obcat has unveiled a significantly broader range of material handling capabilities with the integration of telescopic material handlers into its compact equipment range.

It has introduced three products that are the smallest in its range of telehandlers featuring hydrostatic transmission - the T2556, T-2566 and T3071. Bobcat is promoting them as ideally suitable to applications in industry, adding that in common with the other four models in its range, they offer a choice of naturally aspirated or more powerful turbo-charged Perkins diesel engines.

According to details provided by the company, the T2556 and T2566 telehandlers, based on the same frame and chassis, are both in the 2.5-tonne lifting class. The T2556 can lift 2.5 tonnes to a maximum lift height of 5.6m with a reach of 1.05m and offers a maximum reach of 3.05 m with a capacity of 1.1 tonne. The T2566 utilises a boom 50 cm longer than that in the T2556 model and, as a result can offer an increased lift height of 6.45 m and a reach of 4m.

With appropriate tyres, the height of the T2556 telehandler can be reduced to 2m to meet low headroom requirements when entering and leaving industrial buildings.

"When combined with the 2-m width on both models, the T2556 and T2566 telehandlers are ideally suited to confined space work in industry," Bobcat said.

The 2556 and 2566 telehandlers can be powered by either a Perkins 59KW (80HP) 1004.42 model or 78 KW (106HP) turbo-charged 1004.40T diesel engine, providing maximum torques of 290 Nm and 394Nm respectively at 1400 rpm.

There are two separate driving and speed ranges selectable from the operator's cab - a working range from 0 to 7 km/h in both forward and reverse directions and a travel range with speeds from 0 to 30km/h again in both forward and backward directions. On both models, function times include a lift speed of 5 seconds with crowding and dumping taking 3 and 2.5 seconds respectively.

For increased capacity and lift height that offers a compromise between a loader and a telehandler, the next larger model in the range is the T3071 in the three-tonne lifting class.

Offering a maximum lift height of 7.05 m, the T3071 is equipped at the end of the telescopic boom with the Z bar front loading system, providing increased breakout force and a better dump angle. Like the T2556 and T2566, the T3071 also has radius turning for negotiating tight turns in the stockyard, warehouse or on the shopfloor.

On the T3071 telehandler, the specifications for the diesel engines and the work and travel speed ranges are the same as those on the 2556 and 2566 models. Function times include a lift speed of 8.3 seconds with crowding and dumping taking only 1.2 and 1.5 seconds respectively.

"In all the Bobcat industrial models, a fully hydrostatic transmission ensures optimised power, precise, jolt-free positioning and a smooth ride. In addition, Bobcat telehandlers offer four-wheel drive (permanent) and steering, with the ability to choose between three steering modes - two-wheel steering, four-wheel steering or crabbing. Several types of tyres are available to meet various terrain conditions," said the company.

"The roomy cab offers excellent visibility and has an ergonomic operator station with joystick controls.