Bobcats Roller Suspension

[yardworkslawncare]

For those of you who have not seen it yet. I took this at con expo.

[mrsops]

looks cool tell me more about it

[ksss]

looks cool tell me more about it


Looks cool? It looks like high school shop project. Notice all the travel in the leaf maybe an inch. Stone age simple and like I have posted before they said that it was a $1500 option, at least it is cheap too bad it looks like it. We'll see how effective it is.

[Fieldman12]

Ksss,that was funny about the high school shop project.:) I don't think it has enough movement. Like ksss said maybe an inch. Don't feel bad mrsops. The early 200 Series Deere machine use to get hit on pretty hard on here. I'm glad they came out with the 200 Series II and 300 series machines.

[Scag48]

I can see those springs bottoming out fairly easy while not providing enough suspension value for anything. Another Bobcat innovation that won't last.

[BIGBEN2004]

I will laugh my A$$ off if it works great and everyone starts swearing by them. It doesn't look like it will help much and just more maintance but it might be the next great thing that all the other brands start following.

[kreft]

I would like to know how it would do in the feild.

[tbi]

For crying out loud it's a skidsteer thet goes 5mph not a motocross bike doing triple jumps.:cool2:

[yardworkslawncare]

What I did not get in the picture was the front Idler. They raised it up about an inch higher than the others. I know that the suspended undercarriages can "rock" forward with a load, but I think this will make it even worse. Over on HEF a guy has used/demo'd one and said it felt way different when lifting a load.

[tbi]

What I did not get in the picture was the front Idler. They raised it up about an inch higher than the others. I know that the suspended undercarriages can "rock" forward with a load, but I think this will make it even worse. Over on HEF a guy has used/demo'd one and said it felt way different when lifting a load.

Your saying it's tipped up?
It will help with floation possibly but will give a funny feeling when lifting a heavy load.

[allinearth]

Looks like more places where dirt and mud can accumulate. Hard to clean too.

[hansondirtman]

Looks like more places where dirt and mud can accumulate. Hard to clean too.

Same thing I was thinking. But nice to finally see someone else realize suspension, even if it is minimal, is the only way to go. I wonder how much weight that adds? Anyone know?

[AWJ Services]

But nice to finally see someone else realize suspension, even if it is minimal, is the only way to go

Kinda like they have on dozers and Track loaders.:rolleyes:

Wait too all those pivot points wear out or get rusted up and what a sloppy mess you will have.

I would hate too be the test rat on that.

[bobcat_ron]

I can see a granite rock about an inch in diameter getting lodged indise of there and causing a world of head aches!

Let's just hope Cat's new Steel rubber tracked U/C's will be better than that!

[ksss]

I give BC credit for trying something. I was expecting something more profound I guess. Considering the AWS, Toolcat, and remote controlled skid steer to see them use leaf springs to try and give some minimal kind of suspension seems...........wrong to me. I realize the machine is not a motocross bike, but an inch of travel and that assumes no rock, dirt or mud in the suspension is very minimal, but maybe it makes enough of a difference. I think I would let someone else cut the teeth of that piece of gear.

[bobcat_ron]

They really should have done a torsion axle and bogie roller set up like on the ASV U/C's.

[jaybird24]

My thoughts too. The other players are realizing the benefits of a suspended undercarriage, however with how everyone seems to think that CATs system is a nightmare to maintain and keep clean I have to wonder what Bobcat is thinking with this. We run Cats and honestly I don't think they are too bad to maintain at all. I would rather have a wheeled machine than clean that thing after a day in wet clay.

[tnmtn]

i like that bobcat tried something diffrent than the ASV/Cat track system. sometimes the best idea's are the simplest. i guess we'll see.

[tbi]

I usually keep my work area graded so bumps aren't an issue.

[mrsops]

I usually keep my work area graded so bumps aren't an issue.

tbi what company are you with

[BIGBEN2004]

I can see a granite rock about an inch in diameter getting lodged indise of there and causing a world of head aches!

Let's just hope Cat's new Steel rubber tracked U/C's will be better than that!

What do you mean Cats new Steel rubber tracks? Are they going to design their own U/C and stop using ASV's U/C design?

[BIGBEN2004]

Has anyone actually ran a new Bobcat with the suspension? I find it funny how everyone is putting this new invention down before anyone has ran one. I am not bias toward any brand and I like to keep a open mind to any new ideas from manufactures until I can actually see and run the machine to make a opinion based on seat time and not pictures. Hopefully someone soon will be able to run a new suspension Bobcat and tell us how they performed for them. It might be the next big thing that might help get a smooth ride but with the added ability to run in rough and rocky conditions.

[ksss]

Has anyone actually ran a new Bobcat with the suspension? I find it funny how everyone is putting this new invention down before anyone has ran one. I am not bias toward any brand and I like to keep a open mind to any new ideas from manufactures until I can actually see and run the machine to make a opinion based on seat time and not pictures. Hopefully someone soon will be able to run a new suspension Bobcat and tell us how they performed for them. It might be the next big thing that might help get a smooth ride but with the added ability to run in rough and rocky conditions.

I am knocking it based on how it is built. It may work great and hold up well. If that is the case I will say it still looks like sh!t but it works. So far all that can be said is that it looks like sh!t. Like I have posted, BC comes out with some innovative ideas. This just does not look very innovative. It looks like a low cost temporary measure. Maybe a bridge for something more substantial later on.

