Bobcat has unveiled its new E63 Compact Tail Swing excavator, featuring improvements in joystick controls, lift capacity, arm and bucket forces, and drive performance.

Replacing the E60, the E63 becomes the second-largest machine in the company’s compact excavator family. The 6.3-metric-ton excavator features a number of operator conveniences including a blade float, multi-function joysticks, color instrumentation panel and an auto-shift drive system.

At an operating weight of 13,779 pounds, the E63 provides 59.4 horsepower, an increase of 13.5 percent. Its diesel engine is also Tier 4 compliant. The diesel engine features a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system, a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Compared to the previous E60, the E63’s upper structure is shifted rearward on the undercarriage to increase efficiency. The E63’s 11.6 inches of tail swing overhang provides best-in-class over-the-side lifting performance, without increasing the machine’s overall weight. This additional tail swing also improves the E63’s slew performance when working on side slopes.

The E63 incorporates fingertip boom swing and auxiliary hydraulic functions. Bobcat says this not only improves multi-function capabilities, but also gives the operator more floor space. Independent boom swing control on the joysticks allows operators to more easily position the work group for offset digging. Selectable auxiliary flow rates and the detent (continuous flow) mode allow for more precise attachment performance.

A new multi-language, deluxe color panel resembles instrumentation found on larger earthmoving equipment and provides a quick visual of machine vital functions. The home screen displays fuel level, coolant temperature, day/time, throttle position and engine rpm. Operators can select auxiliary hydraulic flow modes and rates from the panel. For increased security, an integrated password protection system may be used to help prevent theft.

A new blade float feature gives operators the versatility to smoothly grade, level or backfill material. This means operators can use just one machine to excavate and fill material, and the excavator’s rubber track undercarriage minimizes disruption to existing surfaces with its ability to float across dirt. The E63’s blade height is 16.1 inches — a 21 percent increase compared to the previous E60 model.

The E63’s hydraulic system delivers exceptional loaded cycle times. It offers 5,767 foot-pounds of arm force. Engineered to dig to depths of 13 feet 6 inches, bucket force has increased to 9,731 foot-pounds. The E63 comes standard with Auto-Shift travel, which shifts the excavator into low range and back to high range automatically as the drive load subsides. Operators receive superb travel performance without having to manually downshift. Auto-Shift increases travel performance on demand, allowing operators to focus on the direction and speed.

New boom cylinder guards provide improved uptime protection for E63 owners, protecting the boom cylinder when the excavator is digging. Integrated into the undercarriage are four convenient tie-down points to simplify trailer loading for transport. Extended grease intervals on the E63 work group minimize maintenance requirements.