Bobcat E20 Excavator Action

Bobcat has introduced its new 13.9-horsepower Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) E20 compact excavator, which Bobcat says in designed to handle the toughest jobs in confined spaces.

The Tier-4 compliant E20 replaces the 324 excavator model and features an automatic slew brake. Available as options are auto-shift drive and a fingertip auxiliary boom swing control. It has a maximum reach of 14 feet, dig depth of 8 feet 6 inches and dump height of 8 feet 8 inches. With the E20 the rear of the house stays within the width of the tracks through full rotation, allowing operators to work flush against a structure to help minimize damaging nearby objects.

One notable feature of the E20 is its retractable rubber track undercarriage. When the undercarriage is fully retracted, the overall width is reduced from 53½ inches to 39 inches – making the E20 an good choice for traveling through gates or next to property lines. The E20’s undercarriage is 5½ inches longer than the 324 excavator model, which provides enhanced trenching capabilities, especially when working over the rear of the excavator.

Unique to the E20 is a new, roomier cab design that gives the operator good visibility to the attachment and the working area. A front window and lower portal window, along with a redesigned heater are included with the optional enclosed cab.

Bobcat E20 Excavator Tight Confines

From the operator’s perspective, an easy-to-read instrument panel has been updated to match larger Bobcat compact excavator panels. The E20 features boom swing control, which offers improved control of the boom swing function. By moving the boom swing control to the joystick, it frees up floor space for more foot room. An auto-shift travel function provides operators with automatic high-and-low range shifting.

An optional password-protected keyless start is available for the E20, so an owner can program a desired five-digit code. An additional optional feature of the E20 is a radio and speakers for improved operator enjoyment when working.

The E20 features a variety of attachments, including three trenching buckets, a grading bucket, a clamp, a hydraulic breaker and an auger.

Another major feature on the new E20 is blade extension mounting system, which is held in place by pins. The pins can be removed to extend or retract the dozer blade with no tools needed. The dozer blade helps E20 operators efficiently grade, level, doze or backfill soil. Operators can raise and lower the blade with a conveniently located dozer blade lever located near the right-hand joystick.

An integrated slew brake is a new feature on the E20 excavator, which eliminates the need for an operator to engage the slew brake when transporting a machine, providing infinite brake positioning. This feature provides for easier loading and more options when positioning on the trailer. A dual direction, cushioned arm cylinder and a cylinder-over-boom design — providing protection for the boom cylinder — are additional features of the E20. Also, the E20 is clamp ready — it comes with a clamp cylinder mount and port relief — to grab, lift and carry objects.

Bobcat says the side-hinged, rear service access door is one of the largest compared to its competitors, allowing for daily check points and filter access. A side door provides access to coolers and the battery – adding unobstructed access to the cooling system for routine maintenance. Filters, fluids and the air cleaner, are all easily accessible in the swing-open tailgate, providing easy maintenance at the operators’ fingertips. The engine also utilizes a pusher fan where air is pulled from the engine area and pushed through coolers at the side of the machine. This helps to minimize hot engine air from reaching the operator, and keeping the operator cool.