[BIGBEN2004]

That picture looks like a Cut away so everyone can see how it works. I imagine it will all be covered up so you couldn't even tell if it had suspension or not. Then their will be no problems with rocks and dirt getting into those spots like some have said.

[KTM]

I would be leery of buying a BC for a few years because of the new ownership, let alone A new design. IT does not look that impressive to me, but who know's it could work.

[Fieldman12]

I saw an add today in my latest site prep magazine with this new system. It showed it setting on a real small piece of wood. In my opinion the design may have a future but there is just not enough travel in the rollers. In my opinion it needs at least three inches.

[bobcat_ron]

What do you mean Cats new Steel rubber tracks? Are they going to design their own U/C and stop using ASV's U/C design?

Sh*t!! I've said too much already. :hammerhead:

[Digdeep]

What do you mean Cats new Steel rubber tracks? Are they going to design their own U/C and stop using ASV's U/C design?

ASVs press release for the Terex merger said that CAT extended their contract to buy ASVs undercarriages through at least 2012. I guess it wouldn't suprise me to see them come out with a rigid undercarriage but I can't see them not selling their traditional suspended MTL undercarriage. They've sold so many of the darn things and I think that Bobcat releasing a quasi suspension helps to validate the benefits of suspensions althoughbased on what I've heard about it and seen here on the forum the jury will be out on how well that little of suspension helps.

[ksss]

ASVs press release for the Terex merger said that CAT extended their contract to buy ASVs undercarriages through at least 2012. I guess it wouldn't suprise me to see them come out with a rigid undercarriage but I can't see them not selling their traditional suspended MTL undercarriage. They've sold so many of the darn things and I think that Bobcat releasing a quasi suspension helps to validate the benefits of suspensions althoughbased on what I've heard about it and seen here on the forum the jury will be out on how well that little of suspension helps.

Maybe CAT will offer both. I have always thought that CAT was in a position to offer both relatively easy. It would also provide a transition once the Terex agreement expires. I personal think that the suspended market could be left to ASV.

There is no doubt that everyone would like to have a more comfortable ride, and I am sure that BC is trying to give guys a better level of comfort without the costs associated with the CAT suspension. It will be interesting to see how well they did.

[tbi]

You guys that are so in love with the ASV suspension system that CAT uses must have never operated a Track Truck.:laugh:

[AWJ Services]

They've sold so many of the darn things and I think that Bobcat releasing a quasi suspension helps to validate the benefits of suspensions

Dozers and Trackloadrs have rigid suspensions so if it was so important then why do they not have them?
Skid steers pale in comparrison number wise too full size track machines.

[bobcat_ron]

Once you go suspended, you'll never go back, I noticed the difference in ride and machine traction when going over transitions in drive ways at different angles, no more "machine over center drop" jolting, it's very smooth, it's the same difference as a rigid D-4 Bulldozer to a D-6 with equalizer bars.

[Tigerotor77W]

Dozers and Trackloadrs have rigid suspensions so if it was so important then why do they not have them

This is a valid point, mostly -- but keep in mind the size classes we are talking about here. The dozers that have rigid undercarriages are the smaller dozers, which are used primarily for finish grading. They spend most of their time on loose surfaces, away from the jarring impacts of rocks and other debris. CTL/MTLs, however, are operated on a variety of surfaces -- and suspension plays a huge role in leveling out those surfaces. Going from a 7,500 pound suspended ASV to a 17,500 pound rigid D3K is logical likely because the heavier D3K needs a rigid UC to keep from bobbing all over the place and basically acting as a huge air suspension seat.

[tbi]

Some say maintenance isn't an issue. Take a look at the resale values of the Cats.

[Digdeep]

Some say maintenance isn't an issue. Take a look at the resale values of the Cats.

I think the thing about this that is interesting is that the ASV machines generally hold a better resale value than that of the CAT machines that use the same undercarriage. I've said all along based on selling against both ASV and CAT that the ASV machines see better life out of the undercarriage than the CAT machines. This is because of the weight and balance of the machine and the fact that each ASV machine is built to fit around the undercarriage it uses versus the CAT skid steer that is bolted to ASVs undercarriage-no change in engine hp, width, ground clearance, weight distribution, etc. This is particularly true with the 287 and 257 both machines with the worst weight distribution because they are vertical lift (most weight toward the rear of the machine-approx. 25% to 75%).

[tbi]

I think the thing about this that is interesting is that the ASV machines generally hold a better resale value than that of the CAT machines that use the same undercarriage. I've said all along based on selling against both ASV and CAT that the ASV machines see better life out of the undercarriage than the CAT machines. This is because of the weight and balance of the machine and the fact that each ASV machine is built to fit around the undercarriage it uses versus the CAT skid steer that is bolted to ASVs undercarriage-no change in engine hp, width, ground clearance, weight distribution, etc. This is particularly true with the 287 and 257 both machines with the worst weight distribution because they are vertical lift (most weight toward the rear of the machine-approx. 25% to 75%).

Good point. ASV's are rare here in NY and CAT has yet to take much of the market share. But this area is a bit behind the times. No one wants pilot controls either. Nobody likes the steering in reverse.

[mrsops]

Good point. ASV's are rare here in NY and CAT has yet to take much of the market share. But this area is a bit behind the times. No one wants pilot controls either. Nobody likes the steering in reverse.

i agree tbi i maybe seen one asv out here same thing for case and gehl skids.. cat i see plenty of but bobcat holds the market share out here 100%