Evaluating a 2010 Bobcat E50 with 2800 Hours

[MikePhua]

The Bobcat E50 and Its Market Position
The Bobcat E50 compact excavator was introduced in the late 2000s as part of Bobcat’s R-Series, designed to offer zero tail swing performance in the 5-ton class. With an operating weight of approximately 10,677 pounds and a digging depth of over 11 feet, the E50 quickly became a favorite among contractors for utility trenching, site prep, and demolition in confined spaces. Powered by a 49.8 hp Kubota diesel engine, the E50 balances fuel efficiency with hydraulic power, supporting a wide range of attachments through its auxiliary hydraulic circuit.
Bobcat Company, founded in North Dakota in 1947 and now part of Doosan Group, has sold hundreds of thousands of compact machines globally. The E50 was a high-volume seller in North America and Europe, with strong aftermarket support and a reputation for reliability. Its popularity continues today, with newer models incorporating telematics and improved cab ergonomics.
Terminology Notes

• Zero Tail Swing: A design where the rear of the excavator stays within the track width during rotation, reducing risk of collision.
  
• Auxiliary Hydraulics: A secondary hydraulic circuit used to power attachments like thumbs, breakers, and augers.
  
• Swing Motor: A hydraulic motor that controls the rotation of the upper structure.
  
• Boom Cylinder: The hydraulic actuator responsible for raising and lowering the boom.
  

Assessing a Machine with 2800 Hours
At 2800 operating hours, a 2010 Bobcat E50 sits near the midpoint of its expected service life. With proper maintenance, these machines often exceed 5,000 hours before requiring major overhaul. Key areas to inspect include:

• Hydraulic System
  • Check for hose wear, cylinder leaks, and pump pressure consistency
    
  • Test auxiliary flow rate and monitor for slow response or overheating
    
• Undercarriage
  • Inspect track tension, roller wear, and sprocket condition
    
  • Look for uneven wear indicating alignment issues
    
• Engine Health
  • Verify cold start behavior and exhaust clarity
    
  • Listen for injector knock or turbo whine
    
• Electrical System
  

• Test monitor panel, warning lights, and joystick responsiveness
  
• Inspect wiring harness for abrasion or corrosion
  

A contractor in Alberta purchased a 2010 E50 with 2700 hours and used it for septic installation. After replacing a leaking boom cylinder seal and cleaning the cooling fins, the machine ran reliably for another 1,200 hours before needing a swing motor rebuild.
Common Wear Points and Solutions
Frequent issues on mid-hour E50 units include:

• Thumb or auxiliary valve sticking
  • Solution: Clean solenoid valves and flush hydraulic fluid
    
• Cab heater or fan failure
  • Solution: Replace blower motor and inspect fuse panel
    
• Track motor seal seepage
  • Solution: Rebuild motor with OEM seal kit and test under load
    
• Boom pin wear
  

• Solution: Replace bushings and grease regularly to prevent ovaling
  

A technician in Texas resolved sluggish boom movement by replacing the pilot filter and recalibrating the hydraulic control valve. The machine regained full responsiveness and passed a 10-hour trenching test without recurrence.
Preventive Maintenance and Upgrade Recommendations
To extend service life:

• Replace engine oil and filters every 250 hours
  
• Flush hydraulic fluid and replace filters every 500 hours
  
• Inspect track tension monthly and adjust as needed
  
• Clean radiator and oil cooler fins weekly in dusty environments
  
• Use synthetic grease on pivot points for better cold-weather performance
  

Some owners retrofit their E50 units with LED lighting, backup cameras, and Bluetooth radios. A crew in British Columbia added a hydraulic quick coupler and thumb controller, improving attachment change speed and operator comfort.
Operator Anecdotes and Field Wisdom
A retired operator in Montana recalled using a 2010 E50 for rock wall construction. The machine’s zero tail swing allowed him to work inches from a retaining wall, and its thumb control made stone placement precise. After 3,000 hours, he replaced the alternator and kept the machine running for another five years.
In Maine, a landscaping team used their E50 for stump removal and grading. They added a tilt bucket and found that the machine’s auxiliary flow was sufficient for continuous operation without overheating, even during summer heatwaves.
Recommendations for Buyers and Fleet Managers
To ensure reliability and value:

• Request service records and verify oil change intervals
  
• Conduct a full hydraulic pressure test before purchase
  
• Inspect undercarriage for signs of abuse or neglect
  
• Test all joystick functions and monitor panel diagnostics
  
• Budget for minor repairs like seals, bushings, and filters
  

A fleet manager in Georgia created a mid-life excavator checklist including engine compression tests, hydraulic leak inspection, and electrical system scan. This improved uptime and reduced acquisition risk across his compact fleet.
Conclusion
A 2010 Bobcat E50 with 2800 hours can still be a dependable workhorse if properly maintained and inspected. With thoughtful upgrades, preventive care, and attention to wear points, these machines continue to deliver value in tight spaces and tough conditions. In compact excavation, hours tell a story—and with the right approach, that story can keep going strong.