CLARK Equipment has launched a new range of Bobcat telehandlers in Australia said to offer superior performance and versatility across a broad range of applications at mining and processing sites.
The telehandlers are designed and manufactured by Bobcat (a business unit of the Ingersoll Rand Company) and come to Australia with the same pedigree and a proven international track record, according to the company.
The telehandlers will also be supported through the Australian Bobcat dealer network with the same level of service and support that customers have come to expect and rely on from the Bobcat brand worldwide.
According to James Kennedy of Clark Equipment, the new Bobcat telehandler is available in seven models ranging in size from the T2556 with a 2.5 tonne capacity and 5.6 metre lifting height to the fully-featured T40170 with a 4.0 tonne capacity and 17.0 metre lifting height.
The new Bobcat telehandlers offer several class leading features that separate them from the competition and make them the first choice for performance and versatility.
All models feature unitized frames, hydrostatic drive, single joystick hydraulic operation and an advanced boom with internal hydraulic lines and cylinders.
These structural features are combined with a 920mm wide spacious cabin that is air conditioned for operator comfort year-round and safety.
Switches and indicators are intuitive and well placed to minimize distractions on busy job sites.
Driving operations are said to be simple due to the proportional steering and hydrostatic drive.
The hydrostatic transmission provides increased safety over a torque converter drive while at the same time allowing for increased drive torque and feel.
An inching function can be used, for example, to change the drive pedal sensitivity for delicate operations while working at various speeds.
The hydrostatic transmission allows for fast clutch-less shifting between low and high travel speed ranges as well as forward and reverse. It also increases safety on the site by preventing the telehandler from moving when the drive pedal is released. This important safety feature prevents the telehandler from rolling away or moving if the operator accidentally releases the brake pedal.
The multi-function joystick controls all boom functions and provides a true multi-function capability.
Boom lift and tilt, extension and retraction and auxiliary hydraulic controls are all controlled through the single joystick. This multi-function capability means that all the Bobcat telehandlers can handle functions such as extending the boom and curling a bucket at the same time thereby drastically reducing cycle times and increasing productivity on site.
Their technologically advanced frame and boom give the Bobcat telehandlers another edge over the competition.
The use of a unitized frame and finite element analysis increases the frame strength and durability while at the same time reducing the frame weight by almost 1000 kg on the larger models.
The end result is a telehandler that is stiffer, stronger and lighter than the competition with the added benefit of increased protection for hydraulic and drive components on the bottom of the boom.
The telehandlers also use a proportional boom design which means that all boom sections extend and retract simultaneously for smooth movement. The boom extension cylinder as well as the extension chains and hydraulic lines are all enclosed within the boom structure and protected from potential job site damage. Boom components are serviceable through a unique cassette mechanism which allows easy removal of all internal boom components.
In addition to their superior performance, the Bobcat telehandlers have access to a wide range of job-matched attachments that make them a truly versatile tool carrier. They have industry leading breakout force and dump angles when used with buckets.
The Bobcat telehandlers hydraulic Quick-Tach system is also compatible with a large number of Bobcat compact loader attachments which increases their versatility on site.