Construction equipment specialist Bobcat has launched its new 1.3-tonne mini-excavator, which it says will be the first in the 1.2 to 1.5 tonne class to offer an expandable undercarriage as standard.

The new mini-excavator called the Bobcat 319, weighs 1,271 kg with canopy and 1,400 kg with enclosed cab, and can be transported easily on a trailer towed by a small truck, van or even a passenger car, says a company spokesman. “Altogether, the Bobcat 319 mini-excavator provides an unmatched combination of operator comfort, power, performance and versatility for a machine of this size,” he adds.
“To illustrate the ease of transport, the tow weight of the 319’s cab version with two buckets on a standard 650 kg trailer would be around 2,100 kg,” he says. For enhanced safety when transporting the mini-excavator on the road, the 319 comes fitted with a mechanical swing lock mechanism.
Ideally suited for the equipment rental industry, the 319 can be used to cover applications in many areas: utilities, landscaping, house and office building, construction, local authorities and nurseries.
With the undercarriage retracted to under one metre wide (980 mm), the 319 can pass through doorways, gateways and narrow lanes where larger machines cannot go. Once on the jobsite, the undercarriage can be hydraulically expanded to 1,363 mm for maximum stability in digging and loading applications.
Powered by a 9.9 kW Kubota Tier II D722 diesel engine running at 2,500 rpm, the 319 offers a maximum digging depth of 2,008 mm and a maximum dump height of 2,281 mm. With a maximum reach at ground level of 3,590 mm, the 319 requires less repositioning for digging and other applications, the spokesman explains.
He continues: “Thanks to a new design with the cylinder on top of the boom, the work equipment is stronger and lighter, providing increased digging performance, as more weight can be carried in the bucket. With a breakout force over the dipperstick of 9.3 kN and a bucket breakout force of 12.3 kN, the 319 provides faster work cycles and higher productivity.
“The 319 offers a spacious, comfortable operator’s area with good visibility in both the cab and canopy versions. All controls are conveniently located for ease of operation. In the canopy version, the operator can gain access to the seat from both the left and right side of the machine. Operator comfort is enhanced, thanks to noise insulation and optimal engine settings, resulting in a sound pressure level of only 90 dBA.
“The new 319 mini-excavator features responsive foot-operated travel pedals providing fine control of speed up to the maximum speed of 1.66 km/h. The 200-mm-wide turf-friendly rubber tracks distribute the operating weight of the 319 mini-excavator over a large area, providing low ground pressure to minimise disturbance to landscapes, paving stones and other established surfaces.
“In addition, the large rear tailgate on the 319 excavator offers easy access to the engine and other service points. The tailgate as well as the other access covers are equipped with vandal-proof locks. It also features a central grease point for the swing bearing, swing pinion and offset cylinder. There is also easy access to all other grease points,” he adds.