Bauma, Munich. With the addition of the T40170 telescopic handler, the Bobcat range now offers eight models with maximum lift heights from 5.6 to 16.75 metres and maximum lift capacities from 2.5 to 4.0 tonnes, for applications in agriculture, construction, industry, plant hire, local authorities and national government organisations.

The new Bobcat ® T40170 telescopic handler can lift a maximum load of 4 tonnes and has a maximum lift height of 16.75 m. The capacity at maximum lift height is 2.5 tonnes, while at maximum reach (13 m), the capacity is 0.5 tonne. Unloaded, the T40170 weighs 11 tonnes and provides a crowding force of 5000 daN. With these specifications, the T40170 model is especially suited to rough terrain applications in the building, civil engineering and industrial markets.

Like the T40140 on which it is based, the T40170 model has a self-leveling system, offering a tilt capability of +/- 4 º and lateral movement through +/- 600 mm. The patented side shifting system offers a lateral shift up to 1200 mm at maximum height. The system functions with no loss of capacity and can be operated on both wheels and stabilisers, unlike traditional self-leveling systems. The T40170 has two front stabilizers, which move independently, are fully adjustable, and can be contained within the overall width of the machine, an important advantage when travelling on public roads.

Like all Bobcat telescopic handlers, the T40170 uses state-of-the-art technology providing optimum performance and maneuverability and a host of other advantages. An electronically regulated hydrostatic transmission is a standard feature on all Bobcat telescopic handlers. This system enables the operator to choose between two driving modes - direct drive, where priority is given to travel speed, or soft drive, where priority is given to hydraulic power and torque.

Permanent four-wheel drive is combined with three steering modes - 2-wheel, 4-wheel or crabbing - for ease of handling, while proportional power steering ensures a comfortable and responsive drive. Each of the drive axles includes a magnetic positioning switch, which transmits information on the rear axle alignment, front axle alignment and the steering mode to the instrument panel in the operator's cab.

The T40170 telescopic handler is powered by a turbo-charged Perkins diesel engine. The hydrostatic transmission provides a 95% performance efficiency, providing high power coupled with low fuel consumption. The hydrostatic transmission makes it possible to place a load to the exact mm. In addition to precision, this is an important factor contributing to safety, particularly when loads have to be positioned at significant heights or distances from the machine.

The T40170 is equipped with a longitudinal and lateral stability control combined with an Aggravating Movements Arrester (AMA). When the maximum authorised capacity is approached, the red load status indicator lights up. At the load limit, the audio overload alarm is triggered and all hydraulic movements are blocked except for the retraction of the boom to alleviate the situation.

The cab is designed for simplicity and spaciousness, so that the operator is able to work all day in a comfortable environment. The cab design incorporates advanced technology, including an ergonomic 4-function joystick to operate the boom. The cab rests on 3 'Silentbloc' shock absorbers and is fitted to the chassis via the patented 'Zebullon' suspension system, which absorbs impact energy when operating the telescopic handler.

All Bobcat telescopic handlers are designed on a common platform. The main components and control points are situated in the same place on every model to simplify maintenance operations. The machines offer excellent accessibility to all main components and no specialised tools are required for this work. A box chassis design provides for excellent longitudinal and transverse rigidity and a reinforced base protects all mechanical components.

Designed for similar markets to the T40170 model, the top-of-the-range TD40150 telescopic handler offers a full rotation of 360 º of the lifting boom and cab. Combined with its maximum reach of 12 m, the TD40150 can be positioned centrally to serve the entire needs of a building or industrial site. The TD40150 has a maximum capacity of 4 tonnes, and can lift 3 tonnes to the maximum height of 14.43 m.

Next in the range is the T40140 model, also in the 4-tonne lifting class. The T40140 can raise a maximum load of 3.7 tonnes and offers a maximum lift height of 13.5 m. The reach is 9.65 m, with a maximum load of 1.3 tonnes.

The fourth model in the range, the T3093CD, features the special CD self-leveling system to give a tilt of +/- 6º to the left or right hand side of the machine, enabling optimum positioning of the load regardless of the terrain. This model is therefore especially suited to rough terrain applications in the building, civil engineering and local authority markets. Featuring a three-element boom instead of the two-element booms in the smaller models, the T3093S telescopic handler can lift a load to a maximum height of 9.3 m with a forward reach of 2.4 m.

For increased capacity and lift height that offers a good compromise between a loader and a telescopic handler, the next model in the range is the T3071 in the 3-tonne lifting class. Offering a maximum lift height of 7.05 m, the T3071 is equipped at the end of the telescopic boom with the Z bar front loading system, providing increased breakout force and a better dump angle. The T3071 also has radius turning for negotiating tight turns on building and industrial sites, making it ideal for use in industry, plant hire and local authority applications.

Based on the same frame and chassis, the two smallest models in the range - the T2566 and T2556 telescopic handlers - are both in the 2.5-tonne lifting class. The T2566 utilises a boom 50 cm longer than that in the T2556 model and, as a result, can offer a lift height of 6.45 m and a reach of over 4 m. Thanks to its size/capacity ratio, the T2566 telescopic handler is ideal for refurbishment and plant hire markets. The T2556 can lift 2.5 tonnes to a maximum lift height of 5.6 m with a reach of 1.05 m and offers a maximum reach of 3.05 m with a capacity of 1.1 tonnes. It is a compact machine aimed mainly at agricultural, industrial and local authority applications.