Bobcat adds compact excavator to M-Series line

World-of-Concrete 2010 logoBobcat will add the E55 Conventional Tail Swing compact excavator to its M-Series line this spring, the equipment manufacturer announced at the 2010 World of Concrete trade show held Jan. 18-21 in Las Vegas.

The machine has an operating weight of 11,952 pounds, an overall width of 77.2 inches, and is powered by a 48.8-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine that is interim Tier 4 compliant. The unit’s 13.4 inches of tail overhang is said to help it deliver lift capacity and slew performance in demanding applications.

The E55 is standard equipped with a TOPS/ROPS-certified cab, including a full climate control (HVAC) system.

The compact excavator features “finger-tip” controls for boom swing and auxiliary hydraulics functions in the operator’s area. It also comes with an Auto-Idle feature which, if activated by the operator, automatically returns the engine to idle if excavator functions are not used for four seconds.

Other notable features include a load-sensing piston pump and closed center valve system and an automatic, integrated slew brake. The excavator has an X-frame undercarriage and delivers 9,442 foot-pounds of bucket breakout force. Work-group cylinders offer end-of-stroke cushioning. A keyless start system is available as an option.

Other options for the compact excavator include “pad-ready” steel tracks, rubber street pads, a hydraulic angle blade, second auxiliary hydraulics, hydraulic clamp and Hydraulic X-Change attachment mounting systems for quickly switching between the 16 attachments approved for use on the machine.