07-10-2025, 02:46 AM
The Bobcat E85D is a compact and powerful mini-excavator, designed for both performance and efficiency in a variety of digging, lifting, and grading tasks. Recently, I had the opportunity to demo the E85D, and here’s a comprehensive review of its features, performance, and overall usability.
Overview of the Bobcat E85D
The Bobcat E85D is a 8.5-ton mini-excavator that sits in the middle of Bobcat’s excavator lineup. It’s designed for contractors who need a machine that combines power with maneuverability, offering superior digging capabilities and the ability to handle various attachments. The E85D offers a good balance between size and power, making it ideal for both small and medium-sized job sites where space is limited, but higher performance is required.
Key Features of the Bobcat E85D
Overall, the Bobcat E85D is a solid choice for contractors looking for a compact, powerful mini-excavator. It offers excellent performance, maneuverability, and comfort in a small package. While it may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, its power, efficiency, and ease of use make it well worth considering for tight, high-performance job sites. Whether you’re digging, lifting, or working with attachments, the E85D is capable of handling a variety of tasks with ease.
Overview of the Bobcat E85D
The Bobcat E85D is a 8.5-ton mini-excavator that sits in the middle of Bobcat’s excavator lineup. It’s designed for contractors who need a machine that combines power with maneuverability, offering superior digging capabilities and the ability to handle various attachments. The E85D offers a good balance between size and power, making it ideal for both small and medium-sized job sites where space is limited, but higher performance is required.
Key Features of the Bobcat E85D
- Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system on the Bobcat E85D is one of its standout features. With an impressive bucket digging force and arm breakout force, this mini-excavator offers the power needed for tough digging tasks. The hydraulic flow is well-suited for running a variety of attachments like augers, hydraulic breakers, and grapples.
- Comfort and Operator Controls
The E85D comes equipped with a spacious, comfortable operator’s cabin. The seat is well-cushioned and the controls are intuitive. The joystick controls are easy to use, making it ideal for operators of all skill levels. The visibility from the cabin is good, allowing the operator to see the work area clearly, which is particularly important when working in confined spaces.
- Maneuverability and Size
As a compact machine, the E85D is designed to work in tight spaces. Its small footprint makes it ideal for urban construction sites or residential projects where space is limited. Despite its compact size, the E85D maintains good stability and can handle rough terrain with ease.
- Advanced Features
The E85D comes with advanced features like an optional hydraulic thumb, which improves handling capabilities for materials such as rocks and debris. The hydraulic thumb is easy to operate and can be used for precise control when moving or lifting items.
- Cab and Controls
The E85D's cab is ergonomically designed with easy-to-read gauges and clear visibility for the operator. It features a well-placed control layout, with all of the main functions easily accessible. The air-conditioned cabin is also a plus, making long hours more comfortable, especially in hot working conditions.
- Power and Digging Capabilities
During the demo, I was impressed by the digging power of the E85D. The hydraulic digging depth and breakout force were adequate for most tasks, and it handled tough materials without issue. The machine was smooth and responsive when digging, and it didn't struggle even when moving large amounts of dirt or debris. The smoothness of the hydraulics ensured that the machine operated efficiently throughout the day.
- Travel and Maneuverability
The travel speed was decent for a machine of its size. The E85D moved quickly across flat terrain, but it was its maneuverability in tight spaces that truly stood out. The short tail swing makes it easy to work around obstacles and in confined areas, which is a big plus for smaller job sites where space is tight.
- Stability and Lifting
Lifting with the Bobcat E85D felt stable, and the machine’s overall balance allowed for safe lifting and loading operations. It performed well when moving large loads or when handling heavy buckets, with no noticeable tipping or instability.
- Compact and Powerful: Despite its small size, the E85D provides plenty of digging power, making it a versatile option for various tasks.
- Ergonomic and Comfortable Cabin: The cabin is designed for operator comfort, with good visibility, ergonomic controls, and an air-conditioned space.
- Maneuverability: The short tail swing and compact size make the E85D ideal for tight spaces.
- Hydraulic Performance: The E85D’s hydraulic system is smooth and efficient, providing reliable power for tough jobs.
- Easy to Operate: The intuitive controls and smooth hydraulic response make it easy for operators to get the most out of the machine.
- Price: While it’s a solid machine, the E85D can be on the pricier side compared to other mini-excavators in its class.
- Limited Lifting Capacity: While the E85D is stable, it doesn’t quite match larger excavators in terms of lifting capacity. Heavy lifting tasks may require a larger machine.
- Noise: The cabin, although comfortable, can get a bit noisy during long periods of operation, especially when the machine is under load.
Overall, the Bobcat E85D is a solid choice for contractors looking for a compact, powerful mini-excavator. It offers excellent performance, maneuverability, and comfort in a small package. While it may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, its power, efficiency, and ease of use make it well worth considering for tight, high-performance job sites. Whether you’re digging, lifting, or working with attachments, the E85D is capable of handling a variety of tasks with ease.
