Bobcat Europe has announced a major development with the launch of its new 12.5-tonne Bobcat 444 zero-tail-swing excavator.

“Though the new 444 now forms the top end of the Bobcat midi-excavator range, its very compact design complements that of the Bobcat range of compact excavators from 820 kg to 7.5 tonne,” says a company spokesman. “The 444 is unusual for its category in that it not only features a zero tail swing design but also has an offset, pivot boom, providing more freedom of movement and flexibility for work in confined spaces.”
Another important feature the 444 shares with the existing Bobcat excavator range is the use of rubber tracks, which minimise ground disturbance and damage to paved surfaces - a distinct advantage when working on sensitive surfaces and, in particular, new office and housing developments, he points out. The models also come with steel tracks as an option.
“The new 444 represents an expansion of the Bobcat midi range that started three years ago with the launch of the 7.5 tonne 442 model,” says Norbert Donaberger, business unit manager (excavators) for Bobcat Europe. “However, the combination of the compact configuration and zero tail swing design in the 444 continues the Bobcat tradition as a world renowned compact equipment specialist,” he adds.
Powered by a Deutz four-cylinder, turbocharged BF 4M 2012 Tier II diesel engine rated at 69 kW, the 444 can be equipped with a range of trenching buckets with widths from 350 to 1,000 mm and capacities from 130 to 450 litres. As in the 442, the track transmission in the 444 is based around a two-stage variable displacement hydrostatic motor which, with full power shift, provides for two speed ranges in both forward and reverse directions: 0-2.7 km/h and 0-5.4 km/h. The 444 offers a gradeability of more than 60 per cent and a drawbar pull of 82 kN, he says.
Elaborating on the model, he says: “Equipped with a conventional monobloc boom, the new 444 has a height to bucket pin of 6.30 m and a maximum digging depth of 4.33 m. The breakout and ripping forces (in compliance with DIN 24086) in the monobloc boom 444 excavator are 81,500 and 61,000 N, respectively. The 444 is also available in a two-piece articulated boom version with a height to bucket pin of 6.92 m and maximum digging depth of 4.51 m.
“The width of the 444 is dictated by the width of the dozer blade at 2,500 mm. The slope angle on the dozer blade is 35 degrees and it provides 400 mm lift below ground and 500 mm lift above ground. The ground clearance of the 444 is 420 mm.
“The uppercarriage front swing radius on the monobloc boom version of the 444 is 2,620 mm and the tail swing on the 444 is 1,370 mm. The angle of articulation/lateral adjustment to the left in the 444 is 55 degrees/855 mm and 64 degrees/995 mm to the right.
“At the centre of the hydraulic system on the 444 is an axial piston pump with load-sensing, coupled with a load-independent flow division (LUDV) system offering simultaneous, independent control of all movements. The 444 thus offers sensitive, progressive, precise control and manoeuvring, irrespective of the loads being carried by the machine. The hydraulic pump capacity is 158 litres/min and the maximum working pressure is 350 bar.”
Bobcat has also significantly enhanced the interiors of the operators cab on the 444 by designing it in accordance with the latest ergonomic principles. All levers and controls are now within easy reach of the driver and panel displays give clear information on all operating functions. The insulated, full-vision steel cab offers a low working sound level of 80 dB(A), with the operator located in a hydraulically-cushioned comfort seat with armrests and longitudinal, height and backrest adjustments, he concludes.