Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Bobcat unveils the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader

Bobcat Company, an American-based manufacturer of farm and construction equipment, unveiled two new concept machines during the first day of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. Following the 2022 release of the Bobcat T7X, the world’s first all-electric compact track loader, Bobcat has now unveiled the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader, the Bobcat S7X.

The company has also stepped beyond industry expectations with the unveiling of its new concept track loader, the Bobcat RogueX. This next-generation concept machine explores the capabilities of electric power, autonomous operation, and dual lift-arm geometry.

Like the T7X, the Bobcat S7X is an all-electric vehicle and is powered by a 60.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. It features electric drive motors and utilizes ball screw actuators for loft and tilt functions. With instantaneous torque as much as three times greater than traditional loaders, the battery and electrical powertrain generate incredible performance characteristics. The powerful loader is equipped to outperform its diesel-powered equivalent and balances sustainability and performance with zero emissions.

The all-electric and autonomous Bobcat RogueX.
The all-electric and autonomous Bobcat RogueX. Credit: Bobcat

This skid-steer loader offers operators a smooth and comfortable experience with minimal vibration and nearly silent operation. Depending on the application, the S7X can operate for up to 8 hours on a single charge, giving most operators more than a full day’s work when breaks and downtime are considered. The vehicle takes approximately 10 hours to get fully charged.

The Bobcat RogueX combines technologically advanced features to make it a one-of-a-kind conceptual machine. The machine was built as a proving ground to advance the Bobcat innovation roadmap, evaluate customer perceptions and test the limits of machine functionality. It features next-generation unique functionality, including both vertical-path and radial-path lift capabilities in one machine.

The all-electric and autonomous concept machine produces zero emissions as it features a lithium-ion battery, an electric drive system, and no hydraulics. Currently, the S7X skid-steer is being debuted as a prototype with plans to move to commercialization. And RogueX is in the early research and development stage at Bobcat. No additional details on future commercialization are available at this time.