The Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator is a powerful compact excavator designed for demanding excavation, trenching, and landscaping tasks. It is part of Bobcat’s R-Series, which emphasizes performance, fuel efficiency, and operator comfort. The E42 offers a versatile set of specifications that make it suitable for use in construction, utilities, agriculture, and landscaping. This article explores the Bobcat E42 in detail, covering its specifications, unique features, and common applications in various industries.
Overview of the Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator
The Bobcat E42 is a versatile, mid-sized compact excavator that combines power with precision. It is equipped with a reduced tail swing, which makes it maneuverable in tight spaces without compromising stability. This model’s design focuses on providing efficient performance, with enhancements in lifting capacity, digging depth, and reach. Whether for residential or commercial projects, the E42 is built to handle a range of tasks with ease.
Key Specifications of the Bobcat E42
The Bobcat E42 is built with a focus on strength, flexibility, and ease of use. Its specifications reflect a combination of powerful performance and user-centered design.
1. Engine Specifications
The Bobcat E42 is powered by a high-performance diesel engine that ensures reliable power delivery, fuel efficiency, and compliance with emissions standards.
- Engine Make/Model: Bobcat D18
- Horsepower: 42.6 HP (31.7 kW)
- Displacement: 110 cubic inches (1.8 L)
- Fuel Capacity: 21.1 gallons (79.9 liters)
- Emissions: Tier 4 compliant
This 42.6-horsepower engine provides sufficient power for heavy-duty applications while keeping fuel consumption efficient. The engine meets Tier 4 emission standards, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
2. Operating Weight
The operating weight of the Bobcat E42 strikes a balance between stability and mobility, making it easy to transport and suitable for a variety of surfaces.
- Operating Weight: 9,246 pounds (4,195 kg)
This weight ensures stability during lifting and digging operations, providing a solid base that helps reduce wobble and operator fatigue. Its weight also allows the machine to be transported on most standard trailers, enhancing its portability between job sites.
3. Dimensions and Compact Design
The compact size of the E42 makes it an excellent choice for working in confined spaces without sacrificing operational capabilities.
- Width: 69 inches (1,753 mm)
- Height: 100.8 inches (2,560 mm)
- Overall Length: 196 inches (4,978 mm)
- Tail Swing: Reduced tail swing
With a width of just under 6 feet, the Bobcat E42 can easily access narrow job sites. The reduced tail swing makes it easy to work close to walls, obstacles, or in tight quarters without risking damage to the machine or surrounding structures.
4. Digging Performance
The Bobcat E42 is equipped with powerful hydraulics and a strong boom design, enabling it to dig and lift with impressive precision and power.
- Maximum Digging Depth: 10.4 feet (3,170 mm)
- Maximum Reach at Ground Level: 17.3 feet (5,260 mm)
- Maximum Dump Height: 12.6 feet (3,840 mm)
- Bucket Digging Force: 8,093 pounds-force (36 kN)
- Arm Digging Force: 4,589 pounds-force (20.4 kN)
These specifications highlight the Bobcat E42’s ability to handle deep excavation tasks, as well as its reach and dumping height for material removal or backfilling operations. The high bucket and arm digging forces allow it to work effectively in tough soil or rocky conditions.
5. Hydraulic System and Auxiliary Power
The hydraulic system in the Bobcat E42 is designed for performance and versatility, enabling it to handle a wide range of attachments.
- Pump Capacity: 20.7 gallons per minute (78.4 liters per minute)
- Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow: 16.9 gallons per minute (64 liters per minute)
- System Pressure: 3,045 psi (21 MPa)
With a robust auxiliary hydraulic flow, the E42 can power attachments such as hydraulic breakers, augers, and trenchers. The hydraulic system ensures smooth operation and powerful delivery, providing the machine with versatility for various applications.
6. Undercarriage and Tracks
The undercarriage of the Bobcat E42 is designed for stability and durability, featuring rugged tracks that enable it to work on different types of terrain.
