Bobcat has launched an expanded line of new generation rotary telehandlers for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) markets that offer attachment versatility, enhanced safety, a better cab environment and a choice of options and high-tech features.
Available to order now, with some of the machines already delivered in Europe, the new rotary telehandler range from Bobcat was introduced at an online launch event last week, which was a continuation of the company’s ‘Next is Now’ strategy presented for the first time in EMEA and Russia/CIS at a previous online event in October, where Bobcat launched 48 products in 12 different categories. The new telehandlers are also targeted at the Russia and CIS markets.
Bobcat said that under the ‘Next is Now’ philosophy, it has announced major new developments in the telehandler market, launching its expanded line of new generation rotary telehandlers produced in collaboration with Magni TH of Italy.
Included in the newly launched range are four Stage IIIA engine powered models aimed at the Middle East, Africa and Russia/CIS regions with lifting heights from 18-25m and lifting capacities from 4-6t. There are also ten Stage V compliant models for the European market, with lifting heights from 18-39m and lifting capacities from 4-7t.
Olivier Traccucci, Bobcat telehandler senior product manager, said: “Our new rotary telehandler range offers an expanded model selection and increased lifting heights and lifting capacities. The new range offers cutting-edge technology that continues the theme of reinvention that is at the core of our ‘Next is Now’ philosophy. As a result, they offer enhanced 360° performance to create the ultimate tools for even the most complex site handling jobs. A big choice of over 20 attachments and various options also ensures that working at height has never been so versatile, efficient, comfortable and safe.”
According to Bobcat, the rotary telehandler market continues to grow worldwide, with and increase of 23% in Europe over the last five years, reaching over 3000 units for the first time in 2019. The EMEA region as a whole contributes 85% of the global market volume, Bobcat added.
Invented in the early 1990s, rotary telehandlers feature a rotating turret and four stabilisers, which enable them to work solidly in place with full operating capacity. The 360° turret rotation allows the machines to handle loads everywhere in the working envelop without needing to move. This is an ideal solution in urban areas where spaces are tight and manoeuvring is limited.
Bobcat added that their ability to work from a single point to cover all of a site and the fact that they can be used from the first to the last day of a construction project have made them an increasingly attractive machine for construction sites. Rotary telehandlers are often called 3-in-1 machines as they combine the attributes of a telehandler with those of an aerial working platform and a crane. Applications are therefore mainly in construction (80%) but also in industrial maintenance.
The new Bobcat machines sport cabs with fully pressurised environments and 100% air filtration, with heating and air conditioning available on all but the TR40.180 model. Large windows provide optimal visibility and ROPS/FOPS certification makes for added safety. The steering column are easily adjustable and are placed ahead of a fully adjustable seat. The information read-out is through a large, bright touchscreen display, with machine controls and settings managed over five different pages. Navigating between these pages is easy and intuitive using the touch screen or the jog shuttle, said the manufacturer.
When it comes to attachments, while forks are supplied as standard, crane jibs, winches or jib winches, man platforms and buckets are also available along with other tools. Most models in the new range are equipped with a remote control to operate the machine from the man basket when elevating people as well as operating the machines remotely to enhance visibility and precision at work.
The new rotary telehandlers automatically recognise the attachment they are being paired with using RFID technology, which also uploads the corresponding load charts onto the display. As a result, the machine is ready to work safely within seconds and the touchscreen displays a dynamic load chart which allows the operator to keep an eye on the load’s centre of gravity. The Limit page also allows the operator to restrict the working zone in three dimensions and limit working speeds for maximum control and safety. Other available options include a remote control with drive functions to drive the machines remotely
A Twin Power feature allows the machines to be used without starting the diesel engine keeping the emissions at a zero level and providing noiseless operation. By connecting to an external electricity supply (380V), the machines are powered to perform all normal lifting and load positioning operations, with power coming from a 15kW electric motor and a 90 litre/min piston pump.
