The off-highway equipment industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with electrification taking center stage. Bobcat, a leading innovator in this space, has introduced its all-electric platform, the T7X. Unlike a common approach of simply replacing diesel engines with batteries and electric motors, Bobcat’s engineers embraced a holistic redesign, using the unique advantages of electrification to enhance both performance and productivity.

Charged recently chatted with Bobcat Company’s Vice President of Global Innovation Joel Honeyman to learn more about the design of the T7X Platform.

Central to Bobcat’s electrification strategy is the removal of hydraulic systems, which are replaced by electric actuators. This shift allows precise control through software. For instance, electric machines can instantly adjust current levels to optimize power delivery, enabling features like real-time damage prevention and increased lifting capacity. Honeyman explains that T7X loader shows the potential for electrified products to outperform their diesel counterparts, offering more torque, quieter operation and other unique features.

Adopting electrification comes with challenges, especially for a company with over six decades of expertise in diesel and hydraulics. Early internal skepticism was overcome through rapid prototyping, with engineers building a functional electric concept machine in just six weeks. Demonstrating this machine to executives was pivotal in showcasing the potential of electrified equipment. The result was a commitment to innovation, culminating in the T7X and additional products like electric excavators and zero-turn mowers.

Looking forward, Bobcat is optimistic about the future of electric construction equipment. With advancements in charging technology and software capabilities, these machines can be designed to meet the evolving needs of operators and fleets. 

Watch the full interview to learn about the evolution of electric construction equipment, understand the advantages of electrification, and discover the best real-world applications.