The T770 vertical lift path tracked loader has been purchased for use on a new three-year Forestry Commission contract won by CMK. Under the new Sherwood & Lincs and North West England framework contract, CMK is responsible for the renewal and upkeep of roads in forests run by the Forestry Commission in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria.
The Forestry Commission was introduced to the benefits offered by the Bobcat compact tracked loader range through work done by CMK using a smaller Bobcat T180 model that the company previously owned, also supplied by AMS Bobcat. The T180 loader proved so successful that it became the machine of choice at CMK for this type of work.
Now with the bigger T770 tracked loader, CMK Managing Director, Chris Kemp, believes he can do even more and has the perfect machine for the job: “I was very happy with the T180 but the T770 takes things to a new level for us. I don’t know why there aren’t more people with machines like this – it’s the best kept secret in the industry!”
The T770 loader at CMK has been purchased with most of the optional deluxe features for this model and is probably the highest specification version available including the innovative all-steel roller suspension undercarriage; high flow hydraulics; two-speed travel; full air conditioning and heating; Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC), the new full colour deluxe instrumentation panel and a built-in radio system.
Powered by the 68.6 kW Kubota V3800-DI-T-E3 diesel engine with a rated speed (SAE JI 995 Gross) of 2400 RPM, the T770 loader has a rated operating capacity and tipping load of 1611 kg and 4602 kg, respectively. The T770 has a height of 2065 mm, a length with bucket of 3597 mm, a bucket hinge pin height of 3353 mm and a width over the tracks of 1981 mm.
Chris Kemp continued: “As well as higher power, the T770 model weighs just under five tonnes compared to the T180 model, where the operating weight was around three tonnes, providing even more traction and stability for forestry work. With the roller suspension option, the road hugging ability of the tracks is maximised to keep buckets and other attachments level to achieve the best possible finish on the roads. This is a very important aspect for renewing forestry roads and with wheeled excavators, for example, this is almost impossible as the wheels tend to follow the undulations in the road.”
In contrast, thanks to the roller suspension system on the T770, bumps are absorbed by roller travel, allowing the loader to drive easily over hard objects, rocks and kerbs. The loader can also travel faster on the job site, and the suspension helps to reduce spillage from the bucket when manoeuvring the loader.
Chris Kemp is very impressed with the spacious new Premium Cab on the T770, a feature common to all New Generation compact loaders from Bobcat. He said: “The threshold of the cab door has been lowered and the size of the cab door has been increased, making it easier to enter and exit the cab. The new forward position also offers a 30% increase in all-round visibility. There is ample adjustment in the seat and suspension to suit operator preferences and the optional adjustable SJC joysticks are conveniently integrated on the seat arms.”
Like other New Generation loaders from Bobcat, the T770 offers best-in-industry cab pressurisation based on a new one-piece seal that goes all the way round the door and helps to reduce the heating/cooling load on the system as well as keeping dust out of the cab. “This is crucial for ensuring the operator has a comfortable environment because when we’re working in dry conditions, the loader kicks up a lot of dust from the road surface.”
Further contributing to operator comfort are the reduced vibrations in the T770 owing to a new 3-point engine mount design. The muffler is mounted directly on the engine, without a flex element, lowering engine noise, dampening engine pulsations and reducing surface temperature. Noise has also been greatly reduced resulting in 2 dBA less noise at the operator’s ear and 1 dBA lower bystander noise.
The high flow hydraulic power (151 l/min) has been optimised by ensuring that peak flow occurs close to the rated engine load, providing better fuel efficiency and engine cooling. The hydraulic quick coupler block is integrated and protected in the lift arm. An integrated rear bumper protects the tailgate and engine.
The T770 also offers excellent serviceability with an easily accessible box-style air filter, a transversely mounted engine and swing-open tailgate. A swing-up oil cooler allows fast and easy cleaning of the oil cooler and radiator. Hydraulic oil filtration down to 10 microns significantly reduces the possibility of contamination.
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