Bedford-based ECL Civil Engineering has purchased two new Bobcat T86 compact track loaders with matching GPS-controlled grading attachments from Versatile Equipment, the local Authorised Dealer for Bobcat throughout South East England.
Steve Wright, Plant Manager at ECL, said:
“At ECL, we see the Bobcat T86 Compact Track Loader as a very effective compact dozer due to its optimised weight-to-horsepower ratio that makes it one of the most powerful and productive machines in its class. The T86 with Super Flow Hydraulic capabilities allows for even more versatility and productivity as a tool carrier, working with a wider range of attachments across all applications in construction, landscaping, forestry and many other areas. As an illustration of this flexibility, we had one of the T86s supplied with a Forestry Kit fitted by Versatile and we have that one running with the Bobcat FRC150 Hi-Flow Forestry Mulcher attachment.”
T86 Compact Track Loader
Delivering a higher engine and hydraulic output, the Bobcat T86 is the most powerful compact track loader the company has ever built. The T86 uses a well-proven Stage V compliant 3.4 l Bobcat engine – producing 78 kW (105 HP) at 2600 RPM. Just like all of Bobcat’s R-Series loaders, the engine is mounted in-line with direct drive, which improves the cooling capacity of the engine and hydraulic components.
Sean and Steve worked with Phil Stoneham, Area Sales Manager at Versatile Equipment on the purchase of the T86 compact track loaders. Phil added:
“The in-line engine on the T86 increases reliability in high-intensity applications such as forestry work and to take advantage of this, one of the T86 loaders is equipped with a Bobcat forestry application kit, which is required when using the machine with a forestry mulcher. As part of the order, ECL has also purchased Bobcat 4-in-1 bucket, pallet fork and high tip bucket attachments from Versatile Equipment.”
Steve Wright explained that with the addition of the GPS Control Grading kit on the T86, grading performance had been significantly improved, achieving a precision of 3 millimetres—or one-tenth of an inch. He noted that the Clear View Cab on the T86 loaders maximized visibility, offering operators the best possible view of the tracks and machine corners, while a 360-degree safety camera system provided a comprehensive view of the surroundings. According to Wright, these advancements, combined with enhanced engine and hydraulic horsepower, not only increased lifting capabilities and breakout forces but also allowed tasks to be completed more efficiently, accurately, and safely than ever before.
Steve Wright added:
“The Bobcat T86 is also one of only a few on the market to offer three different auxiliary hydraulic flow options, ensuring powerful hydraulic performance for a range of advanced attachments tailored to specific tasks. There is a standard flow configuration providing 87 l/min for applications such as load and carry, or where low hydraulic flow attachments are used. The T86 units also offer two additional hydraulic performance functions using the new Electronic Displacement Control (EDC) Pump on the T86: a High Flow function giving 138 l/min and a new industry unique Super Flow function taking auxiliary flow to 159 l/min.”
The Five Coupler Block (standard with the Super Flow function) provides a flexible approach to running different attachments. From one common source, the operator can attach both standard or high flow approved attachments to the smaller sized ½ inch quick couplers. Then, when using Super Flow, the use of the ¾ inch couplers allows maximum performance and productivity from the approved advanced attachments.
Both High Flow and Super Flow options come integrated with Bobcat’s unique ‘Plug & Play’ attachment control device (ACD). The T86 machines also have Power Bob-Tach Attachment systems as standard. The Power Bob-Tach is an added comfort and productivity feature that allows some attachments to be connected and removed without the operator leaving the seat, just using the switches conveniently located in the cab – it is optional on Standard Flow machines.
Advantages of Track Loaders
In a host of applications across a wide range of markets, there are no other machines that offer the combination of versatility and productivity that can be provided by compact track loaders such as the T86. This is due to their unique characteristics as tool carriers and the wide array of attachments that they can work with, from trenchers, augers, graders, soil conditioners, scarifiers and dozer blades to more specialist attachments such as forestry cutters and stump grinders.
As tool carriers, compact track loaders offer many advantages over the comparable wheeled machines. They can provide increased productivity in many conditions with a lifting capacity approximately 25% more than the equivalently sized wheeled loaders.
Copyright 2017-2025 All rights reserved.