MachineryLink

Bobcat Reveals Electric Compact Loader at Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas

Dan Miller
By  Dan Miller , Progressive Farmer Senior Editor
The Bobcat T7X is powered by a 62KW lithium-ion battery. Operating with electric actuators and motors -- and 50% fewer parts -- it uses only a single quart of coolant compared to the 57 gallons of fluids (hydraulics, coolant and fuel) in its diesel/hydraulic equivalent. (DTN photo courtesy of Doosan Bobcat)

LAS VEGAS (DTN) -- Doosan Bobcat has unveiled an all-electric Bobcat T7X compact track loader at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022 -- a high-profile, three-day technology show ending Friday. The T7X is the first machine of its kind to be fully electric, eliminating hydraulic systems, emissions and vibration, while providing a cleaner, quieter machine.

"This is (an) innovation that will transform how work is done and lead to a zero emissions future," said Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation at Doosan Bobcat. "The T7x is a combination of raw steel, but also cutting-edge technology and is environmentally conscious and has powerful productivity ... We challenged the status quo to deliver a connected, all-electric machine designed for power and performance that previously was not possible."

During the company's CES Media Days news conference, Doosan Bobcat also announced a strategic partnership with South Carolina-based Sunbelt Rentals, a leading rental equipment company in North America with more than 1,025 locations. Sunbelt Rentals has committed to a significant investment in a large fleet of Bobcat T7X all-electric compact track loaders and electric compact excavators in North America. These Bobcats will be co-branded and made available beginning in 2022.

Here's a closer look at the Bobcat T7X.

-- The fully electric track loader operates with zero emissions, reduces sound levels (10 times quieter than its diesel equivalent), limits vibrations and lower daily operating costs.

-- The T7X has electric actuators and motors. It uses only a single quart of coolant compared to the 57 gallons of fluids (hydraulics, coolant and fuel) in its diesel/hydraulic equivalent. This Bobcat has 50% fewer parts than a diesel-powered equivalent. Bobcat points out that these are built-in features representing major savings in parts, consumables and in the end, the loader eases logistics strains.

-- The Bobcat T7X is powered by a 62KW lithium-ion battery (from technology partner Green Machine) overseen by an intelligent power management system. The power management system is programmed to sense when loads are increasing, automatically backing off power when not needed to preserve the total energy use and extend the machine's runtime. This Bobcat only consumes energy when it's a work.

-- While applications vary, each charge can support common daily work operations and use of intelligent work modes for up to four hours of continuous operation time and a full day of operation during intermittent use.

-- The all-electric platform enables instantaneous power and peak torque available at every operating speed. The operator no longer must wait for the standard hydraulic system to build up power.

-- The T7X employs three work characteristics to help conserve battery power. There is an eco mode, advanced mode and beast mode, the last provides short bursts of full instantaneous torque to the drive system when needed.

-- Bobcat is also introducing all-electric attachments. The first to be developed include an electrically powered auger, an angle broom and a grapple.

At the CES, the T7X earned two 2022 CES Innovation Awards in the categories of Smart Cities, and Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation.

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

Follow him on Twitter @DMillerPF

Comments

To comment, please Log In or Join our Community .