Bobcat E85 Display Failure and Electrical Panel Vulnerabilities

[MikePhua]

The E85 and Bobcat’s Compact Excavator Expansion
The Bobcat E85 is the largest model in Bobcat’s compact excavator lineup, designed to bridge the gap between mini-excavators and full-size machines. Introduced in the mid-2010s, the E85 features a conventional tail swing, a powerful 65-horsepower engine, and an operating weight of approximately 18,000 pounds. It’s built for trenching, site prep, and utility work where reach and breakout force matter but maneuverability is still critical.
Bobcat, founded in 1947 and headquartered in North Dakota, has long been a leader in compact equipment. The E85 marked a strategic move into heavier-duty territory, competing with models from Kubota, Takeuchi, and Volvo in the 8-ton class. With advanced hydraulics, a spacious cab, and electronic control systems, the E85 offers precision and comfort—but like many modern machines, it also introduces new points of failure.
Display Panel Burnout and Root Causes
One of the most reported issues with the E85 is premature failure of the display screen, which serves as the operator’s interface for diagnostics, fuel level, hydraulic settings, and error codes. Symptoms of burnout include:

• Screen flickering or going blank intermittently
  
• Permanent black or white screen with no backlight
  
• Visible burn marks or discoloration on the LCD
  
• Loss of touchscreen responsiveness
  
• Error codes without visible display
  

These failures are often traced to:

• Voltage spikes during startup or shutdown
  
• Moisture ingress from cab condensation or pressure washing
  
• Poor grounding or loose harness connections
  
• Internal capacitor failure due to heat cycling
  
• Inadequate surge protection in the panel design
  

A contractor in Oregon experienced total screen failure after operating the E85 in freezing rain. The cab heater had been running continuously, and condensation formed behind the panel. After drying the unit and replacing the screen, the issue recurred—prompting a deeper inspection of the harness and voltage regulator.
Electrical System Layout and Vulnerable Points
The E85’s electrical system includes:

• Main fuse block under the seat or side panel
  
• CAN bus wiring connecting sensors, actuators, and display
  
• Alternator and battery with voltage regulator
  
• Grounding straps to frame and engine block
  
• Display panel mounted in the upper right cab console
  

Vulnerable areas include:

• Display connector pins exposed to vibration
  
• Grounding points corroded or loose
  
• Battery terminals with high resistance
  
• Alternator output exceeding safe voltage during rev spikes
  

A technician in Alberta found that the alternator on an E85 was producing 15.2 volts during cold starts, which exceeded the screen’s tolerance. After installing a voltage stabilizer and replacing the regulator, the new display lasted over 1,000 hours without issue.
Repair Options and Replacement Strategy
When the screen fails, options include:

• Replacing the entire display panel with OEM part (often over $1,200)
  
• Installing a refurbished unit with updated firmware
  
• Retrofitting a surge-protected interface with external diagnostics
  
• Rewiring the harness with shielded connectors
  
• Adding a moisture barrier or cab dehumidifier
  

Before replacement, technicians should:

• Test voltage at the display connector during startup
  
• Inspect grounding continuity with a multimeter
  
• Check for error codes via external diagnostic port
  
• Verify alternator output and battery health
  

A fleet manager in New Zealand retrofitted his E85 units with aftermarket display guards and installed inline fuses rated for lower amperage. The modification reduced screen failures across the fleet and improved diagnostic access.
Preventive Measures and Operator Habits
To prevent display burnout:

• Avoid pressure washing near the cab console
  
• Let the machine idle briefly before shutdown to stabilize voltage
  
• Inspect battery terminals monthly and clean corrosion
  
• Use cab heaters with ventilation to reduce condensation
  
• Install surge protectors or voltage regulators if operating in extreme climates
  

Operators should also report flickering or slow response early, before total failure occurs. A landscaping crew in Texas noticed screen lag during hot afternoons. After checking the cab temperature and installing a sunshade, the issue subsided.
Stories from the Field
In Alaska, an E85 used for pipeline trenching lost its display during a snowstorm. The operator relied on manual gauges and audible alarms to finish the job. After replacing the panel and sealing the cab vents, the machine performed reliably through the next season.
In Thailand, a contractor installed a third-party diagnostic screen after repeated failures of the OEM unit. The new panel offered basic readouts and error codes, and while not as sleek, it proved more durable in humid conditions.
Conclusion
The Bobcat E85 is a powerful and versatile excavator, but its electronic display panel remains a weak point under certain operating conditions. Voltage instability, moisture, and connector wear can lead to premature failure, disrupting operations and increasing repair costs. With proactive electrical inspection, environmental controls, and thoughtful retrofits, operators and technicians can extend screen life and maintain full control over machine diagnostics. In a world of digital interfaces, protecting the screen means protecting the workflow.