Bobcat skid steer loader is a versatile piece of construction equipment. You can use different attachments and perform various tasks from demolition to grading, excavation, debris removal, and overhead lifting. Manufacturers design these machines in various sizes, and they come with different options in rated operating capacities, hydraulic flow, and engine horsepower. To ensure the working of these machneries at optimum level, you will need to replace some parts when necessary. It is now possible to order spare parts like suction vibrasorber according to the model of your machinery.
With so many models to select from, you may wonder “how much does a Bobcat weigh” and how to choose the right one. If you have such questions related to your purchase, you should put in efforts to know some essential things about the Bobcat.
Rated Operating Capacity
Rated operating capacity (ROC) refers to stability measurement by which Bobcat skid steer loader is rated and compared. The rated operating capacity is computed by fifty percent of the equipment’s tipping load. The tipping load refers to the weight which will lift the rear tires of Bobcat when applied to the bucker used to lift a load.
Though necessary, rated operating capacity is not related to the lift or breakout force capabilities of the Bobcat. Skid steer loaders with the same rated operating capacity may have different breakout force and lift capabilities.
Operating Weight
If you want to know “how much does a Bobcat weigh”, you need to look at the operating weight of the Bobcat model. The operating weight of most Bobcat models is similar.
The operating weight includes the weight of the machine, standard bucket, operator, and fluids. It changes when you use different attachments. The operating weight is a valuable piece of information if you plan to use a Bobcat skid steer for various jobs.
Engine Horsepower
Most people look at the engine horsepower to compare or determine the performance level of a machine. According to experts, engine horsepower alone is not the right indicator to assess the performance level of a Bobcat skid steer machine. The engine horsepower is significantly less related to lift or breakout forces.
Factors like axle torque, wheelbase, machine weight, and inefficient hydraulic systems have more impact on Bobcat’s performance than horsepower.
Some manufacturers increase engine horsepower to overcome inefficiencies in balance, weight, inefficient motors or pumps, or problems in machine design. Hence, it would help not get misled by higher engine horsepower when buying a Bobcat.
Hydraulic Horsepower
When buying a Bobcat, you should give more importance to hydraulic horsepower than engine horsepower. The reason is the skid steer machine operates the tools hydraulically. The engine horsepower is used to power the drive circuit and pumps, generating hydraulic power to run tools.
When buying a Bobcat, you need to ask the salesperson the type of pump used in the high-flow system. Some manufacturers add a gear pump to a standard flow circuit to add incremental flow at the same pressure.
This setup will increase the hydraulic horsepower of the machine and also increase the work speed. However, such additions do not provide increased torque to the tools.
If you need a high-performing Bobcat, you need to look for a machine with a pump added to a high-flow system that increases the pressure, leading to an increase in torque.
To sum up, these are some essential things you should know when buying a Bobcat skid steer machine.