PHPD finds out how one civil engineering & groundworks company is benefitting from GPS controlled grading attachments on its latest Bobcat acquisitions.
Bedford-based ECL Civil Engineering has purchased two new Bobcat T86 compact track loaders with matching GPS controlled grading attachments from Versatile Equipment, the local Authorised Dealer for Bobcat throughout south east England. Over the last three decades, ECL has grown from being a groundworks services company to an ambitious and continually growing national civil engineering provider, with an annual turnover of more than £100 million.
Steve Wright, Plant Manager at ECL, said: “Our Managing Director, Sean Hoare, is a strong believer in the training and development of our staff, ensuring that we have the tools such as the new T86 that we need to complete our work to the highest expectations and standards that ECL strive for. Guided by Sean, we take pride in being the first in the UK to integrate this cutting-edge technology into a fleet like ours. This innovation not only boosts productivity but also enhances work quality, ushering in a new era of efficiency and excellence for our operations and clients alike.”
Bobcat’s top-of-the-range T86 Compact Track Loader
Delivering a higher engine and hydraulic output, the Bobcat T86 is the most powerful compact track loader the company has ever built. The T86 uses a well-proven Stage V compliant 3.4 l Bobcat engine – producing 78 kW (105 HP) at 2600 RPM, providing more power than many other machines of its size. Just like all of Bobcat’s R-Series loaders, the engine is mounted in-line with direct drive, which improves the cooling capacity of the engine and hydraulic components.
Sean and Steve worked with Phil Stoneham, Area Sales Manager at Versatile Equipment on the purchase of the T86 compact track loaders. Phil added: “With the addition of the GPS Control Grading kit on the T86, we’re elevating grading performance by being able to achieve a remarkable precision of 3 mm or one-tenth of an inch. The Clear-View Cab on the T86 loaders maximises visibility, ensuring the best possible view of the tracks and the corners of the machines and a 360-degree safety camera system provides a full view of the surroundings.
Steve Wright added: “The Bobcat T86 is also one of only a few on the market to offer three different auxiliary hydraulic flow options, ensuring powerful hydraulic performance for a range of advanced attachments tailored to specific tasks.
“There is a standard flow configuration providing 87 l/min for applications such as load and carry, or where low hydraulic flow attachments are used. The T86 units also offer two additional hydraulic performance functions using the new Electronic Displacement Control (EDC) Pump on the T86: a High Flow function giving 138 l/min and a new industry unique Super Flow function taking auxiliary flow to 159 l/min.”
The Five Coupler Block (standard with the Super Flow function) provides a flexible approach to running different attachments. From one common source, the operator can attach both standard or high flow approved attachments to the smaller sized ó inch quick couplers. Then when using Super Flow, the use of the . inch couplers allows maximum performance and productivity from the approved advanced attachments.
Both High Flow and Super Flow options come integrated with Bobcat’s unique ‘Plug & Play’ attachment control device (ACD). The T86 machines also have Power Bob-Tach Attachment systems as standard. The Power Bob-Tach is an added comfort and productivity feature that allows some attachments to be connected and removed without the operator leaving the seat, just using the switches conveniently located in the cab – it is optional on Standard Flow machines.
For more information about Bobcat products, attachments and services, visit www.rdr.link/dbe037
