The Bobcat T40.180SLP telehandler has been delivered to contractor Van den Heuvel at Tata Steel’s IJmuiden Works, located on the North Sea Coast of the Netherlands. Finished in Van den Heuvel colours, the T40.180SLP has been supplied with a Bobcat man platform attachment that is widely used in the work the company carries out at the Tata Steel site.

In addition to some loading and unloading work, the telehandler and attached platform is mainly used for measuring and inspecting pipeline networks, but also for installation, repair, welding and maintenance work at height. The new machine has replaced the company’s previous telehandler that was 21 years old.

In March 2022, Bobcat launched eight new 500 and 600 Series compact loader models, completing its loader range for the Middle East and Africa market (MEA).

“In the end we opted for the compact T40.180SLP from Bobcat; mainly because of the lifting capacity, the lifting height of 18m, the functionality, the man platform and the ease of maintenance. The excellent stability thanks to the low centre of gravity, long wheelbase, heavy counterweight, balanced weight distribution and outriggers was also of great importance to us, because people regularly work on the platform. All these aspects were included in the programme of requirements,” explains Marco Bervoets, who was responsible for purchasing the new machine as Manager of the Support Office at Van den Heuvel.

Along with the telehandler at Van den Heuvel, Bobcat’s remote control system allows all normal functions for driving, lifting and positioning of the platform to be controlled at height. The man platform is equipped with a small compensation cylinder, which ensures that the basket is always exactly horizontal. In combination with the boom positioning system on the telehandler, the platform can be manoeuvred with high accuracy, the company said.

At the 2022 Construction Machinery Middle East Awards, Bobcat picked up an award in the ‘Innovation of the Year’ category, and, in June, showcased new technology and products at its Demo Days event.