Archive for December, 2007

Formerly WHT3615IZTThe WH fixed deck Hydro series sets new standards in functionality

The heart of these robust walks is a pair of IZT (integrated zero-turn) transaxles, which offer smooth consistent performance with zero maintenance. The advanced ETS control system provides precision user interface and a clever shifter mechanism allows for simplified transport and park brake function. The rugged fixed deck design is easy to adjust and features the same tapered roller bearing spindles as the commercial riders. Low and wide, these walk-behinds have the stability and maneuverability to satisfy even the most demanding tasks.

Bobcat rolls out Kuwait venture

Bobcat’s authorised dealer in Kuwait, Bahrah Trading Company, has set up what it calls “the most impressive” showroom for Bobcat equipment in the Middle East.

A floorspace of well over 1,000m2 in the US $3 million (KD844,000) redeveloped showroom is dedicated to new equipment from the complete range of Bobcat machines, including telehandlers, skid-steers and mini-excavators, as well as a wide selection of Bobcat attachments.

Steve Shaw, general manager, Bahrah Trading Company, said: “Bobcat is the jewel in our crown. In our brief to the designers of the new showroom, we wanted to create a truly luxurious environment for our customers to come and view Bobcat products.

Skid Steer Attachments Offer Endless Road of Options

The gamut of skid steer attachments available borders on an overwhelming amount: planers, breakers, grapples, saws, etc. But just because there are so many to choose from doesn’t mean you won’t find the one you want. If anything, having so many options allows a contractor to do more with only one skid steer.

“With a loader and planer attachment, bucket and vibratory roller attachment, the contractor can mill out the problem area of asphalt (planer), carry fresh asphalt (bucket) and compact the asphalt (vibratory roller) with one machine,” says Justin Odegaard, attachment product specialist for Bobcat.

Not only can attachments help by allowing one machine to do multiple tasks, but they also allow workers to do smaller jobs and work in harder-to-reach places with smaller equipment instead of having to bring in a big machine, possibly risking tearing up the entire road or work area. Using a skid steer and attachment may also decrease the time it takes to complete a job, says Kelly Guthrie, marketing director for Coneqtec/Universal.

Along with the possibility of reduced job time comes the potential of a decrease in prep time because it is fairly easy to fit an attachment to a skid steer. It is common now for the front of a skid steer to be equipped with a universal attachment, or quick attach. (The mounting plate and universal mount hold the attachment on.) This allows contractors the versatility of using attachments on different skid steers no matter what company manufactured the skid steer or the attachment, Guthrie says.

“Basically, on the back of the attachments you have a mounting plate, and as long as the skid steer has a universal mount on it, then you can put just about any attachment on it,” he says.

Doosan Infracore Completes Acquisition Of Bobcat

Doosan Infracore today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Bobcat, Utility Equipment and Attachments businesses from Ingersoll Rand Company, Ltd. (NYSE: IR).Doosan said that the three entities will operate as individual businesses of Doosan Infracore International, , a US-based subsidiary of Doosan Infracore, and will be known as Bobcat, Doosan Infracore Portable Power (formerly Ingersoll Rand Utility Equipment), and DII Attachments (formerly Ingersoll Rand Attachments).

“With the completion of this transaction, Doosan is extremely well-positioned to become a true global leader in the construction equipment sector. These three businesses each have superior operations with high quality products that will enhance Doosan’s overall product portfolio by adding compact construction equipment to our existing medium and large-scale construction equipment product lines. With operations in China, Belgium, France and the Czech Republic and across the United States, the addition of these businesses will expand and strengthen our global manufacturing and sales networks, enabling us to reach more customers with a broader product portfolio than ever before,” said Yongmaan Park, Vice-Chairman of Doosan Infracore.

David Rowles, CEO of Doosan Infracore International, said, “We will focus on growing these businesses by utilizing the great capabilities and talents of our combined organizations to deliver superior value to all of our stakeholders.”

As announced on July 29, 2007, Doosan Infracore has paid $4.9 billion for Bobcat, Utility Equipment and Attachments businesses in the largest overseas acquisition in Korea’s history.

With the completion of this transaction, Doosan Infracore becomes one of the top ten global manufacturers of construction and utility equipment and related attachments in terms of pro forma sales, which will be approximately $7.5 billion. The Company will now have a combined network of over 3,500 dealers worldwide and 20 manufacturing plants in the U.S., Europe and China.

Bobcat Donates Equipment to Aid in Northwood Tornado Cleanup

Bobcat Company along with its Bobcat of Grand Forks dealer announced today the donation of at least 10 machines to aid cleanup efforts in Northwood, N.D., which was devastated when a tornado touched down there on Sunday.


Bobcat T190A Bobcat T190 compact track loader with grapple attachment removes storm debris from a field near Northwood, N.D.

One person was killed and at least 18 people were injured when a tornado ripped through the Grand Forks County community of about 950 people. The tornado destroyed a small trailer court, uprooted trees and damaged homes and businesses, including a nursing home and grain elevator.

To assist Northwood city officials with their cleanup efforts, Bobcat delivered four compact track loaders on Monday for immediate use. In addition, six more Bobcat® compact track loaders were shipped out Wednesday morning from the company’s Gwinner manufacturing facility and arrived in Northwood later that day. Grapple attachments, which are being provided by local Bobcat dealers and the company’s Litchfield, Minn., manufacturing plant, will assist in the removal of tree limbs, housing materials and other debris.

Bobcat Company employees are working with Bobcat of Grand Forks to help prep and stage the equipment for city officials. As cleanup continues, they will meet with Northwood city officials to determine further equipment needs.