Bobcat, a member of the Doosan Group, has launched a new generation backhoe attachment for the company’s skid-steer and compact track loaders for markets in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The new backhoe attachment converts a Bobcat loader into a powerful excavator, allowing customers to increase the versatility of their machines and the return on their investment, according to Bobcat.

The backhoe attachment is described as being ideal for applications in construction, utility, road work, landscaping, and other industries. It is available in four configurations – the two Versatile (V) B32V and B35V models and the two Standard (S) B32S and B35S models – that offer a choice of digging depths, reach and hook-up systems. The largest model in the range offers a maximum digging depth of 3.3 m and a maximum reach of 4 m.

Versatility and time-saving efficiency have always been great features of Bobcat compact loaders, with the quick-change Bob-Tach attachment mounting system, allowing them to be combined quickly and safely with more than 100 different families of Bobcat attachments, says a spokesman for the company.

Daniele Paciotti, Product Line Director Attachments Bobcat in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, says: “We are seeing increased demand for the backhoe attachment and have added even more versatility for the MEA market with the Versatile V-versions of the new-generation product. They have a double-acting auxiliary line that allows more attachments to be used with the backhoe attachment, including Bobcat hydraulic attachments such augers, breakers and tilt buckets. The previous version of the backhoe attachment only allowed for non-hydraulic attachments, such as buckets to be used. For increased safety and to optimise the lifetime of the attachment, all hoses are now placed inside the boom.”

Operators can, therefore, transform their loaders into excavators that can dig holes, trenches and foundations. As a result of the increased versatility offered by the new V-version backhoe attachments, customers can now add other attachments via the backhoe for applications in demolition, landscaping, horticulture and other markets.