DIGGING IN DOBŘÍŠ

Awesome Earthmovers were fortunate to be among the select guests attending Bobcat Demo Days 2025 at the company’s state-ofthe-art Dobříš campus in the Czech Republic.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Bobcat’s European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) headquarters, just outside Prague, this year’s Demo Days once again delivered an unrivalled hands-on experience. Held between 26th May and 4th June 2025, the event attracted hundreds of visitors from across the region eager to test-drive the very latest in compact machinery and technology.

For Bobcat, Demo Days isn’t just a sales event – it’s a live working laboratory where customers, dealers and operators can get real seat-time on over 70 different machines. From compact loaders, telehandlers and mini excavators to light compaction, material handling and portable power solutions, virtually every corner of Bobcat’s extensive portfolio was represented.

New Generation 1-2 Tonne Mini Excavators Take Centre Stage

The star attraction in Dobříš this year was undoubtedly Bobcat’s completely re-engineered 1-2 tonne R2-Series mini excavators. Making their first appearance at Demo Days were the new E16, E17z, E19 and E20z models, which replace the outgoing M-Series line-up.

The standout upgrade lies beneath the surface: Bobcat’s new SmartFlow hydraulic system. Borrowing technology usually reserved for much larger machines, the SmartFlow setup features a load-sensing pump combined with a closed-centre, flow-sharing main control valve.

This allows operators to carry out multiple hydraulic functions simultaneously – even under heavy load – without any compromise in performance.

In practical terms, operators can slew, lift and drive while using demanding attachments like flail mowers, all with impressive smoothness and control. During live demonstrations, Awesome Earthmovers saw first-hand how this transforms machine capability in tight, challenging working conditions.

“IT’S A LIVE WORKING LABORATORY WHERE CUSTOMERS, DEALERS AND OPERATORS CAN GET REAL SEAT-TIME ON OVER 70 DIFFERENT MACHINES”

“Since 2011, Demo Days has provided our dealers and customers with a true working environment to experience our machines and more than 100 attachments,” said Jan Moravec, Vice President of Product for Bobcat EMEA. “It reflects Bobcat’s strong focus on listening to operators and evolving our equipment based on real-world use.”

Upgraded E88 Adds Comfort and Control

In addition to the new 1-2 tonne machines, Bobcat also used Demo Days to unveil enhancements to its 9-tonne E88 R2-Series mini excavator – the largest model in the current mini range. Key to the update is the introduction of the Fritzmeier cab, offering improved all-round visibility, smoother window operation, lower noise levels, and reduced vibration.

The upgraded E88 maintains its class-leading stability, digging performance and compact footprint, but now adds a greater level of comfort for operators working long shifts – a critical factor on today’s increasingly complex job sites.

Smarter Machines with Machine IQ

As compact machinery evolves, so too does the technology that supports it. At Demo Days 2025, visitors got an early look at the expanded Machine IQ telematics platform. Of particular interest was the new Remote Engine Disable/ Enable feature, allowing owners to control machine start-up remotely via the Machine IQ app or portal – adding an extra layer of security against unauthorised use and theft.

Collision Avoidance Takes Safety to the Next Level

Safety innovation was also high on the agenda, with Bobcat debuting its Collision Warning and Avoidance System on an S76 skid-steer loader. Using integrated radar sensors, the system constantly monitors the area surrounding the machine, detecting obstacles and triggering customised alerts or interventions to prevent accidents. It’s a glimpse of how safety tech is increasingly moving from concept to jobsite reality.