Bobcat’s Monster Machine

Bobcat recently launched its new generation B730 Backhoe Loader which essentially is a tractor, loader and excavator all rolled into one compact machine. Gaby Rhayem, Regional Director Middle East and Africa at Doosan Bobcat EMEA spoke to Plant & Equipment about the machine and its market.

Four years ago, Bobcat decided it wanted to enter the backhoe loader market. Demand for the backhoe loader in the Middle East and Africa region at the time was 48 per cent of the overall compact equipment business. In 2016, Bobcat launched its first-generation backhoe loader and within a year it had captured double digit market share in the Middle East.

Today, the Backhoe Loader (BHL) has become an increasingly important product in Bobcat’s portfolio and the manufacturer has launched its innovative R-Series B730 product despite the COVID-19 situation. Bobcat is continuing to invest heavily in the BHL business and is aiming to be in the top three in the coming months.

Talking about the market’s current situation, Gaby Rhayem, Regional Director Middle East and Africa at Doosan Bobcat EMEA, says: “The pandemic affected all suppliers and manufacturers without discrimination. The size of the industry dropped in the region and some countries are still suffering from the consequences.”

Bobcat, however, stood by its dealers throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East region. This was to maintain support and important communication links in planning the way forward.

“Our dealers are our partners - they are part of the Bobcat family and not just product distributors. Our relationship with our dealers goes beyond just being a business relationship. They are our eyes and ears in the market, and we are in touch all the time to provide the best support,” says Rhayem.

The strong partnerships have borne fruit as Rhayem confirms that they have been able to gain even more market share because of the engagement of their dealers in Bobcat’s business.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar are the leading markets in the Middle East and Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco have strong BHL business figures. The market is expecting to close over 1,000 units in the Middle East and Bobcat intends to get a significant chunk of this by the end of 2020.

The new Bobcat R-Series B730 Backhoe Loader

Using two decades of engineering know-how and working closely with customers has helped create this new generation backhoe loader machine. The B730 is multifaceted and does the work of three machines. Clients can also configure it to work on their specific application - construction or on roadworks, for utilities or for rentals.

The B730 is a powerful, intuitive, compact machine that comes injected with the signature Bobcat DNA. The powerful 100 horsepower, manual or automatic engine comes with outstanding hydraulic power to work on hard grounds or in extreme hot weather. This product has been field tested for a year and a half in challenging environments and terrains to fine tune its capabilities. The automatic transmission allows the operator to focus on the job with the optional autoshift transmission and the kick down feature which is available in low gears.

Sturdy and dynamic, the Bobcat B730 backhoe loader gets the job done.

This innovative backhoe loader works optimally on a large 160 litre capacity fuel tank which lasts a long time as all functions work on low consumption. A spacious cabin design and enlarged sliding windows’ allows space for seat rotation. It has a multifunctional loader lever. The cabin also doubles up as a comfortable office with a USB phone charger, beverage holder and a dashboard with accessible controls and easy-tofind switches. Its digging depth reach is 11 percent more than the previous version machine, so the backhoe loader doesn’t need to be repositioned during operation. It has 23 per cent greater loading reach and three tonne lifting capacity.

This backhoe loader is tough and built to last. Reinforcements can be seen all around this compact multitasker in the form of the heavy-duty front grill frame, rear light guard, sealed pins and bushings and non-corrosive, hard plastic, fuel tank. It comes with a standard two-year or 2,000 operating hours warranty, whichever comes first.