08-30-2025, 08:47 PM
The Bobcat E85 and Its Place in the Compact Excavator Market
The Bobcat E85 is an 8.5-ton class compact excavator designed for utility contractors, demolition crews, and site prep professionals who need power and reach without stepping into full-size machine territory. Introduced as part of Bobcat’s mid-size lineup, the E85 has gained attention for its cab comfort, hydraulic pin grabber compatibility, and compact tail swing. It competes directly with machines like the Kubota KX080-3/-4 and the CAT 308, offering similar lift capacity and auxiliary hydraulics.
Bobcat, founded in 1947 and now part of the Doosan Group, has built a reputation for compact equipment innovation. The E85 continues that legacy, especially in its R-Series update, which added horsepower, refined cab ergonomics, and improved hydraulic performance.
Comparing Cycle Speeds and Fuel Efficiency
Operators who have run both the Bobcat E85 and Kubota KX080 side by side consistently report faster cycle times and better fuel economy from the Kubota. The KX080-3, in particular, is known for its snappy hydraulics and low fuel consumption, even under load. While the E85 performs well in general digging and lifting, its auxiliary hydraulic flow and engine horsepower lag slightly behind the Kubota.
Key comparisons:
Attachment Compatibility and Pin Grabber Tradeoffs
The E85’s hydraulic pin grabber is a popular feature, allowing quick bucket changes and improved jobsite efficiency. However, it comes with limitations. The Bobcat system restricts the use of twist buckets with thumbs, whereas Kubota’s coupler allows full compatibility with its entire bucket lineup, including twist and thumb combinations.
For contractors who rely on specialized attachments, this distinction matters. A twist bucket with a thumb is essential for certain demolition and utility trenching tasks. Losing that flexibility can mean slower production or the need for additional machines.
Blade Visibility and Lift Capacity Considerations
One subtle but important design difference between the E85 and KX080 is the blade height. The E85’s blade is approximately 5 inches shorter, improving visibility when digging deep trenches or working near structures. Operators who frequently dig footers or utility lines appreciate the unobstructed view.
Lift capacity is another area where the E85 holds its own. While both machines offer similar specs on paper, the E85’s higher hydraulic pressure gives it a slight edge in certain lifting scenarios. However, most users report that neither machine is regularly pushed to its lifting limits in typical jobsite conditions.
Maintenance, Reliability, and Ownership Experience
The Kubota KX080-3 has earned a reputation for reliability, with many units surpassing 5,000 hours without major issues. In contrast, some operators report more frequent service needs with Bobcat machines, especially in earlier models. The newer R-Series E85 has addressed many of these concerns, but long-term data is still accumulating.
One contractor shared that his 12-year-old KX080 was the most trouble-free machine in his fleet, outperforming newer Bobcats in uptime and service simplicity. He noted that the older Kubota could be serviced easily in the field, while newer machines—especially those with emissions systems—required dealer intervention.
Hydraulic Attachments and Real-World Performance
When running hydraulic attachments like flail mowers or rotary cutters, the Kubota consistently delivers better performance. Operators report:
Conclusion
The Bobcat E85 is a capable and well-designed compact excavator, especially in its R-Series form. It offers strong lift capacity, a comfortable cab, and modern features like a hydraulic pin grabber. However, when compared to the Kubota KX080-3 or -4, it falls slightly behind in cycle speed, fuel efficiency, and hydraulic attachment performance.
For contractors who prioritize reliability, field serviceability, and attachment flexibility, the Kubota remains a benchmark. That said, the E85 is a solid choice for those already invested in Bobcat equipment or seeking a newer machine with improved ergonomics. As always, the best machine is the one that fits your workflow, terrain, and long-term maintenance strategy.
