Bobcat Introduces 1.5-Ton Compact Excavator

Bobcat, West Fargo, N.D., has announced in a press release that its new 324 compact excavator is able to reach farther, dig deeper and dump higher because of a redesigned work group.

The 324 excavator is a conventional tail swing unit in the 1.5-ton operating class. Its boom cylinder is attached to the top of the boom instead of the bottom, giving it more protection from damage while digging, according to the company. In addition, it features a lighter-weight yet durable boom fabrication with cast pivot joints.

The 324 offers a maximum dig depth of 8 feet 6 inches, reach at ground level of 14 feet and dump height clearance of 8 feet 8 inches. The undercarriage on the 324 excavator hydraulically retracts to a width of 38.6 inches for travel through gates and doorways, or alongside homes. It can expand to 53.7 inches for greater performance, according to the company. The overall height is 85.5 inches.

A 13.9-horsepower, Tier 4 water-cooled diesel engine powers the 324, and two travel speed ranges are standard. The engine is equipped with a hydraulic system similar to the larger Bobcat excavators. The company says the system’s torque-limiting piston pump is able to sense and react to hydraulic loads, for better use of the engine’s torque curve.

The standard dozer blade features two self-storing extensions that provide a working width of 54 inches. The company says auxiliary hydraulics with boom-mounted, flush-face quick couplers make changing attachments easy.

The boom swing on the 324 excavator is 80 degrees to the left and 60 degrees to the right. Bobcat’s exclusive in-track swing frame keeps the swing castings and cylinders within the width of the tracks when digging in an offset position, which the company says helps the operator dig flush against an obstacle.

Available attachments include grading and trenching buckets, an augur, a hydraulic breaker and a hydraulic clamp.

More information on is available at www.bobcat.com.