For the first time, the range now offers a choice of three different types of backhoe distinguished by the system used to mount them on the loaders, comprising a Bob-Tach mounted backhoe, a centre-mounted backhoe and several side-shift backhoe models.
All the backhoes are designed to be operated from within the cab with easy-to-use controls. The Bob-Tach system is a standard feature of all Bobcat loaders and is by far the most common method for mounting Bobcat attachments on the loaders, ensuring that attachments are fitted securely and safely to the machines in seconds.
The new Bob-Tach mounted backhoe attachment was launched at Bauma its approved for use on all the models in the new 500 platform of loaders, namely the S510, S530, S550, S570 and S590 skid-steer loaders and the T590 compact tracked loader.
With the Bob-Tach system, the backhoe is mounted directly onto the loaders without the need for a mounting kit or stabilisers and provides a maximum digging depth of 1.8 m. The hydraulic cylinder swing mechanism provides a swing from left to right of +/- 48° on the dipper.
The Bob-Tach backhoe uses the Bobcat X-Change coupler as standard so is suitable for use with X-Change buckets only (same category as that on the Bobcat E26 compact excavator). A 7-pin control kit is required to use the attachment on the loader and there is a hydraulic clamp option which requires an auxiliary hydraulic kit to operate the hydraulic clamp.
Bobcat offers a centre-mounted backhoe attachment for the company’s smallest S70 skid-steer loader. This is also mounted via the Bob-Tach system on the S70 model and is supplied with a mounting kit for the purpose. The backhoe uses pin-on buckets compatible with those for the Bobcat E14 and E16 compact excavators. The swing mechanism is chain-operated and the backhoe has mechanically adjusted stabilisers. The centre-mounted backhoe on the S70 provides a maximum digging depth of 1.85 m.
For larger Bobcat loaders, there are four different side-shift backhoes from Bobcat: the 625S, 725S, R30S and R35S models. The side-shift system allows the loader to work close to walls.
Front stabilizers are included as standard for enhanced stability and digging performance and rear stabilisers are optional. As well as buckets, these easily transportable backhoes also allow the use of breaker attachments.
The 625S side-shift backhoe is approved for use on the S100 skid-steer loader and the T110 compact tracked loader. The 725 side-shift backhoe is intended for use on the Bobcat S130 skid-steer loader. Maximum digging depths are 2480 and 2466 mm, respectively.
The 625S and 725S backhoes are equipped as standard with the heavy duty pin-on X-change coupler for Bobcat buckets. In addition, older style buckets which were used with the previous bolt'on X-Change coupler are also compatible for use on these backhoes, but must be used with an anchor kit that can be ordered from Bobcat.
