The skid steer loader was introduced by the Melroe Manufacturing Company when they produced the M-400 in 1960. The Bobcat name was first used in 1962 on the 440 model loader; the contemporary dictionary definition of ‘bobcat’ included the adjectives of “quick, tough, and agile” which were well suited to the small loader.

Melroe was purchased by Clark Equipment Company in 1969, and was purchased from Clark by Ingersoll-Rand in 1995.

Although the word “bobcat” is sometimes used to describe any skid steer loader, such usage is incorrect. The Bobcat Company owns worldwide trademark registrations for its “Bobcat” name. Accordingly, the word “Bobcat” only accurately describes equipment and vehicles manufactured by the Bobcat Company. The Bobcat Company is currently engaged in a campaign to inform the public of the proper use of the “Bobcat” trademark. Bobcat Company’s efforts are targeted at preventing Bobcat from becoming a genericized trademark.

According to Christophe Lecarpentier, product manager for the compact and heavy line at JCB France, “The dozer blade allows the materials to roll around when pushing the earth providing a better flow of material which helps improve productivity”. The technique also prevents the blade from becoming blocked by the earth when moving forwards.”

He added operator comfort is also very important and the door width provides easy access to the machine’s cab. The operator’s controls move with the suspension seat that, he said, is quite unusual on a compact machine. “but customers were asking for this as they were used to it in bigger machines.” he explained.

He went on to say that even with reduced space in the new machine there is good accessibility to the components for service and maintenance.

Amman Yanmar meanwhile has developed the SV20, a new 2 tonne class mini excavator, which is a mix between the SV range of machines launched at the previous Intermat in 2006 and the compact Vio 20 unit, The undercarriage, boom and arm are similar to the Vio 20 and the upper structure and cabin are from the SV series machines. Featuring a 290 mm lateral overhang and 50mm rear overhang the “semi-Vio” model is not a zero tailswing machine. It is lighter than the Vio 20 but with similar digging forces and uses the same Yanmar engine. A 2.19 tonne cab version and a 2.05 tonne canopy model are available.

New to the range at Doosan subsidiary Bobcat is the 5.5 tonne class E55w wheeled excavator. This machine is made for Bobcat by its parent company in Korea, and is available from Doosan as the DX55w. However, it is new to the Bobcat range-in fact it is Bobcat’s first ever wheeled excavator.

Also new to the Bobcat range is the new generation of three and a half tonne excavators including the conventional tailswing 3.2 tonne E32 and the zero tailswing 3.5 tonne E35.

Also new from the company this year is the 6 tonne zero tailswing E60 crawler excavator, powered by a 38 kw Yanmar disel engine.

Finally, Bobcat has just introduced two smaller models in the 1 to 2 tonne class, the E14 and E16. Powered by the 3-cylinder 9.9kw Kubota D722 engine, according to the company they are both designed to be easy to transport and offer smooth, powerful performance and increased reliability and durability.

The E14 has a standard operating weight of 1,303kg(2,867 lb) and a maximum digging depth of 2.3m(7.6ft).The standard configuration features a canopy and retractable

undercarriage. The E16 is available in two versions. The base model with fixed undercarriage has an operating weight of 1,515 kg(3.333lb) for the canopy configuration and offer a maximum digging depth of 2.42m(7.9ft). With the optional factory installed retractable undercarriage and long dipperstick, the E16 has an operating weight of 1,555kg(3.421lb) for the canopy configuration and offers a maximum digging depth of 2.6 m(8.5 ft).

The digging force, combined with the working range, the smoothness of the functions in the workgroup including the boom and dipperstick, and the hydraulic performance in cycle times are among the main freatures of the E14 and E16 min excavators. Their compact size and superior stability make there machines ideal for heavy duty applications in confined areas.

Also in this weight class, Hitachi has launched the 1,5 tonne ZX14-3 excavator. Described as a “basic no-nonsense model that is extremely easy to operate” the ZX14-3 uses a three cylinder 10.7kw engine and a large 22 liter capacity fuel tank to increase operating time. Operating weights range form 1.46 to1.6 tonnes.

According to Joep Van Den Maagdenberg, product sales representative for Hitachi’s compact line, the new mini is simple in design but also features a standard of operator comfort not normally found in this size machine.

Wacker Neuson has added the 2.4 tonne 2404 machine to its range. According to sales manager Gerhard Neudorfer: “The objective we had was to develop a powerful, efficient and robust machine which also addresses a price-conscious clientele and which could easily hold its own with machines in the 2.5 tonne class. Our designers have achieved this with aplomb and we see massive potential for this 2.4 tonne excavator.” The 2404 offers a dig depth of 2.6 m(8.5ft), a dump height of 2.8m(9.2ft) and a 1.2 tonne lift power.