Bobcat has announced seven new 500 frame-size loaders, including five skid-steer models and two compact track models. According to Bobcat, the seven new medium-size machines make up the most popular size class in the Bobcat loader family.
Bobcat says the new loaders provide operators with extensive feature upgrades, including increased visibility, a more comfortable cab and easier serviceability to maximize jobsite efficiency. All seven models began limited production in September, with full availability at dealerships in January.
New machines include the S510, S530, S550, S570 and S590 skid-steer loaders, and the T550 and T590 compact track loaders. The S510, S550 and T550 feature a radius lift path, providing operators the reach and visibility they require for dumping over a wall, backfilling or loading flatbed trucks.
The S530, S570, S590 and T590 models feature a vertical lift path, providing operators the ability to lift heavier loads higher, making it easier to clear high-sided truck boxes and hoppers, as well as placing pallets loaded with heavy material. The M-Series vertical lift path machines feature an increased lift height over the equivalent K-Series models.
Bobcat says the 500 frame-size loaders incorporate superior performance and operator comfort to replace the current K-Series models, S150, S160, S175, S185, S205, T180 and T190.
The 500 frame-size loaders feature a unique cab-forward design that serves to move the operator closer to the attachment. Bobcat says it provides unmatched visibility in all directions.
The new loaders tout the largest cab door opening on the market. The cab door threshold has been lowered and the overall surface of the door has increased more than 40 percent to provide improved visibility and make it easier for operators to enter and exit the cab. The height of the cab has been increased, providing additional headroom.
Windows on the sides and rear of the cab have also been increased in size to provide more visibility to the tires and back of the machine. Bobcat says the larger top window makes it easier and more comfortable for the operator to see an attachment with the lift arms raised.
Easier Maintenance
The auxiliary hydraulic quick couplers are mounted directly to the front plate of the lift arm to provide a solid mounting, and hoses are routed through the loader arms for better protection. A guard bar extends in front of the coupler for added security and a steel tailgate prevents items from penetrating the engine compartment.
Bobcat designed the cooling system on the 500 loaders for increased efficiency and higher performance. The new design, according to Bobcat, makes it easier to clean out the cooling system, with an oil cooler that swings up, allowing the operator to clean the area between the oil cooler and the radiator.
Improved Comfort
With operator comfort in mind, Bobcat increased the size of the 500 loader cab by 10 percent, redesigned the interior to allow operators to adjust the environment to their individual preferences, and improved cab pressurization.
The cab features a one-piece seal that goes all the way around the door and fits into a special curved pocket. This minimizes the amount of dirt and dust that might enter the cab.
Operators have the choice between standard foot pedal hydraulic controls, the Advanced Control System (ACS) or the Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC). The standard foot pedals control the lift and tilt through mechanical linkage. The optional ACS lets the loader operator use a dash-mounted switch to instantly select between advanced hand control or advanced foot control of lift and tilt functions. The low effort control levers of the optional SJC can be operated in the ISO or H pattern. These handles move up and down in conjunction with the seat to reduce arm movement and operator fatigue. The
joystick mounts also slide forward or backward to adjust to the preference of each individual operator.
Horsepower and Hydraulics
The 500 frame-size loaders have increased hydraulic performance over their K-Series equivalents, enabling them to accomplish more work. The hydraulic systems on M-Series loaders have been engineered for higher standard flow and pressure, which gives attachments more power to work more quickly.
“Size, horsepower and cubic-inch displacement are matched to the loader’s rated operating capacity, balance and weight – producing a loader that can outperform higher-horsepower machines,” Bobcat says in a release.
The skid-steer models offer a two-speed option which boosts the maximum travel speed from 7.4 mph in low range to 11 mph in high range, reducing the time it takes to cross a large farm or acreage. The hydraulic bucket positioning option keeps the loader bucket level as the lift arms travel upward, enabling operators to spill less and work faster.
New job-enhancing features were added to the optional deluxe instrumentation panel. Available only on M-Series loaders, the panel intelligently monitors key loader functions, and the keyless start helps prevent theft. The 5-inch, full-color LCD screen offers better readability and interaction. Easy-to-read virtual sweep gauges allow the operator to quickly read and understand the machine’s performance.
For more information on the Bobcat 500 frame-size loaders, visit www.bobcat.com/500press.
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