Electric Bobcat Track Loader

Electric Bobcat Track Loader TRACTORS New Tractors Imagine autonomously cleaning out a poultry barn with an electric track loader without a cab or driver Minimal noise zero emissions and very little labor Visitors got a glimpse of that possibility at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG construction trade show with Bobcat’s RogueX Though some visitors were ready to order one it’s only a concept machine to show what’s possible and it won’t be on the market anytime soon says Joel Honeyman Doosan Bobcat vice president of global innovation Bobcat does have a new electric option however The Bobcat T7X all-electric compact track loader is being introduced with a limited launch through Sunbelt Rentals for customers to rent mainly in California to meet government mandates It weighs more than 10 000 lbs and is comparable to a medium-large compact machine such as the Bobcat T76 a diesel-hydraulic compact track loader “It has lots of power that feels more powerful than diesel because it’s instantaneous ” Honeyman says noting that the machine’s responsiveness minimal vibration and quiet operation astounds people “There are a lot of requests for lower noise machines in urban settings and indoor applications such as livestock barns transfer stations etc ” he says With the technology extra features can be added such as bucket shake to remove material or 100 percent power to move through difficult areas “There’s no idle on electric machines so you’re only consuming energy when you’re operating the joysticks ” Honeyman says The 60 5-kWh lithium-ion battery lasts about 4 hrs which is equivalent to most working days excluding idle time The battery takes 10 hrs to recharge with a Class 2 plug and 220 outlet Without fuel hydraulics filters etc the operating cost of the electric machine is 90 percent less than its diesel-hydraulic equivalent In its early stages the initial cost of the all-electric track loader is two to three times higher than a diesel equivalent With supply chain challenges and a lack of electric grid infrastructure it’ll likely be years before electric compact equipment like the T7X becomes more common A skid-steer loader version the Bobcat S7X is also getting closer to production Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Bobcat www bobcat com

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