- Track Type: Rubber or steel (optional)
- Track Width: 12.6 inches (320 mm)
- Ground Pressure: 4.5 psi (for rubber tracks)
The rubber tracks minimize surface damage, making it suitable for work on sensitive or finished surfaces, while steel tracks are available as an option for work on rough or rocky terrain. The low ground pressure is beneficial for reducing soil compaction, especially in landscaping and agriculture applications.
7. Cab and Operator Comfort
The Bobcat E42 is built with an operator-friendly cab that includes modern controls and ergonomics to reduce fatigue during long workdays.
- Cab: Enclosed with heat and air conditioning
- Control System: Joystick controls with selectable control pattern
- Visibility: Enhanced with large windows and narrow frame design
The cab is equipped with climate control, ensuring operator comfort in various weather conditions. The joystick controls allow for precise movements and can be switched between control patterns (ISO or standard) to suit operator preferences. Large windows provide excellent visibility, which enhances safety and accuracy.
Popular Applications of the Bobcat E42
The specifications and features of the Bobcat E42 make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Here’s a look at some common uses for this compact excavator:
a) Construction and Site Preparation
In construction, the Bobcat E42 is commonly used for tasks such as trenching, grading, and material handling. Its compact size allows it to work in confined urban environments, while its powerful hydraulics make it suitable for removing hard-packed soil and gravel. The E42’s digging depth and reach are ideal for creating foundations, trenches for utilities, and other site preparation tasks.
b) Landscaping and Site Development
Landscapers frequently use the E42 for digging ponds, planting trees, and creating hardscapes. The auxiliary hydraulics enable the machine to power attachments like hydraulic breakers or augers, which are essential for breaking through tough soil or digging post holes. The E42’s rubber tracks and low ground pressure make it a good choice for working on lawns, gardens, and other finished surfaces without causing excessive damage.
c) Agriculture and Rural Applications
On farms, the Bobcat E42 is used for a range of tasks, including digging irrigation ditches, clearing small brush, and moving feed or materials. It can operate attachments such as grapple buckets for handling debris or grading buckets for smoothing terrain. The compact excavator’s ability to switch between rubber and steel tracks enhances its adaptability to different agricultural conditions.
d) Utility and Infrastructure Maintenance
The Bobcat E42’s reduced tail swing and compact dimensions make it useful in urban and utility work. It is commonly used for digging trenches for water, gas, and electrical lines, especially in areas with limited space. Its reach and precision are also valuable when working near existing infrastructure, reducing the risk of damage.
e) Forestry and Environmental Services
In forestry and environmental management, the E42 is used for trail construction, habitat management, and clearing operations. The excavator can be equipped with forestry-specific attachments like mulchers and stump grinders, making it useful for removing small trees, brush, and stumps.
Advantages of the Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator
The Bobcat E42’s features and capabilities offer several advantages, making it a popular choice across industries:
1. Versatile and Adaptable
The auxiliary hydraulic system allows the E42 to handle a wide variety of attachments, enhancing its functionality across tasks. Its compact size, coupled with significant digging depth and reach, makes it useful in a range of applications, from landscaping to utility work.
2. Compact and Maneuverable
The reduced tail swing and compact footprint make the Bobcat E42 maneuverable in confined spaces, such as city streets and residential areas. This design feature allows operators to work in areas with limited access without compromising on stability.
3. Operator Comfort and Control
The E42’s enclosed cab with climate control provides comfort in different weather conditions, reducing fatigue over long shifts. The customizable control pattern enables operators to work with precision, which is especially valuable for intricate tasks like trenching around utilities or landscaping features.
4. Durability and Low Maintenance
The E42’s robust design and high-quality components ensure that it can withstand challenging work conditions. Its reliability reduces the likelihood of breakdowns, while its efficient fuel consumption keeps operational costs manageable.
Conclusion
The Bobcat E42 compact excavator is a versatile and reliable machine that meets the needs of a wide range of industries. Its blend of power, precision, and compact design makes it ideal for projects in construction, landscaping, agriculture, and utility work. With a focus on operator comfort, efficiency, and adaptability, the Bobcat E42 remains a top choice for professionals who need a dependable excavator that can handle diverse applications on the job site.
