Six years ago, Bobcat introduced its first compact track loader, the T200, with a rated operating capacity of 2,000 pounds and 73 net horsepower. The company obviously found significant market potential for the concept, which combined the good qualities of a skid-steer loader with the flotation and traction advantages of a rubber-track undercarriage, because today, while the T200 is no longer in the line, four other models have taken its place. Now, a fifth model has been added to the Bobcat range and has taken its place as the smallest of the pack.
According to Bobcat specifications, the new T140 compact track loader has a rated operating capacity of 1,400 pounds. (Bobcat typically rates its track machines at 35 percent of tipping load.) The T140's companion models — the T180, T190, T250 and T300 — have rated operating capacities of 1,800, 1,900, 2,500 and 3,000 pounds, respectively, with net horsepower ratings from 61 to 81. The T140 delivers 46 horsepower (from a liquid-cooled Kubota diesel), has an operating weight of 6,424 pounds, and can travel at 7.3 mph. Its counterpart models weigh in from around 7,100 to 9,500 pounds.
The new T140 is about 6 inches shorter than the model above it, the T180, and a full 12 inches narrower across its standard bucket. This more-compact size, says Bobcat, will appeal to contractors who frequently must work on space-restricted jobsites, yet need a machine with sufficient power to handle a variety of jobsite tasks.
"For example," says Lance Mathern, Bobcat marketing manager, "many residential-construction contractors are seeing a growing trend toward smaller lot lines in new and existing subdivisions. In some instances, maneuvering room is only eight feet or less between structures, and a smaller, more-agile machine often is a necessity."
The T140, says Bobcat, is fitted with "turf-friendly" rubber tracks, 12 inches wide, which spread the weight of the machine over a sufficient area to lower ground pressure to 5.0 psi.
And for increased versatility, the machine is equipped with an auxiliary hydraulic system that delivers a flow of 16.9-gpm for powering a range of attachments. Main-relief pressure is 2,700 psi. More than 40 Bobcat-brand work tools are approved for this new model, which has a standard Bob-Tach coupler. A powered coupler is available, allowing tool changes from the comfort of the cab. In-cab conveniences also include optional control packages: the Advanced Control System (ACS) and Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC).
ACS allows the operator, at the push of a switch, to select either foot-control or hand-control of lift and tilt hydraulic functions. SJC, soon to be available for the T140, allows the operator, again at the push of a rocker switch, to choose between an "ISO" and "H" pattern. With ISO selected, the left joystick operates the machine's drive functions and the right joystick operates lift and tilt functions. In the H pattern, the left joystick controls the left wheels and lift, and the right controls the right wheels and tilt.
The T140 has an approximate list price of $32,500.