The Bobcat E85 is an 8.5-ton class compact excavator designed for utility contractors, demolition crews, and site prep professionals who need power and reach without stepping into full-size machine territory. Introduced as part of Bobcat’s mid-size lineup, the E85 has gained attention for its cab comfort, hydraulic pin grabber compatibility, and compact tail swing. It competes directly with machines like the Kubota KX080-3/-4 and the CAT 308, offering similar lift capacity and auxiliary hydraulics.
Bobcat, founded in 1947 and now part of the Doosan Group, has built a reputation for compact equipment innovation. The E85 continues that legacy, especially in its R-Series update, which added horsepower, refined cab ergonomics, and improved hydraulic performance.
Comparing Cycle Speeds and Fuel Efficiency
Operators who have run both the Bobcat E85 and Kubota KX080 side by side consistently report faster cycle times and better fuel economy from the Kubota. The KX080-3, in particular, is known for its snappy hydraulics and low fuel consumption, even under load. While the E85 performs well in general digging and lifting, its auxiliary hydraulic flow and engine horsepower lag slightly behind the Kubota.
Key comparisons:
- Kubota KX080-3: ~66 hp, faster cycle times, lower fuel burn
- Bobcat E85 (pre-R series): ~56 hp, slightly slower hydraulics
- Bobcat E85 R-Series: ~63 hp, improved flow and responsiveness
- Auxiliary flow: E85 ~26 gpm vs. KX080 ~29 gpm
- Hydraulic pressure: E85 ~100 psi higher than Kubota
Attachment Compatibility and Pin Grabber Tradeoffs
The E85’s hydraulic pin grabber is a popular feature, allowing quick bucket changes and improved jobsite efficiency. However, it comes with limitations. The Bobcat system restricts the use of twist buckets with thumbs, whereas Kubota’s coupler allows full compatibility with its entire bucket lineup, including twist and thumb combinations.
For contractors who rely on specialized attachments, this distinction matters. A twist bucket with a thumb is essential for certain demolition and utility trenching tasks. Losing that flexibility can mean slower production or the need for additional machines.
Blade Visibility and Lift Capacity Considerations
One subtle but important design difference between the E85 and KX080 is the blade height. The E85’s blade is approximately 5 inches shorter, improving visibility when digging deep trenches or working near structures. Operators who frequently dig footers or utility lines appreciate the unobstructed view.
Lift capacity is another area where the E85 holds its own. While both machines offer similar specs on paper, the E85’s higher hydraulic pressure gives it a slight edge in certain lifting scenarios. However, most users report that neither machine is regularly pushed to its lifting limits in typical jobsite conditions.
Maintenance, Reliability, and Ownership Experience
The Kubota KX080-3 has earned a reputation for reliability, with many units surpassing 5,000 hours without major issues. In contrast, some operators report more frequent service needs with Bobcat machines, especially in earlier models. The newer R-Series E85 has addressed many of these concerns, but long-term data is still accumulating.
One contractor shared that his 12-year-old KX080 was the most trouble-free machine in his fleet, outperforming newer Bobcats in uptime and service simplicity. He noted that the older Kubota could be serviced easily in the field, while newer machines—especially those with emissions systems—required dealer intervention.
Hydraulic Attachments and Real-World Performance
When running hydraulic attachments like flail mowers or rotary cutters, the Kubota consistently delivers better performance. Operators report:
- Cooler hydraulic temperatures
- Higher rotor RPMs
- Less strain on the auxiliary circuit
- Better balance when reaching with heavy implements
Conclusion
The Bobcat E85 is a capable and well-designed compact excavator, especially in its R-Series form. It offers strong lift capacity, a comfortable cab, and modern features like a hydraulic pin grabber. However, when compared to the Kubota KX080-3 or -4, it falls slightly behind in cycle speed, fuel efficiency, and hydraulic attachment performance.
For contractors who prioritize reliability, field serviceability, and attachment flexibility, the Kubota remains a benchmark. That said, the E85 is a solid choice for those already invested in Bobcat equipment or seeking a newer machine with improved ergonomics. As always, the best machine is the one that fits your workflow, terrain, and long-term maintenance strategy.
