Bobcat brings India-made backhoe loader to Middle East: launches new B730 M-Series in MEA market

Staff Report,

4 Sept 2023

Bobcat backhoe loader range now offers new India-built machine with high performance, operator comfort and fuel economy

In a much-anticipated move, compact equipment leader Bobcat has brought its new, made-in-India B730 M-Series Backhoe Loader to the Middle East market, marking an important launch for the company in the region.

Bobcat today announced the debut of the new B730 M-Series in its markets in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and CIS regions, expanding its range of backhoes loaders for the regions with the first made-in-India model.

Bobcat said that B730 M-Series offers high performance, ease of operation and superior comfort, in a machine built to last with proven, high-quality components and signature Bobcat durability.

Conceived and built at the modern Doosan Bobcat manufacturing facility in Chennai in India, the B730 M-Series is a new addition to the Bobcat backhoe loader range, providing a model for the value market. Available in a choice of different configurations and matched with attachments for diverse applications, the B730 M-Series is ideal for use in construction, rental, roadworks, demolition, excavation, landscaping and many other industries.

While bobcat has already been offering backhoe loaders in the Middle East for quite some time now, this is its first model that is manufactured in India. This is significant because all the best-selling backhoes loader models in the region are sourced by global manufacturers from their manufacturing bases in India.

The backhoe loader is perhaps the most important single model of construct6ion equipment in the Middle East and despite its widespread usage the market for the model is also price sensitive, with models that are India-made and offer a value proposition ruling the roost. With the launch of the B730 M-Series model, Bobcat now has its own offering to rival other brands.

John Chattaway, Loaders Product Manager at Bobcat, said: “Together with our customers and experienced dealer network we developed a machine that is ideal for mixed contractor and rental fleets. The B730 M-Series is engineered with 100% Bobcat DNA and has all of the brand’s hallmarks: high-quality manufacturing, reliability, generous warranty and the support of the proven Bobcat service and parts network in the MEA and CIS for peace of mind. To ensure the highest level of quality, all structural items are designed and manufactured in-house to Bobcat’s thorough standards.”

Gaby Rhayem, Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and CIS countries at Doosan Bobcat EMEA, said: “The B730 M-Series has class-leading breakout forces, reach and dig depth capabilities and multi-function backhoe operation. Combined with its powerful hydraulic system, robust build and intuitive operation, this provides excellent productivity for trenching, levelling and loading work. Backed by our No. 1 position in loaders and our fantastic Bobcat dealer network coverage for MEA and CIS, I am confident that the new B730 M-Series backhoe loader will allow us to gain market share and further improve our position throughout these regions.”

Class-leading performance from Bobcat:-

The B730 M-Series is designed with a strong focus on durability in challenging conditions, incorporating renowned industry-leading components known for their reliability and ease of service and maintenance in the field. These high-quality, proven components are sourced from renowned brands, featuring the Perkins 1104 engine, Carraro axles and transmission, and Parker pumps, ensuring superior dependability and effortless serviceability.

The well-proven 94hp Perkins High Torque engine is well-balanced with the hydraulic Tandem Gear Pump and Synchro Shuttle (SPS) transmission to provide excellent productivity and efficient fuel consumption. The B730 M-Series hydraulics also provide class-leading backhoe breakout forces, along with the highest loader lift and push breakout in its class. This is coupled with backhoe digging depths of 4.63m (standard arm) to ensure the B730 M-Series is perfect for any site.

The independent steering pump and hydraulics unloading system are standard – helping the machine to provide power only when needed, and keeping the systems cool in harsh working conditions. The front loader’s ‘return to dig’ feature is also standard and assists productivity when dozing and loading materials.

High-comfort operation:-

The spacious cab, clever layout and comfortable seat provide plenty of room to drive, load, dig and reposition the machine, no matter how long the shift is.

The excellent 360° visibility from the cab and the intuitive operation help make any job easier for the driver. The large rear window gives great visibility for backhoe work; if necessary, it swings up and over with ease and locks securely in the cab ceiling. There are also fully opening side windows and catches to hold the door open for added ventilation when the optional HVAC system is not needed.

Customers are able to have their machines factory-configured with the ergonomic control layout they are used to, so there are no worries when switching from another brand to Bobcat. Being able to select a familiar, customised control pattern (ISO, SAE or SAE-X) from the factory allows operators to simply step into the machine and start work immediately.

As well as ‘return to dig’, the ‘bucket float’ is also a standard function, both helping to increase the operator’s productivity. The direct mechanical backhoe controls have been tuned for smoothness and multi-function use.

Durability, fuel economy, 2-year warranty as standard:-

High-performance aluminium coolers and a durable and efficient Multi-Wing cooling fan provide a highly effective cooling system, ensuring the performance of the B730 M-Series is not compromised by even the hottest and harshest conditions. The extra-large 160 l fuel tank and excellent fuel efficiency ensure outstanding autonomy, allowing work to continue for longer without refueling. The fuel tank is also made of corrosion-resistant plastic and protected with metal guards to bring even more toughness to the market.

Flipping the hood forward to service the engine is an industry-leading feature, providing easy access to all critical components, fluids and filters and making sure that daily maintenance work and changing of consumable parts is a very easy process. Attention has been paid to hose routing and protection in all locations – including the use of a distribution hose box for the backhoe side-shift. A kit of standard tools is included to facilitate daily maintenance.

All Bobcat backhoe loaders are covered by a standard two-year warranty, which is a testament to the reliability and durability of the components and the design, providing extra protection and peace of mind.

Brief specifications for Bobcat B730 M-Series Backhoe Loader :-

• Bucket capacity (loader): 1.1 m3
• Breakout force shovel: 60.0 kN
• Breakout force arm: 56.74 kN
• Height to hinge pin: 3501 mm
• Dump height: 2728 mm
• Bucket capacity (backhoe): 0.18 m3
• Bucket tearout: 59.3 kN
• Digging depth retracted/extended: 4633/5623 mm
• Length in travel position: 6130 mm
• Overall width (bucket): 2280 mm
• Overall transport height: 3798 mm
• Maximum speed: 40 km/h
• Engine: 4-cylinder Perkins 1104D-44T, delivering 94.0 HP at 2200 RPM
• Operating weight (Base machine): 7904 kg