Bobcat update on new compact engines

Top left: D18 engine. Bottom left: D24. Right: D34.

Bobcat will soon begin the transition to meet EU Stage IIIB/Stage IV emission regulations for machines in Europe greater than 37kW (50hp). This has resulted in significant changes to engine design, added components and unique service requirements, with the incorporation of non-DPF Stage IIIB/Stage IV compliant Bobcat branded engines in selected Bobcat machines.


Top left: D18 engine. Bottom left: D24. Right: D34.


The new non-DPF engines, built by the Doosan Infracore Engine Business Group, will be added to selected Bobcat machines in 2015. There will be three engine models in the range from 37kW (50hp) to 74kW (99hp) with displacements of 1.8, 2.4 and 3.4 l, respectively. The engines will be used in 500, 600, 700 and 800 platform Bobcat loaders, except for the S510 and S530 models, which are below 37kW (50hp).

The new compact engines have been subjected to very thorough and successful trials, involving more than 140,000 hours of testing, four times more testing than that on other engines in the Bobcat range of products, to ensure they offer the reliability customers have come to expect from Bobcat compact equipment.

In addition, non-DPF technology has been chosen as a customer-preferred solution that minimises long term Stage IIIB/Stage IV parts and maintenance expenses. Engines with a non-DPF system have a simpler design, need less mounting space, have no risk of thermal damage and do not require ash cleaning. Such engines also have fewer service needs and offer enhanced fuel economy.

As more construction equipment manufacturers align with engine manufacturers or become direct competitors, it makes sense for Bobcat to find a partner that is not a competitor to ensure supply capacity and responsiveness. The company also wanted to offer customers a non-DPF system and the engines from Doosan provided the perfect solution.

To create a range of compact engines that offer customers their preference for non-DPF technology, while still ensuring the quality product they have come to expect from Bobcat, the company has leveraged its 50+ years of experience building compact equipment and Doosan’s 50+ years of experience building engines.

The Doosan Infracore Engine Business Group has produced over 1.5 million engines since 1976 and these are used worldwide in compact and heavy construction equipment, commercial and military vehicles, generators and ships. Bobcat also engaged the engine expertise of global engineering leaders, Ricardo, FEV and SWRI, who together brought nearly 200 years of combined experience in engine design and development to the table.

Bobcat will continue to use Kubota engines in selected machines in the range and will provide parts and honour warranties on machines previously sold with Kubota engines. As Kubota engines represent the largest population of engines in Bobcat machines, the Bobcat dealer network has strong competence in servicing these engines and will continue to service Kubota engines in selected Bobcat products.