Bobcat says its focus is on proper attachment matches

Equipment maker Bobcat, now part of the Doosan holding company, has created a focus on offering “not only an ever-growing selection of compact machines, all of which are intended as tool carriers, but also an extensive and continuously developing range of attachments to be used on these machines.”

“The power available, coupling systems, hydraulics and the attachment control device (ACD) on Bobcat machines are all designed to facilitate the quick change of attachments and to allow customers to perform a wide range of tasks with the same machine," the West Fargo, North Dakota-based company says. "Working with attachments is an attractive choice from an investment point of view, especially for multidisciplinary companies.”

Katinka Kincses, a Europe-based regional product manager for attachments at Bobcat, says, “We supply one of the most extensive programs of attachments, with which you can carry out all common activities in construction, landscaping, agriculture, demolition, recycling and material handling. That is why all of our compact machines have been developed as tool carriers.

“Yet it is important to choose the right products from Bobcat. For example, a skid-steer loader is strong and agile, but for use on sensitive terrain where you do not want to disturb the soil too much, it is better to use a compact track loader. Power also plays a role. If you want to use a forestry mulcher, a wheel saw or a snow plough, you will need to purchase a heavy-duty machine.”

For those with a need for speed, she adds, “If you want to work at a high driving speed, a skid-steer loader is not suitable and it is better to use a compact wheel loader. If lifting height and reach are important, a compact wheel loader or a telehandler are the more obvious choices. Compact wheel loaders also have the advantage that the driver sits higher and has a better view of the work area.”

Attachments options are even broader, according to the company, as customers can choose from more than 120 attachments available from Bobcat.

“For convenience, Bobcat has subdivided the attachments based on activity: including demolition, construction, roadworks, landscaping, forestry, agriculture and material handling,” the company says.

That attachment range is particularly wide in the landscaping and construction sectors, according to Bobcat, which lists buckets, grabs, clamps, pallet forks, roller brushes, dozer blades, graders, rakes, flail mowers, trenchers, drills and demolition hammers among the options.

Kincses says those options are poised to increase, commenting of customer feedback, saying, “We map out their wishes and conduct field research to develop new attachments and new functions.

“Jobsites are becoming smaller and [the] demand for compact machines and compact attachments is increasing. In addition, ease of use is becoming increasingly important. Many companies are struggling with staff shortages, which means you need to offer alternatives to human labor.”

While not giving away any trade secrets, she says, “We are working on interesting things that will see the light of day next year.”