Bobcat E85 Review
The Bobcat E85 is a powerful and versatile compact track loader designed to handle a variety of tasks in construction, landscaping, and utility work. With its exceptional lifting capacity, long reach, and impressive digging depth, the E85 is ideal for heavier workloads while still offering superior maneuverability in tight spaces. In this review, we’ll explore the key features, performance, and overall value of the Bobcat E85 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next project.
Key Features of the Bobcat E85
The Bobcat E85 is equipped with numerous features that enhance its performance, durability, and user-friendliness:
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 6.0 x 8.0 feet
- Weight: 8,500 lbs
- Engine Power: 74.3 HP
- Operating Capacity: 2,900 lbs
- Hydraulic Flow: 23.4 GPM
- Digging Depth: 11.2 feet
- Bucket Capacity: 0.23 cubic yards
- Lift Height: 12.6 feet
- Travel Speed: 5.5 mph
- Zero Tail Swing: For enhanced maneuverability in confined areas
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
With its 74.3 HP engine, 2,900 lbs operating capacity, and impressive digging depth, the Bobcat E85 is designed for demanding tasks in both residential and commercial environments while still offering exceptional maneuverability.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the Bobcat E85:
Pros:
- 74.3 HP engine delivers ample power for heavy lifting and excavation tasks
- Operating capacity of 2,900 lbs allows for efficient material handling and lifting
- 11.2 feet digging depth is perfect for medium to large-scale excavation projects
- Zero tail swing ensures smooth operation in tight spaces
- 23.4 GPM hydraulic flow supports a variety of attachments and operations
- 12.6 feet lift height makes loading and unloading materials easy and efficient
- Compact design offers superior maneuverability for a track loader of its size
- 1-year limited warranty for added peace of mind
Cons:
- At 8,500 lbs, the E85 is on the heavier side and may require a larger transport vehicle
- Operating capacity of 2,900 lbs may not be sufficient for extremely heavy materials
- Travel speed of 5.5 mph is slower than some larger machines, making it less suited for larger job sites
- Bucket capacity of 0.23 cubic yards may be limiting for high-volume projects
Ideal for Heavy Excavation, Grading, and Material Handling
The Bobcat E85 is a perfect fit for medium to large-scale excavation, grading, and material handling projects. Its 74.3 HP engine and 2,900 lbs operating capacity enable it to lift and carry heavy loads with ease, making it ideal for tasks such as trenching, grading, or moving materials on construction sites, landscaping, and utility work. Its 11.2 feet digging depth and 12.6 feet lift height offer versatile operation, from digging to loading and unloading materials.
Despite its powerful capabilities, the E85 maintains a compact design, which allows it to maneuver efficiently in tight spaces where larger machines might struggle. However, for tasks requiring heavier lifting or larger capacity, you may want to consider a larger machine.
Performance and Efficiency
The Bobcat E85 delivers outstanding performance with its 74.3 HP engine and 23.4 GPM hydraulic system. These features provide the power and speed needed to perform demanding tasks, whether you’re lifting, digging, or grading. The 11.2 feet digging depth ensures you can tackle medium to large-scale excavation tasks effectively, while the 12.6 feet lift height allows for smooth material handling, particularly when loading trucks or working on high-ground tasks.
The hydraulic system ensures that attachments operate smoothly, giving you versatility to handle a wide variety of jobs with ease. The E85’s powerful hydraulics and strong engine allow for efficient operation, making it a reliable machine for demanding projects.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The Bobcat E85 is designed with operator comfort and ease of use in mind. The user-friendly control system is intuitive, and the cab offers excellent visibility and a comfortable seating arrangement for long working hours. The zero tail swing design contributes to greater maneuverability, especially in tight spaces or when working around obstacles.
When it comes to maintenance, the Bobcat E85 is easy to service. The machine’s components are easily accessible, making routine tasks such as fluid checks, air filter replacements, and hydraulic maintenance simple. With a durable design, the E85 minimizes the need for frequent repairs, making it an ideal choice for contractors and operators who require consistent uptime.
Durability and Build Quality
The Bobcat E85 is built for demanding environments, featuring a durable frame and high-quality components designed for long-lasting performance. The 74.3 HP engine delivers ample power for tough jobs, while the hydraulic system provides smooth, reliable operation. The frame is built to withstand the heavy loads associated with construction, landscaping, and other commercial applications.
The zero tail swing design not only enhances maneuverability but also adds to the overall durability by reducing the risk of damaging the machine when working in confined spaces. Overall, the Bobcat E85 is a robust machine that can handle a variety of heavy-duty tasks over an extended period.
Portability and Transport
Weighing 8,500 lbs, the Bobcat E85 is on the heavier side, making it less portable than smaller track loaders. However, its size and weight still allow it to be transported with a larger trailer and transport vehicle. The compact design helps when maneuvering the machine on tight job sites, and the zero tail swing offers even greater flexibility for operating in smaller spaces.
Although it requires a more robust transport vehicle compared to smaller models, the E85’s performance and versatility make it a great choice for job sites that require both power and maneuverability.
Final Thoughts on the Bobcat E85
The Bobcat E85 is a powerful and versatile track loader, perfect for medium to large-scale excavation, grading, and material handling tasks. With its 74.3 HP engine, 2,900 lbs operating capacity, and 11.2 feet digging depth, it offers impressive performance for demanding jobs. The zero tail swing design ensures that the machine remains highly maneuverable, even in tight spaces, while the 23.4 GPM hydraulic flow makes it capable of handling a variety of attachments.
While the E85 may not be the ideal choice for tasks requiring the heaviest lifting or fastest travel speeds, it excels in medium to large projects that require a combination of power, performance, and maneuverability. If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, and compact track loader that can handle a variety of tasks, the Bobcat E85 is definitely worth considering.