Continuing on the path of launching innovative high-productivity construction equipment, Bobcat has recently launched a new range of mini-excavators as well as trenchers for compact loaders and excavators for construction sites across the Middle East and the global markets.

Bobcat now offers an enhanced version of the 323 mini-excavators and the all-new 321 model. Together with the 1.3-tonne 319 model, the new 321 and 323 mini-excavators are designed to offer superior performance in the 1-2 tonne class, with fast cycle times and high productivity. Equipped with a canopy, the 321 model has an operating weight of 1,476 kg and offers a maximum digging depth of 2,236 mm, a dump height of 2,505 mm and a reach of 3,943 mm. Weighing 1,516 kg (canopy version), the 323 has a longer arm and offers a maximum digging depth of 2,337 mm, a dump height of 2,581 mm and a reach of 4,038 mm.
Like the 319 model, the new 321 and 323 models feature the same “cylinder-over-boom” design, offering improved protection and enhanced performance. Since the cylinder is mounted on top of the boom, it is protected when working in tight spaces or with attachments. The auxiliary lines are neatly mounted on top of the cylinder, giving good protection, and the routing of the hoses at the foot of the boom offers similar security, says George Schmalzried, public relations and media representative for Bobcat Europe.
He continues: “In the cylinder-over-boom design, the stress in the boom is transferred directly from one cylinder to another, lowering the torsion in the boom and allowing it to be lighter, with no loss in durability. The lighter boom structure, combined with better weight distribution in the back of the machine, has resulted in class-leading lifting capacities, allowing more weight to be put inside the bucket during digging.
“The new workgroup and the blade are designed so that the bucket can contact the blade, allowing the operator to 'dustpan', enhancing levelling and cleaning operations with the machines. Auxiliary hydraulics are standard equipment on both the 321 and 323 models. A selector valve allows the operator to switch from direct supply to the tank to two-way control. The auxiliary lines are mounted with closed quick connectors, preventing the ingress of dirt into the lines.
“The standard expandable undercarriage of the 321 and 323 excavators allows the width between the tracks to go from 980 mm in the narrow travel position to 1,360 mm, providing excellent stability for digging and loading operations. Unlike in previous models, the blade extensions are no longer separate parts, but rather sliding extensions on the blade itself. They do not need to be removed from the blade, thus freeing up storage space under the seat in the cab where the extensions used to be housed.”
As on all Bobcat mini-excavators, the operator area on the 321 and 323 is spacious and comfortable, ensuring good visibility from both the cab and canopy versions. All controls are conveniently located for ease of operation and operator comfort is further enhanced thanks to noise insulation and optimal engine settings, resulting in a reduced sound pressure level of only 76 dBA.
The 321 and 323 mini-excavators feature two speeds as standard, with responsive travel pedals providing precise control up to the maximum speed of 3.3 km per hour. The auxiliary hydraulic lines for breakers and other attachments are controlled via the left pedal. The second speed selection button is located on the blade lever for easy control when working with the blade.
The 200 mm-wide turf-friendly, rubber tracks distribute the operating weight of the mini-excavators over a large area, providing low ground pressure to minimise disturbance to landscapes, paving stones and other established surfaces.
Powered by the Kubota 9.9 kW D722 diesel engine, the 321 and 323 feature a new pump, new travel motors and a new slew ring. The machines use maintenance-free and low-upkeep components and provide easy service access via a large rear tailgate to the engine check and fill points, filters and the battery, he says. The tailgate, as well as the other access covers, is equipped with vandal-proof locks. The 321 and 323 feature a central grease point for the swing bearing, swing pinion and offset cylinder.
Meanwhile, Bobcat’s comprehensive range comprises of six trencher models for use where soil conditions allow for digging continuous trenches for drainage, piping and cable lines. 
“The range begins with the LT112 trencher, which is approved for use on the 463 skid-steer loader.  Next in the family is the LT213 trencher to be used on the Bobcat S100 and S130 skid-steer loader models as well the T140 compact tracked loader. Moving up the range, the LT313 trencher covers a wide selection of models from the S130 to the S300 skid-steer loaders, the T190 to T300 compact tracked loaders and the A300 all-wheel steer loader,” says Schmalzried.
The larger LT414 trencher attachment is for use only on the high-flow compact loaders from the S160H model through to the S300H, Bobcat compact tracked loaders from the T190H to the T300H model and the A300H all-wheel steer loader. Bobcat also offers the LT405 trencher, another high-flow model approved for use on the S175H to S300H skid-steer loaders, the A300H all-wheel loader and the T190H to T300H compact tracked loaders.
Completing the array of trenchers from Bobcat is the MX112 trencher that is similar to the LT112 model, but has the X-Change mini-excavator attachment system instead of the Bob-Tach mounting system for compact loaders found on the other trencher models.  With the X-Change system, the MX112 trencher is approved for use on Bobcat 331, 334, 337, 341, 430 and 435 mini-excavators.
“The trencher range covers digging depths from 0.60 to 1.52 m for all types of trenching applications. All the trenchers typically come with double standard chains and are equipped with cup teeth.  Carbide teeth and/or shark teeth can also be ordered as options,” he says.
“Bobcat compact loaders and excavators make ideal tool carriers for an ever-broadening spectrum of more than 70 specialist attachments.  On the loaders, the Bob-Tech quick-change system ensures that attachments can be mounted on or dismounted from the loader very quickly.  The X-Change System allows for fast and easy one-person attachment changes on the mini-excavators,” points out Schmalzried.
Both systems feature wear compensation to provide a tight, secure connection for an attachment even after years of use. 
In addition, customers can choose the optional Power Bob-Tach attachment mounting system on most of the loaders to change attachments simply by pressing a switch inside the loader cab.