Working safely and smoothly with R-series telehandlers

Following the introduction of the updated R-Series rotary telehandlers late last year, it is now the turn of the more compact rigid telehandlers.

Bobcat's new generation of rigid telehandlers consists of no fewer than 12 models with Stage V engines. These compact R-Series telehandlers offer lifting heights from 6 to 18 m and lifting capacities between 2.6 and 4.1 tons. The dozen can be divided into three groups:

• Compact telehandlers: TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70.
• Midrange telehandlers: TL35.70, T35.105, T35.105L and T36.120SL.
• High reach telehandlers: T35.130S, T35.130SLP, T35.140S, T41.140SLP and T40.180SLP.

The telehandlers are built at the Bobcat factory in Pontchâteau, France, near Nantes, and will be delivered to dealers starting next summer. Ex-factory, the R-Series comes with a standard 3-year (or 3,000 hours of operation) warranty on the entire machine. The low center of gravity and well-balanced construction, including a heavy counterweight and a long wheelbase, ensures optimal weight distribution. This allows these telehandlers with and without extended stabilizers to reach high and far when moving heavy loads. 

Even more precise work

The newly designed transmission system offers even smoother handling to handle even the trickiest jobs at height with surgical precision. The combination of the Boom Positioning System, newly designed ultra-precise joystick and easy-to-use creeper pedal reduces operator fatigue. A higher motor brake provides a shorter stopping distance and the hare and turtle speeds are controlled with the joystick. The new dynamic drive mode controls fast transmission response and the new optional manual Flex drive mode controls travel speed independently of engine speed .

Better visibility due to steeper hood

All R-Series telehandlers received a new engine hood, with a steeper profile that offers more visibility and reduces the blind spot on the right side of the machine by 15 %. At the same time, this improved access to the engine compartment. Under the hood, we see the upgraded versions of Bobcat's D34 Stage V engine. The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is automatically regenerated without affecting machine performance or distracting the operator. 

No AdBlue is used in the 75 hp engine and noEGR in the 100 hp engine of the high reach telehandlers. The maintenance intervals are thus reduced from five to three, which means less maintenance thus lower operating costs. Efficiency is further enhanced as they are connected via Machine IQ, Bobcat's new telematics system.

Cabin comfort key to safe working

Operator comfort is the key to safe operation, according to Bobcat. The R-Series rigid telehandlers therefore received a redesigned cab, characterized by great ease of use. That starts with the central control panel and the new 5-inch LCD screen for all necessary working information, including images from the rear-view camera. Even operators inexperienced on telehandlers can quickly get to work thanks to the multi-function joystick with improved ergonomics, intuitive controls similar to those found in modern cars (illuminated keypad, jog shuttle, levers under the steering wheel), semi-automatic wheel alignment, automatic transmission and the self-releasing parking brake when moving off. The practically important creeper pedal has become easier to use and the higher engine brake provides a shorter stopping distance.     

Vangaever is award winning Bobcat distributor
Vangaever from Waregem, Lummen and Sint-Pieters-Leeuw has been distributing the then relatively unknown Bobcat brand in Belgium since 1977. That has changed in the meantime, as evidenced by the extensive range of Bobcat machines on www.vangaever.be. With the presentation of the Gold Level last year, the Vangaever team received the highest certification with which Bobcat EMEA awards its dealers. As an award winning distributor, Vangaever gives customers multiple quality guarantees when they purchase a Bobcat telehandler, as it is essential for them that their machines are always available.