Bobcat has launched the latest version of its popular S450 skid-steer loader in the Middle East market with the new machine coming with design tweaks that make it easier to use and maintain and sporting Bobcat’s new branding scheme for the first time the Middle East and Africa (MEA) market.

The S450 is a radius lift path skid-steer loader, which has consistently been among the largest-selling skid-steer loader models in the Middle East and a leader in its own class in the region. The model has helped Bobcat capture an overall market share of over 50% in the MEA region, reaching as high as 80% in some MEA countries. Bobcat said it has continued to sell an average of well over one thousand S450 machines every year in the MEA market, since its launch over six years ago.

Gaby Rhayem, regional director, Middle East and Africa, at Doosan Bobcat EMEA, said: “The new S450 introduces a fresh look for our market-leading loaders in MEA. As well as being the most popular skid-steer loader in the region, the S450 is far and away the most reliable and as a result has the highest resale value on the market. A used S450 with four years/4000 hours on the clock will typically sell for 60% of the original price, representing an unbeatable return on investment for our customers.”

According to Bobcat, the new Bobcat S450 now carries 3D decals for the first time in MEA as a continuation of the brand’s “better-built” reputation, and offers a range of features to minimise maintenance and to protect the machine – such as machine shutdown protection, self-diagnostics and battery run-down protection.

“In addition, the S450, like all Bobcat skid-steer loaders, utilises the industry’s only maintenance-free chaincase, which further reduces maintenance and provides even more peace of mind. This is further reflected by the extended two-year (2000-hour) Standard Warranty that is now available from Bobcat for the S450 and all other new Bobcat compact loaders in the MEA market,” said a statement from the manufacturer.

Ease of maintenance and servicing is ensured in the new Bobcat S450 with simple, full access to the engine checks and fills, filters and battery. There is no need to raise the lift arms to service the machine. Bobcat has also made maintenance uncomplicated and faster with easy-to-access grease point locations on critical pivot points.

The new S450 provides operators with increased performance and enhanced comfort to maximise job-site efficiency. Bobcat adds that the S450 is designed to continue the success of the Bobcat range globally, where nearly one out of every two skid-steer loaders on the market is a Bobcat machine.

When it comes to operator comfort, the new S450 offers the largest entry/exit area in its class, says Bobcat. The wider cab offers extra space to operators, as well as high visibility, making it easier for operators to work on applications such as dumping materials over walls, backfilling or loading flatbed trucks.

Bobcat adds that the S450 skid-steer loader can also be supplied with a comprehensive choice of over 70 different product families of approved attachments, “offering solutions for a very wide range of applications and providing a perfect illustration of the Bobcat Tool Carrier concept common to all Bobcat compact loaders”.

The S450 now offers operators a choice between the popular Bobcat Standard Hand and Foot Controls or the exclusive Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC). The SJC option provides low-effort joysticks to help operators control their loader and attachments more easily and comfortably.

Instead of the standard cab, the S450 can be equipped with a deluxe cab as well as a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) option, keeping the operator’s experience more comfortable all through the year and in all locations. A ‘Cloth Suspension Seat’ option is also now available on the S450, improving operator comfort.

Bobcat also provides cushioned lift and tilt cylinders on the S450, increasing productivity and enhancing comfort, removing the need for the operator to worry about slowing down the motion of the arms and bucket when approaching the end of the stroke. In addition, cushioned cylinders soften the impact when the lift arms contact the mainframe − greatly reducing the jostling and noise that can be caused by such collisions.

The new S450 can be equipped with the option of Versatile Duty Tyres, with a bi-directional design for use on most common mixed surfaces, improving lifetime significantly. Industrial Solid Flex Tyres are also available as an option and are designed for intensive wear applications that have a higher risk of punctures.