Bobcat Introduces Four New Soil Conditioner Attachments, Upgrades Current Models
WEST FARGO, N.D. - October 2007-Following in its tradition of continuing innovation, Bobcat Company introduces four new soil conditioner attachments and upgrades to its current models.
The four new Bobcat® soil conditioner attachments include a 60-inch manual angle, 60-inch hydraulic angle, 72-inch high-flow and 84-inch high-flow model. Bobcat already offers 48-inch and 72-inch manual angle models and 72-inch and 84-inch hydraulic angle models.
The high-flow models were designed with one goal in mind - to increase drum torque. The new motors keep the drum speed consistent with that of standard flow models, but torque is greatly enhanced. Increased torque is especially beneficial when operating in rich soils, because it enables operators to move more dirt and grade more efficiently. With increased torque, these models truly become powered box blades, allowing excellent grading ability and soil preparation with one attachment. The 72-inch high-flow model is optimized for use on medium-frame Bobcat loaders and the 84-inch high-flow model is optimized for use on large-frame Bobcat loaders.
The new soil conditioners with hydraulic angle, depth control and high flow all utilize a new valve. This new valve allows for angle- and depth-control changes while the attachment drum turns in either direction, and it allows for high-flow capacity when operating the attachment in both forward and reverse.
In addition to the new soil conditioner models, the current attachment models received several enhancements, including a new motor, hydraulic depth control, a new bolster, increased oscillation, foam-filled tires and a redesigned frame.
All soil conditioner models, with the exception of the 48-inch model, received a new hydraulic motor that provides increased protection of the seals, withstands higher pressure and is capable of accepting 37 gpm. New guards and improved seals reduce the possibility of leaks occurring if material such as twine or wire wrap around the end of the drum.
The hydraulic angle models, including the two new high-flow models, now also have hydraulic depth control. The manual depth adjustment mechanism has been replaced with a hydraulic cylinder, which allows for quick and easy depth adjustments while on the go by using the loader fingertip controls.
A 6-inch-longer bolster on 60-inch and larger soil conditioners allows more material to be carried in front of the drum and offers better grade control. The ability to flip up the bolster has been retained. This means operators can run the Bobcat soil conditioner closer to walls or other objects such as finished landscaping, keeping hand labor to a minimum. The flip-up bolster also provides a shorter overall length, which helps free up more space when transporting and storing.
For better grade control over rough terrain and improved swale cutting ability, the oscillation of the attachment's front wheels has been increased. Because of the increased oscillation of the bolster, the soil conditioner can be angled, lifted and tilted forward to create slopes and swales. This process is even easier with hydraulic depth control.
Operators no longer have to worry about flat tires on jobsites because the 72-inch hydraulic and high-flow attachment models now come with foam-filled tires. Both 84-inch soil conditioner models will also have foam-filled tires, while the 48-inch, both 60-inch models and the 72-inch manual soil conditioner will continue to come with pneumatic tires.
Another important upgrade involved redesigning several areas of the soil conditioner attachment frame for increased durability when operating in extreme conditions. All models larger than the 48-inch retain the ability to lock the soil conditioner in place for grading. The operator can also use the float position to float the drum over sculpted ground when prepping soil for seed or sod.
For the name of the nearest Bobcat dealer, visit www.bobcatdealer.com. For more information, visit www.bobcat.com.
Nearly 50 years ago, Bobcat introduced a compact front-end loader that became the world's first skid-steer loader, later adopting the familiar "Bobcat" brand. Bobcat Company leads the world in the design, manufacture and distribution of compact equipment, with more than 4,000 employees in plants and offices around the globe.
QuickLook: Soil Conditioner Attachments
Four new soil conditioner attachments - a 60-inch manual angle, 60-inch hydraulic angle, 72-inch high-flow and 84-inch high-flow model
High-flow models feature increased drum torque for moving more dirt and grading more efficiently
New valve allows for angle- and depth-control changes while attachment drum turns in either direction and high-flow capacity when operating attachment in both forward or reverse
New hydraulic motor increases protection of seals, withstands higher pressure and can accept 37 gpm
Hydraulic angle models feature on-the-go hydraulic depth adjustments simply by using the loader fingertip controls
A 6-inch-longer bolster allows more material to be carried in front of drum and offers better grade control
Increased oscillation of attachment's front wheels provides better grade control over rough terrain and improved swale cutting ability
Foam-filled tires on the 72-inch hydraulic and high-flow models
