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Bobcat sees it as its mission to enable its customers to perform all their jobs quickly and efficiently. That is why Bobcat offers not only an extensive range of attachments, but also a series of compact machines, which were actually intended to be tool carriers from the beginning. The machine power, coupling systems, hydraulics and Attachment Control Device (ACD) are all designed to allow attachments to be changed quickly and a wide range of jobs to be carried out with one machine. Especially for all-round companies, working with attachments is an attractive choice from an investment perspective.
An interview with Katinka Kincses, Attachments program manager at Bobcat.
"We supply one of the most comprehensive programs of attachments, with which you can basically perform all common work in construction, landscaping, agriculture, demolition, recycling and material handling. That's why all our compact machines are designed as tool carriers," Katinka clarifies. "Still, it is important to choose the right machine. For example, a wheel loader is strong and maneuverable, but for use on fragile terrain, where you don't want to disturb the soil too much, it's better to use a track loader. Power also plays a role. If you want to use a tree cutter, an asphalt saw or a snowplow, you need to buy a heavy machine. If you want to work at a high travel speed, then a skid-steer loader is not suitable and it is better to get a wheel loader. If lifting height and reach are important, an excavator or telehandler is more obvious. These also have the advantage that the driver sits higher and has a better view of the work area."
Katinka believes that you should only buy a specialized machine if you are doing the same, specialized work all days. "For the maintenance of a golf course, a riding mower is a fine investment, but in most other cases a multi-purpose tool carrier is a wiser investment, because you can do more work and projects, work all year round and thus use the machine more intensively. Often you see a new customer buy a machine with three or four attachments and gradually add another three or four attachments, so he can then do all the work with one machine."
Once companies have made their machine choice, they have more than 120 attachments to choose from, most of which can be used on any Bobcat machine. For convenience, Bobcat has categorized attachments by activity: demolition, construction, road construction, landscaping, forestry, agriculture and material handling. Especially for landscaping and road construction, the range is particularly wide. Many attachments are general purpose: buckets, grabs, clamps, pallet forks, roller brooms, dozer blades, graders, rakes, flail mowers, trenchers, drills and breakers. There are also specialty attachments, such as a vibratory roller, a concrete mixer, a concrete tub, an asphalt cutter, a high-pressure washer, a work platform, a branch shredder and even a tree transplanter.
Bobcat has incorporated into its machines and attachments a great deal of functionality for connecting and operating attachments. The Bobtach system for coupling attachments is now standard in the market, but since 2000 the Power Bobtach system has also been available, which allows the driver to (dis)connect non-hydraulic attachments without leaving the cab. Another, convenient feature is the speed management system, which allows the travel speed to be adjusted independently of the attachment's drive, thus enabling higher productivity.
The Attachment Control Device (ACD) is built into the attachment. It is a CANbus system, which controls communication between the machine and the attachment. Thanks to ACD, the machine recognizes the attachment and automatically adjusts the settings of the joystick controls and hydraulics, among others. On the display inside the machine, the driver can adjust the settings and gets an overview of the operating hours, performance and status of the attachment. If an operator uses a remote control on a machine, all attachment control functions are also automatically available on it.
Katinka advises her customers to use Bobcat attachments for a Bobcat machine. "Of course that's part of our business model, but our machines and attachments are optimally matched and tested. Then you can be sure that the software of the attachment is up to date, that the hydraulics are powerful enough, that all functions work optimally and can be operated using the joysticks and buttons in the cab. If there are technical problems, Bobcat solves them and you are not between two suppliers pointing fingers at each other for warranty."
As Attachments product manager, Katinka is responsible for product development, marketing, ancillary services and training. "I consider my department the voice of the customer. We identify his needs and do field research to develop new attachments and new functions. For example, we see that work sites are becoming smaller and smaller, and the demand for compact machines and compact attachments is growing. In addition, ease of use is becoming increasingly important. Many companies are struggling with staff shortages, so you have to offer alternatives to human labor. Even young and inexperienced employees must be able to operate the machines and attachments without extensive training, which still maintains productivity. This can also be done through automation. Look at the modern grader, for example. There is so much technology in that, that the machine can perform its work almost autonomously." About the latest developments at Bobcat, she doesn't want to say much yet. "But we are working on interesting things, which we will see later next year."
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