Bobcat Company has expanded its R-Series excavator lineup with the new E85, the largest machine in the company’s compact excavator family. The 8.5-ton E85 is part of the fastest-growing-size class of compact excavators

The E85 has been redesigned with performance, uptime protection and operator comfort in mind, and features the same bold, distinct design and other cab upgrades as the E32 and E35 R-Series compact excavators that were introduced in 2017.
As part of the new R-Series model, the 66-horsepower E85 will now be designed and manufactured in Bismarck, North Dakota. It shares the same Bobcat^® turbo-charged diesel engine technology – that does not require a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or selective catalytic reduction (SCR) – and similar cab upgrades found on the current R-Series excavators. A new standard lift eye is included, to help operators properly lift and place objects.
The 13 inches of tail overhang allows the E85 to work in compact environments, including construction, landscaping, utilities, rental and agriculture. The excavator’s boom swing frame stays within the width of the machine’s tracks as it swings, making it easier to perform in confined jobsite conditions and next to buildings or other obstructions where larger equipment, such as a tractor loader backhoe, can’t fit.

Redesigned cab layout

Along with having one of the largest cab openings in the industry, Bobcat redesigned the E85 cab for an unbeatable operator experience. Like other R-Series excavators, there is more floor space in the E85 for the operator’s feet and legs. Redesigned travel pedals conveniently fold away, maximizing floor space even more. The E85 seat and cab are also wider, providing plenty of elbow room. Operators will appreciate the optional automatic heating and air-conditioning systems for complete control over the cab climate. When it’s cold outside, an optional heated seat takes operator comfort to another level.
Bobcat E85 excavator cabs are rated as a Level 1 Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS). The improved top window and narrower side pillars contribute to visibility that’s never been better. Operators can get a better view of the excavator’s work group and surrounding areas with class-leading visibility from the cab. Left and right mirrors enhance the operator’s visibility from inside the cab. A new sun visor over the top window shields operators’ eyes from the sun on bright days.
The new machine features a standard, easy-to-reach control pattern selector. This feature is conveniently located within the operator’s reach, allowing the operator to quickly switch from ISO controls to standard controls. With the repositioned second auxiliary hydraulic selector switch, operators can toggle between the optional second auxiliary and the boom offset without removing their hands from the left joystick.
The design maintains wide-open access to the engine area for daily maintenance checks. Operators have panoramic access to the engine and routine maintenance components for superior service and to help minimize machine downtime.

This R-Series excavator also has a variety of optional comfort and performance enhancements:

• Hydraulic pin-grabber quick coupler accessory to quickly change attachments from the cab
• Secondary auxiliary hydraulics to operate attachments with multiple capabilities
• Deluxe instrumentation panel for fast access to critical machine information
• Factory-installed steel tracks and segmented tracks
• Travel alarm to meet localized jobsite requirements
• Rear work light kit to brighten worksites at night
• Counterweight to add lifting capabilities
• Guard kits for the front and top windows to elevate the cab to a Level 2 FOPS rating
• Keyless start to increase machine security
• Radio kit

 
A new tubular-frame reinforced cab door comes standard, making the E85 even stronger and able to withstand rough jobsite conditions. The tubular frame holds a tighter seal, helping keep out dirt and dust for an enhanced operating experience.
Depth check ready
Bobcat excavator operators can dig faster using less effort and have greater precision with the depth check system – an optional accessory available for select Bobcat excavators. The E85 can be equipped with a depth check system, allowing operators to accurately measure depth and grade without exiting the excavator. The depth check system has an accuracy of ± 0.5 inches, minimizing excavator operators from stopping the machine to measure depth and potentially entering and exiting a trench with a measuring device. It also helps to minimize over-digging and under-digging, and the costs and time associated with backfilling, compacting fill material and doing manual labor to finalize depth or grade. Another benefit of the system: No additional display screens are required, allowing for more operator space in the excavator’s cab because the Bobcat depth check system utilizes the machine’s deluxe panel to provide operator guidance and to facilitate operator inputs to the guidance system.
High-quality finish
Operators can see and feel a difference with a new high-quality finish. The new R-Series E85 features strengthened hinges and latches, and rigid, aligned excavator panels to reduce vibration in the cab, especially when working on rough surfaces. These enhancements increase operator comfort for a more enjoyable work day.
Simplified maintenance
A lower engine compartment and relocated hydraulic valves makes it easy to access and service the machine. In addition, greasing intervals have been extended to 50 hours for the swing and slew and to 250 hours on upper work group pivot points for improved uptime. Similar to other R-Series machines, the E85 uses Bobcat genuine oils and filters to simplify stocking parts for fleet owners.
Easy access to tie-downs
Equipped with eight machine tie-down locations, operators will find it is easier than ever to secure their E85 excavator to a trailer and ensure proper transportation procedures are followed. The tie-down locations are easily visible and accessible for simple trailer connections. In addition, lower cab height also makes it easier to transport the machine from jobsite to jobsite.
Approved attachments
The following Bobcat attachments are approved for use with the new E85 excavator:

• Trenching buckets: 18, 24 and 36 inches
• Grading buckets: 48 and 60 inches
• Tilt-grading bucket: 48 inches
• Hydraulic clamp
• Hydraulic breaker
• Flail mower
• Auger
• Plate compactor

 
Quick Look: R-Series E85 Compact Excavator
Horsepower: 66-hp Bobcat turbo-charged diesel engine
Operating weight: 18,977 lb.
Bucket digging force: 16,269 lbf.
Arm digging force: 8,253 lbf.
Rated lift capacity: 9,754 lb.
Maximum reach at ground level: 23 ft. 7 in.
Maximum dig depth: 15 ft. 5 in.
Maximum dump height: 16 ft. 7 in.
Width: 87 in.
Auxiliary hydraulic flow: 25.1 gpm
Tail swing type: Conventional