The new V-Drive telehandler range from Bobcat is said to complete the company’s agricultural portfolio. Available in three models, the TL34.65HF V-Drive, TL38.70HF V-Drive and TL43.80HF V-Drive, each is fitted with the V-Drive continuously variable gearbox.
Florian Hilbert, product manager, said: “With the V-Drive models added to the existing range, Bobcat still offers the current gearbox transmission for the high flow models, so customers can choose between the existing gearbox system or the new V-Drive continuous transmission.
“The innovative and smart functions on the new V-Drive models provide an excellent solution for customers requiring a high-performance alternative for their applications.”
The company states that performance has been maintained, as the new transmission uses dual hydraulic motors mounted in series.
Operators can now accelerate from 0-40kph without shifting, improving the efficiency of the machine and enabling the operator to focus on the task at hand.
To match this, the hydraulic tank of the machines has been redesigned to provide a higher capacity. It can now hold 70 litres instead of 59 litres on the previous machines.
Two hydraulic speed ranges have been retained, with the Turtle mode running up to 20kph, also known as Loader Mode, while Rabbit enables the machine to reach full speed.
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According to the company, the V-Drive models also offer a reduced noise level following work with external acoustic experts. A key adaption has been suspending the hydraulic motor on four rubber mounts, reducing vibration by around 60%.
The whistling sound of the transmission has also been eliminated.
The machines are also offered with a series of smart functions, including a maximum speed limiter; automatic shutdown when the machine is idle; cruise control and Eco-Ride, which lowers the engine speed to the most efficient point.
Florian added: “We are sure that customers will enjoy these innovative features, coming in as Standard and so included on the base machines. Eco-Ride, for example, is unique on the market, allowing the driver to optimize engine rpm as soon as the travel speed is stabilized, so combined with Cruise Control, you benefit from all the advantages of ECO-Ride through the full speed range of your machine.”
For more information go to www.bobcat.com