Bobcat Demo Days 2024 highlights new innovations

More than 700 customers, dealers, suppliers, and journalists from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) are converging at Doosan Bobcat EMEA’s campus in Dobříš, Czechia, for Bobcat Demo Days 2024 

From 21 May to 5 June, attendees will enjoy unprecedented access to the organisation’s comprehensive equipment lineup during ten intensive full-day experiences.

Bobcat Demo Days 2024 provides participants the chance to closely examine several of the manufacturer’s cutting-edge innovations, including the TL25.60e electric telehandler concept, the RogueX2 concept loader, Operator Presence technology, the Pedestrian Detection Camera, and next-generation Digital Access software.

Launched in the EMEA region in 2011, Bobcat Demo Days invite guests to gain insights into the manufacturer’s latest advancements through hands-on interaction with machines and detailed factory tours. This year’s edition showcases over 90 demo models, featuring Bobcat’s newest lineup of material handling units, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers, ground maintenance equipment, light compaction models, and more.

Jan Moravec, vice-president of Product at Bobcat EMEA, stated, “Bobcat Demo Days 2024 will allow visitors to gain firsthand experience of our latest innovations, products, attachments, and services, while providing a golden opportunity for our team members to engage with Bobcat’s community from all over the EMEA region. These invitation-only events are among the most anticipated fixtures in our annual calendar, and we can’t wait to give this year’s guests some hands-on time with our full equipment lineup.”

A suite of industry-leading innovations

Bobcat Demo Days 2024 is showcasing several cutting-edge, industry-leading innovations, including the TL25.60e electric telehandler concept. This model, still in development and not yet commercially available, features a rated capacity of 2.5 tonnes and a lifting height of almost 6 m, matching the performance of its diesel-powered equivalent. Equipped with three separate electric motors designed for maximum efficiency, a hydrostatic transmission to enhance performance, a top speed of 25 km/h, and the same compact dimensions as the conventional Bobcat TL25.60, this innovative electric concept offers low noise levels, minimal operating costs, and impressive versatility. This marks the first time Bobcat has allowed customers and partners to interact with the TL25.60e concept.

Attendees will also experience Bobcat’s transparent OLED (T-OLED) screen technology, developed in collaboration with LG and BSI Research. T-OLED enables operators to access various functionalities without diverting their eyes from the worksite, providing unparalleled clarity, responsiveness, and visibility. It also supports advanced applications like real-time virtual reality (VR) simulations for utility line mapping.

Another innovation on display is the RogueX2 concept skid-steer loader, although attendees won’t be able to enter the machine’s cab as it doesn’t have one. This autonomous, all-electric model serves as a proving ground for technologies within Bobcat’s innovation roadmap, offering a glimpse into future loaders designed to facilitate a new work experience for users.

Vijay Nerva, innovation lead at Bobcat EMEA, commented, “The RogueX2 produces zero emissions thanks to its lithium-ion battery, electric drive system, and electric-actuated lift and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. A follow-up to the RogueX introduced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, the RogueX2 is a skid-steer version with wheels instead of tracks to optimise its electric battery runtime, and its axial flux motors deliver incredible tractive effort.”

Bobcat will also showcase its Operator Presence technology, a concept currently in development for excavator models. Operator Presence uses a 3D time-of-flight (ToF) camera—advanced technology typically found in autonomous vehicles, robotics, gesture recognition, and VR—to enhance safety by monitoring users’ movements and the cabin environment. By actively tracking the operator's presence and interactions within the cabin, the system can prevent unintended machine actions, ensuring a safer work environment, especially in close quarters. It can detect multiple occupants, instantly disable workgroups to avoid accidents, and recognise when a joystick is released, deactivating the associated workgroup while maintaining drive. These proactive safety measures aim to minimize the risk of accidents, improve operator control, and enhance overall worksite efficiency.

Guests at Bobcat Demo Days 2024 will also witness the Pedestrian Detection Camera in action. The device’s software can differentiate between humans and their surroundings using AI-enabled processing capabilities, reducing unnecessary operator alerts. The innovation’s database can identify humans in various postures and positions, including standing, kneeling, crouching, sitting, with their backs turned, and even when they are only partially visible.

Bobcat will also demonstrate its Digital Access software, an advanced system allowing operators to use smartphones as ‘keys’ to specific machines. This provides an alternative to existing passcode entry functionality and ensures units understand user preferences before work begins. This innovation also enables fleet owners to lock out certain functionalities or attachments according to employees’ skill sets.

These six innovations are the latest in a series of advanced solutions Bobcat has developed to help customers achieve more.

Hands-on time with Bobcat’s latest machines

Bobcat Demo Days 2024 will feature several newly introduced machines, including the M-Series S630 and S650 Stage V skid-steer loaders designed for European markets. These models’ D24 engines, with Bosch fuel-injection systems, deliver superior performance while meeting strict emission regulations, showcasing Bobcat’s commitment to sustainable operations.

This year’s event also features Bobcat’s new lineup of rotary telehandlers, offering unmatched visibility with the manufacturer’s patented panoramic cab. The latest range includes nine Stage V models with lifting heights from 18 to 39 m for European markets, and four Stage IIIA machines with lifting heights from 18 to 26 m for the Middle East and Africa.

Bobcat’s PG40 and PG50 generators will be showcased this year in Dobříš. These units represent a leap in portable power solutions, offering advantages like optional running gear for easy transportation and ‘Liquid Heat,’ a low-load management system designed to reduce downtime and provide peace of mind. Powered by Stage V HDI D24 engines, these eco-conscious models combine increased power with lower fuel consumption.

The PA12.7v compressor will also be featured at Bobcat Demo Days 2024. This portable variable pressure compressor uses a FlexAir system, allowing it to operate between 5.5 to 12.1 bar and offering free air deliveries from 5.2 to 7 m3 per minute. This versatility makes the PA12.7v suitable for a wide range of applications.

Additionally, Bobcat is demonstrating how its construction lineup is achieving greater sustainability. The manufacturer’s mini-excavators, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, telehandlers, rotary telehandlers, mini track loaders, and forklifts are approved for use with HVO biofuel and other EN 15940 standard paraffinic fuels.

Bobcat’s entire range in a single location

Bobcat Demo Days 2024 offers attendees an unprecedented opportunity to experience the company’s full equipment lineup in one location.

“We are immensely excited to welcome our guests to Dobříš this year, as they will have an unprecedented opportunity to get hands-on time with Bobcat’s newly expanded range,” Jan Moravec added. “Our team has introduced a diverse selection of models over the past 12 months, and we are looking forward to giving our customers and partners the chance to try out Bobcat’s latest advancements in person.