WEST FARGO, N.D. — Bobcat Company has introduced its new Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) E20 compact excavator, which can handle the toughest jobs in confined spaces. The 13.9-horsepower model features a retractable undercarriage, unmatched cab comfort, increased uptime protection, attachment readiness and an ease of serviceability, all of which provide operators with an excavator unlike any other.

The Bobcat® E20 replaces the 324 excavator model and features an automatic slew brake. Available as options are auto-shift drive and a fingertip auxiliary boom swing control. The new Tier 4-compliant E20 stands above the competition in the 2-metric-ton class of compact excavators. It has a maximum reach of 14 feet, dig depth of 8 feet 6 inches and dump height of 8 feet 8 inches. With the E20 the rear of the house stays within the width of the tracks through full rotation, allowing operators to work flush against a structure to help minimize damaging nearby objects.

Working with the jobsite

One major feature of the E20 is its retractable rubber track undercarriage. When the undercarriage is fully retracted, the overall width is reduced from 53½ inches to 39 inches — making the E20 an ideal choice for traveling through gates or next to property lines. The E20’s undercarriage is 5½ inches longer than the 324 excavator model, which provides enhanced trenching capabilities, especially when working over the rear of the excavator. 

Improved cab design

Unique to the E20 is a new, roomier cab design that gives the operator excellent visibility to the attachment and the working area. Bobcat already provides the largest cabs with the most spacious cab openings in the industry to increase operator comfort, and operators will continue to see these same features in the E20. An easy-to-open front window and lower portal window, along with a redesigned heater are included with the optional enclosed cab.

Optimized ergonomics

From the operator’s perspective, an easy-to-read instrument panel has been updated to match larger Bobcat compact excavator panels. The E20 features superior boom swing control, which offers improved control of the boom swing function. By moving the boom swing control to the joystick, it frees up floor space for more foot room. An auto-shift travel function provides operators with automatic high-and-low range shifting.

An optional password-protected keyless start is available for the E20, so an owner can program a desired five -digit code. This function has proven to deter machine theft and minimize unauthorized use. An additional optional feature of the E20 is a radio and speakers for improved operator enjoyment when working.

Attachment readiness

The E20 features a variety of attachments, including three trenching buckets, a grading bucket, a clamp, a hydraulic breaker and an auger. There is no need for manual labor and tools when using the versatile E20 and attachments.

Another major feature on the new E20 is blade extension mounting system, which is held in place by pins. The pins can be removed to extend or retract the dozer blade with no tools needed. The dozer blade helps E20 operators efficiently grade, level, doze or backfill soil. Operators can raise and lower the blade with a conveniently located dozer blade lever located near the right-hand joystick.

Uptime performance

An integrated slew brake is a new feature on the E20 excavator, which eliminates the need for an operator to engage the slew brake when transporting a machine, providing infinite brake positioning. This feature provides for easier loading and more options when positioning on the trailer. A dual direction, cushioned arm cylinder and a cylinder-over-boom design — providing protection for the boom cylinder — are additional features of the E20. Also, the E20 is clamp ready — it comes with a clamp cylinder mount and port relief — to grab, lift and carry objects.

Simple serviceability

The side-hinged, rear service access door is one of the largest compared to its competitors, allowing for daily check points and filter access. A side door provides access to coolers and the battery — adding unobstructed access to the cooling system for routine maintenance. Filters, fluids and the air cleaner, are all easily accessible in the swing-open tailgate, providing easy maintenance at the operators’ fingertips. The engine also utilizes a pusher fan where air is pulled from the engine area and pushed through coolers at the side of the machine. This helps to minimize hot engine air from reaching the operator, and keeping the operator cool.