Bobcat Launches New Loaders with Industry-Leading Features in Most Popular Size Class
WEST FARGO, N.D. -- Bobcat Company has introduced the 500 frame-size skid-steer and compact track loaders. The seven new medium-size machines make up the most popular size class in the Bobcat® loader family and provide operators with extensive feature upgrades, including increased visibility, a more comfortable cab and easier serviceability to maximize jobsite efficiency. All seven models began limited production in September, with full availability at dealerships in January.
‘The most popular size class in its time’
New machines include the S510, S530, S550, S570 and S590 skid-steer loaders, and the T550 and T590 compact track loaders. The S510, S550 and T550 feature a radius lift path, providing operators the reach and visibility they require for dumping over a wall, backfilling or loading flatbed trucks.
The S530, S570, S590 and T590 models feature a vertical lift path, providing operators the ability to lift heavier loads higher, making it easier to clear high-sided truck boxes and hoppers, as well as placing pallets loaded with heavy material. The M-Series vertical lift path machines feature an increased lift height over the equivalent K-Series models.
Beginning with the first skid-steer loader — produced in 1960 — Bobcat has a history of designing the most popular loaders on the market. Most recently, the S175 and S185 frame-size machines have held the honor as Bobcat’s most-purchased machines. Today, nearly one out of every two skid-steer loaders on the market is a Bobcat machine, and now seven new loader models (five skid-steer loaders and two compact track loaders) will replace the machines in this size class.
The 500 frame-size loaders incorporate superior performance and operator comfort to replace the current K-Series models, S150, S160, S175, S185, S205, T180 and T190.
Cab-forward design provides industry-leading visibility to work areas
The 500 frame-size loaders feature a unique cab-forward design that not only gives the machines a different look, but also moves the operator closer to the attachment and provides unmatched visibility in all directions.
The new loaders tout the largest cab door opening on the market, offering superior visibility to the cutting edge of the bucket or the corners of an attachment. The cab door threshold has been lowered and the overall surface of the door has increased more than 40 percent to provide improved visibility and make it easier for operators to enter and exit the cab. The height of the cab has been increased, providing additional headroom, while still keeping the overall machine size small enough to operate in tight spaces.
Windows on the sides and rear of the cab have also been increased in size to provide more visibility to the tires and back of the machine. The larger top window makes it easier and more comfortable for the operator to see an attachment with the lift arms raised, an advantage when loading trucks or performing other tasks.
Easier maintenance improves productivity
Operators want to spend minimal time on routine maintenance to start the workday earlier, and the loaders are designed to work long hours in demanding conditions. Simple check points and superior design make it easier to perform maintenance correctly at the proper intervals.
The auxiliary hydraulic quick couplers are mounted directly to the front plate of the lift arm to provide a solid mounting, and hoses are routed through the loader arms for better protection. A guard bar extends in front of the coupler for added security and a steel tailgate prevents items from penetrating the engine compartment.
Keeping the loaders cool when working long hours is important in prolonging the service life of the machine. That is why Bobcat designed the cooling system on the 500 loaders for increased efficiency and higher performance. The new design also makes it easier to clean out the cooling system, with an oil cooler that swings up, allowing the operator to clean the area between the oil cooler and the radiator.
Operator comfort is king
Comfortable operators are more productive, so to create a better working environment, Bobcat increased the size of the 500 loader cab by 10 percent, redesigned the interior to allow operators to adjust the environment to their individual preferences and improved cab pressurization.
Bobcat 500 frame-size loaders have a best-in-class pressurized cab with a new one-piece seal that goes all the way around the door and fits into a special curved pocket. This minimizes the amount of dirt and dust that might enter the cab, creating more enjoyable working conditions and making it easier to clean the cab.
Operators have the choice between standard foot pedal hydraulic controls, the Advanced Control System (ACS) or the Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC). The standard foot pedals control the lift and tilt through mechanical linkage. The optional ACS lets the loader operator use a dash-mounted switch to instantly select between advanced hand control or advanced foot control of lift and tilt functions. The low effort control levers of the optional SJC can be operated in the ISO or H pattern. These handles move up and down in conjunction with the seat to reduce arm movement and operator fatigue. The joystick mounts also slide forward or backward to adjust to the preference of each individual operator.
The best of both worlds: horsepower and hydraulics
The 500 frame-size loaders will have increased hydraulic performance over their K-Series equivalents, enabling them to efficiently accomplish more work. The hydraulic systems on M-Series loaders have been engineered for higher standard flow and pressure, which gives attachments more power to work more quickly. Size, horsepower and cubic-inch displacement are matched to the loader’s rated operating capacity, balance and weight — producing a loader that can outperform higher-horsepower machines.
The skid-steer models offer a two-speed option which boosts the maximum travel speed from 7.4 mph in low range to 11 mph in high range, reducing the time it takes to cross a large farm or acreage. The hydraulic bucket positioning option keeps the loader bucket level as the lift arms travel upward, enabling operators to spill less and work faster.
New job-enhancing features were added to the optional deluxe instrumentation panel. Available only on M-Series loaders, the panel intelligently monitors key loader functions, and the keyless start helps prevent theft. The 5-inch, full-color LCD screen offers better readability and interaction. Easy-to-read virtual sweep gauges allow the operator to quickly read and understand the machine’s performance.
For more information on the Bobcat 500 frame-size loaders, please go to www.bobcat.com/500press.
