Bobcat launches first 1 ton electric mini-excavator

At Bauma 2019, Bobcat will launch the new E10e electric mini-excavator, the first commercially available all-electric zero tail swing (ZTS) mini-excavator in the one-ton class. The new E10e has zero emissions and is very quiet. With a width of only 72 cm. it can easily elevator through standard-size doors and in and out, making it ideal for indoor applications such as demolition and basement construction and for use in hard-to-reach areas. In addition, the E10e can work a full 8-hour workday by coupling the E10e with an optional external Bobcat supercharger, which can be used when operators are on break.

At the 2016 Bauma exhibition, Bobcat attracted great interest with the E10e prototype. As one of the pioneers of electric drive, Bobcat is contributing with the E10e to the increasing demand for electric construction machinery. The reasons for the demand for electric machines are obvious: customers want and need to work in an increasingly environmentally friendly way, but there is also a business need for low-emission and low-noise excavators for some specific applications. In addition to indoor demolition and basement projects, these include inner-city work, night work and performing work in low-noise areas near hospitals, schools and cemeteries. Electric machines are an ideal solution in these situations.

"We are committed to meeting the specific business requirements of our customers and we are always striving for innovation in the mini-excavator segment. The newly developed, emission-free E10e is based on our successful E10 ZTS mini-excavator," said Jarry Fiser, Product Line Director mini-excavator at Doosan Bobcat EMEA.

Work indoors
Performing interior work such as demolition or excavation work in buildings and basements has specific requirements. Until now, there was no standard OEM solution for this type of work. Many tasks had to be performed manually with less effective tools or with aftermarket conversions such as third-party machine modifications (which often did not meet the desired standards). The new E10e is a breakthrough in this area.

The E10e was developed in cooperation with electric vehicle suppliers at the Bobcat Innovation Center in Dobris, Czech Republic. It is based on the design of the highly successful diesel-powered E10 1-ton mini-excavator, more than 10,000 of which have been sold in just 10 years. By the way, the E10 is now called E10z to indicate that it is a ZTS mini-excavator. The new E10e has the same ZTS profile and exterior dimensions as the standard E10/E10z and offers the same or even better performance. For example, the E10e has a very low noise level with an LpA of only 64 dBA versus 80 dBA for the standard E10.

In addition, all systems and components of the E10e are optimized for use under harsh conditions. The patented electro-hydraulic drive system takes full advantage of the electric motor's capabilities. All electric drive components are fully sealed, making them IP67 rated, and they also meet the robustness requirements for construction equipment.

Full working day
The E10e features a state-of-the-art Lithium-Ion, maintenance-free battery with an advanced management system. The battery is designed to fit into the standard machine holder, maintaining the ZTS profile of the machine.

Based on customer surveys, Bobcat optimized the battery to provide sufficient capacity for typical work patterns. Using an external fast charger, the E10e can operate for a full work day (8 hours) when used with normal work breaks and be fully charged within 2.4 hours. The new E10e is also easy to maintain and safe to operate. By using only low voltage, no special permit is required to work on the E10e.

Because the new machine is designed for demanding indoor demolition applications, it features auxiliary hydraulics and an efficient cooling system for continuous use of a demolition hammer. The capacity of the cooling system has been increased to meet the extensive requirements for demolition work.

Amazingly compact
Like the E10/E10z, the E10e is easy to transport. In addition to easy access to the workplace thanks to the retractable undercarriage, which reduces the width to just 720 mm, the integrated folding TOPS (Tip Over Protective Structure) facilitates passage through openings with low headroom, for work in buildings and basements.

Once the excavator is positioned and ready for work, the E10e's undercarriage can be extended up to 1100 mm. for maximum stability in all working conditions. The minimum width of the E10e allows for excellent maneuverability, while the ZTS design is an added advantage when working in confined spaces.

Another feature that sets the E10/E10z apart from other machines on the market is the patented, side-adjustable consoles that accommodate hydraulic joysticks with steering pressure control. This design is unique in its class and is retained in the E10e. As a result, the operator has great comfort and gets the feeling of working in a much larger machine. The width of the consoles can also be adjusted for easy passage through narrow openings.

More safety and comfort
The E10e has the same operator safety features as the E10/E10z. A grab bar provides assistance with entry and exit. Getting in and out of the excavator is also made easier thanks to the fully open, flat foot space in the operator station. This design makes it easier to clean the area in front of the feet.

The design of the E10e prevents the boom adjustment from reaching the feet and provides maximum protection in this area. Operator safety and comfort are further enhanced by the fully retractable seat belt. The E10e's left and right consoles, which also serve as armrests, must both be locked in the lower position to operate the machine. The location of the joysticks on the E10e can be adjusted to the individual operator.

The E10e electric mini-excavator combines the successful features and high performance of the E10z for working in tight areas with its safe, near silent, emission-free design. As a result, Bobcat believes the E10e offers a very attractive solution for both rental companies and contractors; for indoor demolition work; basement projects and in other sensitive areas where low-noise and/or nighttime work is mandatory.