the unique opportunity to test a wide range of machines, from skid steer loaders and telehandlers to wheel loaders and mini excavators, including various attachments.

Inside Bobcat’s European Hub

The day began with a journey through the more than 100-year history of Bobcat, connecting two stories from opposite ends of the world: Doosan’s roots in Korea, originally tied to a brewery, and the Melroe Manufacturing Company from the American Midwest, which acquired the production rights to the loader developed by the Keller brothers. The name Bobcat first appeared in 1962. Little by little, we learned about the various machine series and the years they were added to the portfolio, following the path that brought Bobcat to the heart of Europe.

The Innovation Centre: Where Ingenuity Becomes Reality

The Bobcat Innovation Center, founded in 2014, plays a key role not only in the development and testing of new machines, but also in assessing whether a particular solution can be successfully implemented in mass production.

During our visit, we learned how  materials are processed and machined, and how prototypes are manufactured or modified depending on the current stage of development. Several machines can be worked on simultaneously, sometimes within just a few days, depending on the complexity of the project and the availability of parts.

The centre also carries out most machine validations directly on site, with the exception of electromagnetic compatibility testing, which requires a specialised laboratory. Engines, cooling systems, stability, brakes, pulling force, durability under repeated loads and machine behaviour in conditions close to real-world operation  are all tested here. For this purpose, the centre uses various testing areas, including a climate chamber, a washing box capable of simulating heavy rain, a specification laboratory, a test pit and cyclic testing facilities.

One of the most interesting stops was the noise chamber, where machine noise is measured, noise standards are verified and the impact of individual components on the overall sound profile is analysed. The chamber is also used for testing electric machines, including any unwanted high-frequency sounds.

Factory Tour: From Steel Plate to Heavy Machinery

The factory tour showed how Bobcat machines gradually assembled, starting with steel plates precisely cut and processed steel plates. During the tour, we saw how high-quality materials, precision tools and well-organised workflows support smooth production, from manually and robotically welded components to code-guided operations that help operators handle each part correctly. The process continues with surface treatment, including e-coating and painting, before the machines move further down the assembly line. With just-in-time carts supplying parts at regular intervals and the step-by-step assembly of different types of machines, the visit provided a clear overview of how efficiency, control and coordination come together in daily production at the Dobříš plant.

Machines in Motion: Demos and Testing

The machines were showcased in a real-world working environment inside the test zone. The space was divided by machine type and application, allowing visitors to explore excavators, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, telehandlers, compact tractors and portable power equipment. The individual sections reflected different jobsite scenarios, from construction, agriculture and demolition to landscaping, compaction, road applications and portable power equipment. 

Alongside hands-on machine tryouts, attendees could speak directly with product managers to understand the engineering philosophy behind each unit. The true highlights of the tryout area were three major debuts.

R-Series Evolution Loaders

Representing the next stage of Bobcat’s compact loader lineup, this new generation features an updated naming system that better reflects the machines' latest technological and performance enhancements. This updated range includes the T66-2, T76-2, and T86-2 compact track loaders, alongside the S66-2, S76-2, and S86-2 skid-steer loaders. The flagship S86-2 and T86-2 models are equipped with a more powerful 115 HP engine for heavy-duty applications, reach a lift height of up to 3.7 m (12 ft), feature a new 8-inch touchscreen display, and offer four selectable drive modes that allow operators to precisely tailor the machine’s responsiveness.

The New T650 Compact Track Loader

Engineered specifically for strictly regulated Stage V markets across Europe, the new T650 is built directly at the Dobříš plant. It combines the proven 600-frame M-Series design with a 2.4-litre Bobcat engine delivering 55 kW (74 HP), meeting full emission compliance without the need for AdBlue. Despite its compact dimensions, it features a vertical lift path and a rated capacity of 1,192 kg, making it highly effective for pallet handling and truck loading in tight spaces. Furthermore, it offers unrestricted compatibility with existing attachments via the Bob-Tach™ mounting system, optional High-Flow hydraulics, standard Machine IQ telematics, and a forward-view cab design with fully transparent doors for superior visibility in low-light conditions thanks to LED working lights.

MT120 Mini Track Loader

Making its first appearance at Demo Days, the MT120 is the most powerful machine in its class.It is designed specifically for landscaping, ground maintenance, and working on demanding jobsites with existing turf or finished concrete. At just 91 cm wide, it manoeuvres in incredibly tight spaces,  while maintaining exceptionally low ground pressure protecting sensitive  surfaces. Powered by a 1.2-litre DPF-free engine, it boasts robust breakout force and a maximum tipping load of 1,573 kg. For maximum versatility, it offers a lift height of 2.24 m, a reach of 56 cm, maintenance-free rollers and bushings, and direct compatibility with more than 20 categories of attachments.

Forestry Experience: Tough Terrain, Tougher Machines

The event also included an off-site forestry demonstration showcasing how Bobcat machines can be used in demanding forestry conditions. One of the highlights was the Bobcat T86-2 compact track loader in action.

Equipped with a cutter, the machine demonstrated its increased power and reach, offering 115 hp and a lift height of 3.6 meters. For additional protection in tough working conditions, the T86-2 was fitted with a forestry kit including reinforced roof protection, bulletproof doors,  and front and rear light guards.

The machine also featured an ACD connection, allowing it to recognise attached implements. During the demonstration, the cutter proved its performance with replaceable teeth arranged in a spiral pattern.