ABOUT BOBCAT COMPANY
Bobcat Company, headquartered in West Fargo, N.D., is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and distribution of compact equipment. Bobcat compact equipment includes skid-steer, all-wheel steer and compact track loaders; compact excavators; mini-track loaders; VersaHandler® telescopic tool carriers; utility vehicles and Toolcat™ utility work machines. Bobcat is a global brand with more than 600 dealer locations in North America and the leader in compact equipment — the industry’s original innovator, beginning more than 50 years ago with the first compact machine and predecessor to the skid-steer loader. For more information on Bobcat products, visit www.bobcat.com.
For additional information about Bobcat Company, its products and services, point your Web browser to www.bobcat.com/our_company/media_center. Bobcat® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries.
©2012 Bobcat Company. All Rights Reserved.
Please send reader inquiries to:
Jill Piela
Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment
250 E. Beaton Dr.
West Fargo, ND 58078
Phone: (701) 476-4243
E-mail: jill.piela@doosan.com
QuickLook: Bobcat S510 skid-steer loader
• Rated operating capacity: 1650 lb.
• Operating weight: 5922 lb.
• Radius lift path
• Engine: interim Tier 4, 49 hp
• Height: 77.8 in.
• Width with bucket: 68.0 in.
• Length with bucket: 133.0 in.
• Height to hinge pin: 114.5 in.
• Maximum travel speed: 7.4 mph, 11 mph in 2-speed
• Tipping load: 3300 lb.
• Hydraulic flow: standard flow – 17.1 gpm/ high flow – N/A
• Advanced Control System and Selectable Joystick Controls optional
QuickLook: Bobcat S530 skid-steer loader
• Rated operating capacity: 1850 lb.
• Operating weight: 6207 lb.
• Vertical lift path
• Engine: interim Tier 4, 49 hp
• Height: 77.8 in.
• Width with bucket: 68.0 in.
• Length with bucket: 133.0 in.
• Height to hinge pin: 119 in.
• Maximum travel speed: 7.4 mph, 11 mph in 2-speed
• Tipping load: 3700 lb.
• Hydraulic flow: standard flow – 17.1 gpm/high flow – N/A
• Advanced Control System and Selectable Joystick Controls optional
QuickLook: Bobcat S550 skid-steer loader
• Rated operating capacity: 1750 lb.
• Operating weight: 6265 lb.
• Radius lift path
• Engine: interim Tier 4, 61 hp
• Height: 77.8 in.
• Width with bucket: 68.0 in.
• Length with bucket: 133.0 in.
• Height to hinge pin: 114.5 in.
• Maximum travel speed: 7.4 mph, 11 mph in 2-speed
• Tipping load: 3500 lb.
• Hydraulic flow: standard flow – 17.1 gpm/high flow – 26.7 gpm
• High-flow hydraulics optional
• Avanced Control System and Selectable Joystick Controls optional
QuickLook: Bobcat S570 skid-steer loader
• Rated operating capacity: 1950 lb.
• Operating weight: 6395 lb.
• Vertical lift path
• Engine: interim Tier 4, 61 hp
• Height: 77.8 in.
• Width with bucket: 68.0 in.
• Length with bucket: 133.0 in.
• Height to hinge pin: 119 in.
• Maximum travel speed: 7.4 mph, 11 mph in 2-speed
• Tipping load: 3900 lb.
• Hydraulic flow: standard flow – 17.1 gpm/high flow – 26.7 gpm
• High-flow hydraulics optional
• Advanced Control System and Selectable Joystick Controls optional
QuickLook: Bobcat S590 skid-steer loader
• Rated operating capacity: 2100 lb.
• Operating weight: 6735 lb.
• Vertical lift path
• Engine: interim Tier 4, 66 hp
• Height: 77.8 in.
• Width with bucket: 68.0 in.
• Length with bucket: 133.0 in.
• Height to hinge pin: 119 in.
• Maximum travel speed: 7.4 mph, 11 mph in 2-speed
• Tipping load: 4200 lb.
• Hydraulic flow: standard flow – 17.1 gpm/high flow – 26.7 gpm
• High-flow hydraulics optional
• Advanced Control System and Selectable Joystick Controls optional
QuickLook: Bobcat T550 compact track loader
• Rated operating capacity: 1995 lb.
• Operating weight: 7662 lb.
• Radius lift path
• Engine: interim Tier 4, 66 hp
• Height: 77.8 in.
• Width with bucket: 68.0 in.
• Length with bucket: 133.0 in.
• Height to hinge pin: 114.5 in.
• Maximum travel speed: 7.3 mph
• Tipping load: 5700 lb.
• Hydraulic flow: standard flow – 17.1 gpm/high flow – 26.7 gpm
• High-flow hydraulics optional
• Advanced Control System and Selectable Joystick Controls optional
QuickLook: Bobcat T590 compact track loader
• Rated operating capacity: 2100 lb.
• Operating weight: 7870 lb.
• Vertical lift path
• Engine: interim Tier 4, 66 hp
• Height: 77.8 in.
• Width with bucket: 68.0 in.
• Length with bucket: 133.0 in.
• Height to hinge pin: 119 in.
• Maximum travel speed: 7.4 mph
• Tipping load: 6000 lb.
• Hydraulic flow: standard flow – 17.1 gpm/high flow – 26.7 gpm
• High-flow hydraulics optional
• Advanced Control System and Selectable Joystick Controls optional
