Demo Days 2024 featured more than 90 demo models, including Bobcat’s brand new lineup of material handling units, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, mini excavators, telehandlers, ground maintenance equipment, light compaction models and more. Jan Moravec, vice president of product, Bobcat EMEA, said: “Bobcat Demo Days 2024 allowed visitors to gain firsthand experience of our latest innovations, products, attachments and services, while providing a golden opportunity for our team members to engage with Bobcat’s community from all over the EMEA region.”

A suite of innovations

At the event attendees had the opportunity to experience Bobcat’s transparent ‘OLED’ (T-OLED) screen technology, which has been developed in collaboration with LG and BSI Research. T-OLED enables operators to access an array of functionality without taking their eyes off the worksite, offering unparalleled clarity, responsiveness and visibility. It also has the capacity to facilitate a range of more advanced applications, such as real time virtual reality (VR) simulations for utility line mapping.

The RogueX2 concept skid steer loader was also on display being an autonomous, all electric model which has been built as a proving ground for technologies developed as part of Bobcat’s innovation roadmap. Vijay Nerva, innovation lead, Bobcat EMEA, commented: “The RogueX2 produces zero emissions thanks to its lithium ion battery, electric drive system and electric actuated lift and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics.”

Bobcat’s Operator Presence technology is currently being developed for excavator models. This leverages a 3D time of flight (ToF) camera to enhance safety by monitoring users’ movements and the wider cabin environment. It can also detect multiple occupants, instantly disable workgroups to avoid accidents and recognise when a joystick is released, deactivating the associated workgroup while maintaining drive. These proactive safety measures are designed to minimise the risk of accidents, improve operator control and, ultimately, enhance overall worksite efficiency.

Bobcat’s Pedestrian Detection Camera was also in action. The device’s software is designed to differentiate between humans and their surroundings thanks to its AI enabled processing capabilities that are designed to help eliminate unnecessary operator alerts. Its database is also able to identify humans in different postures and positions, including standing, kneeling, crouching, sitting, with their backs turned, and even when they are only partially visible.

The Digital Access software is an advanced system that allows operators to use smartphones as ‘keys’ to specific machines, providing an alternative to existing passcode entry functionality while ensuring units understand the preferences of their users before they begin work. In addition, this innovation enables fleet owners to lock out certain functionality or attachments in line with the respective skillsets of their employees.

Hands on time 

Demo Days also featured a selection of recently introduced machines, including the ‘M-Series’ S630 and S650 Stage V skid steer loaders, which have been developed for use in European markets. Also featured was the new lineup of rotary telehandlers, which have a patented panoramic cab. The latest range comprises nine Stage V models with lifting heights of between 18m and 39m that have been designed for European markets, and four Stage IIIA machines with lifting heights of 18m to 26m that have been developed for use in the Middle East and Africa.

Bobcat’s PG40 and PG50 generators were displayed offering a selection of features such as optional running gear for easy transportation and ‘Liquid Heat’, a low load management system designed to reduce downtime and deliver peace of mind. Powered by Stage V HDI D24 engines, the eco conscious models build on the success of their predecessors by delivering a combination of increased power and lower fuel consumption. The PA12.7v compressor also made an appearance, with its features designed to enable it  to operate in the range of 5.5 to 12.1bar, offering free air deliveries of 5.2m3/min to 7m3/min making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

In addition, Bobcat aimed to demonstrate how its construction lineup is delivering even greater levels of sustainability to users as many of the manufacturer’s range have been approved for use with HVO biofuel and other EN 15940 standard paraffinic fuels.