Understanding the Bobcat E45 Weight: A Comprehensive Guide to This Powerful Mini Excavator
When selecting the right mini excavator for your construction or landscaping project, understanding the machine's weight specifications is crucial. The Bobcat E45 weight plays a significant role in determining its transportability, stability, and overall performance on various job sites. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the Bobcat E45's weight specifications and how they impact your project efficiency.
Bobcat E45 Operating Weight: The Numbers That Matter
The Bobcat E45 mini excavator features an operating weight of approximately 10,077 pounds (4,571 kilograms), making it an ideal mid-sized option for contractors who need power without sacrificing maneuverability. This weight classification places the E45 in the 4.5-ton category, offering an excellent balance between compact design and robust performance capabilities.
The operating weight includes the machine's standard configuration with the operator, fuel, and basic attachments. However, it's important to note that the Bobcat E45 weight can vary depending on specific configurations. When equipped with a long arm and counterweight, the weight increases to approximately 10,559 pounds (4,787 kilograms), providing enhanced reach and stability for specialized applications.
Key Specifications Beyond Weight
Understanding the complete picture of the Bobcat E45 requires looking beyond just the weight specifications. This machine delivers impressive performance metrics that complement its weight class perfectly.
The E45 is powered by a robust diesel engine producing approximately 41.8 to 49.7 horsepower, depending on the model year and configuration. This power plant provides excellent fuel efficiency while maintaining the torque needed for demanding excavation tasks. The fuel tank capacity of 19 to 21 gallons ensures extended operation without frequent refueling interruptions.
In terms of digging capabilities, the E45 offers a maximum dig depth of 10 feet 10 inches (3,300 millimeters) with the standard arm configuration. When equipped with the optional long arm, this depth extends to 11 feet 10 inches (3,600 millimeters), providing greater versatility for deeper excavation projects. The maximum reach at ground level spans an impressive 18 feet 7 inches (5,670 millimeters), allowing operators to work efficiently without constant repositioning.
Transport Dimensions and Weight Considerations
The Bobcat E45 weight directly influences transport logistics and site accessibility. Understanding these dimensions helps contractors plan equipment delivery and ensure compliance with transportation regulations.
The machine's transport length measures 17 feet 7 inches (5.35 meters), with a width of 6 feet 6 inches (1.96 meters) and a height of 8 feet 4 inches (2.53 meters). These compact dimensions, combined with the manageable operating weight, make the E45 relatively easy to transport on standard equipment trailers without requiring special permits in most jurisdictions.
The track width of 400 millimeters contributes to a ground pressure of just 25.4 kPa, minimizing soil disturbance and allowing operation on sensitive surfaces where heavier equipment might cause damage. This consideration is particularly valuable for landscaping projects, utility work, and residential construction where site restoration is a priority.
Zero Tail Swing Design Advantage
One of the most significant features of the Bobcat E45 is its Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) design. This engineering innovation means that despite the machine's substantial weight, the rear of the house stays within the width of the tracks during full rotation. This design characteristic provides exceptional advantages when working in confined spaces or near obstacles.
The ZTS design allows operators to work confidently alongside buildings, fences, and other structures without worrying about the counterweight striking surrounding objects. This feature effectively maximizes the usable weight of the machine for lifting and digging while minimizing the risk of accidental damage during operation.
Lifting Capacity and Stability
The relationship between the Bobcat E45 weight and its lifting capacity is carefully engineered to provide optimal stability and performance. The machine offers a rated lift capacity of 5,131 pounds (2,328 kilograms) when measured over the blade at ground level with a 10-foot reach. This substantial lifting capacity makes the E45 suitable for handling various materials and attachments throughout the workday.
Over-side lifting capacity reaches 1,452 pounds (659 kilograms) under the same measurement conditions. While lower than the over-blade capacity, this specification still provides excellent versatility for material handling tasks that require side placement. The machine's weight distribution and stabilizer blade work together to maintain safe operating conditions even when handling near-maximum loads.
Performance Features That Complement the Weight Class
The Bobcat E45's performance characteristics are specifically tuned to work harmoniously with its weight specifications. The arm digging force reaches 5,332 pounds-force, while the bucket digging force achieves an impressive 7,650 pounds-force. These forces allow the machine to tackle challenging soil conditions and materials despite its relatively compact size.
Travel speed options include low-speed operation at 1.5 miles per hour and high-speed travel at 2.6 miles per hour. These speeds, combined with the machine's weight and track configuration, provide excellent maneuverability around job sites while maintaining stability during operation. The operator can switch between speeds based on terrain conditions and project requirements.
Operator Comfort and the Weight-to-Performance Ratio
Despite its substantial weight and power capabilities, the Bobcat E45 prioritizes operator comfort through its thoughtfully designed cab. The climate-controlled environment features heating and air conditioning systems, allowing comfortable operation regardless of weather conditions. Large windows and strategically positioned mirrors provide excellent visibility, helping operators work safely and precisely.
The ergonomic control layout reduces operator fatigue during extended shifts, which is crucial for maintaining productivity on projects that require full-day excavator operation. The cab's design also includes sound dampening features that minimize noise levels, protecting operator hearing health during long-term use.
Weight-Related Considerations for Different Applications
The Bobcat E45 weight makes it particularly well-suited for specific application types. In urban construction environments, the combination of manageable weight and compact dimensions allows easy navigation through residential streets and positioning in tight work areas. The machine can access backyards and confined spaces that larger excavators simply cannot reach.
For utility work, the E45's weight provides stability when working near buried infrastructure while maintaining the precision needed to avoid damaging existing utilities. Landscaping contractors appreciate how the weight distribution and track design minimize surface damage while still providing the power needed for grading, pond excavation, and hardscape installation.
In demolition applications, the machine's weight anchors it securely while using hydraulic breakers and other high-impact attachments. The structural integrity required to support these attachments is directly related to the machine's robust weight and construction.
Maintenance and Long-Term Value
Understanding the Bobcat E45 weight also helps in planning maintenance schedules and long-term operational costs. The estimated monthly maintenance costs hover around 500 dollars, covering routine oil changes, filter replacements, and general upkeep. This predictable maintenance schedule is supported by the machine's durable construction and quality components.
The weight and build quality contribute to excellent resale value retention. The E45's reputation for reliability and its balanced specifications make it a sought-after machine in the used equipment market, providing solid return on investment when the time comes to upgrade or change equipment fleets.
Conclusion: The Perfect Balance
The Bobcat E45 weight of 10,077 pounds represents a carefully engineered balance between power, portability, and performance. This mid-sized mini excavator offers contractors the capability to handle demanding excavation and material handling tasks while maintaining the flexibility to work in space-constrained environments.
Whether you're planning utility installations, residential construction, landscaping projects, or light demolition work, understanding the Bobcat E45's weight specifications helps ensure you select equipment that matches your project requirements. The combination of manageable transport dimensions, impressive digging capabilities, and innovative features like Zero Tail Swing makes the E45 an excellent choice for contractors seeking a versatile, reliable mini excavator.
For those considering a 2018 Bobcat E45 or any model year, the weight specifications remain consistent with the design philosophy of providing maximum capability in a compact, maneuverable package. This consistency across model years ensures that operators can rely on familiar performance characteristics regardless of which specific E45 they're operating.
