The development of infrastructure in India necessitates that old infrastructure is demolished and brought down in a safe and efficient way and Bobcat offers power packed compact machines and attachments for this task.

In a timeline when redevelopment in cities is a reality and rural infrastructure has found emphasis how enticing is the market for machines dedicated to demolition and recycling?
India is an emerging economy and there is a strong demand for improving the infrastructure. While infrastructure is being developed most of the times in a new area, many times especially in the old cities it involves demolishing the existing structures as well. In some cases, there are changes made in the Floor space index by city development authority as well which makes the property developers demolish the old structures and come up with new buildings that can take advantage of the new rules.

In many cities, old areas in prime locality are being redeveloped due to demand for improved facilities and infrastructure. In many such cases there is a need for compact machines which can go inside structures where the large machines cannot go. Also, the demolition of a specific portion without damaging other areas inside a structure is possible using compact machine.

In rural areas there is also a lot of emphasis on improving existing roads where they remove the old tar top for constructing the new roads but however the opportunities for demolishing existing structures like housing remains limited. However, overall if we consider demolition segment, it is still a developing segment even for bigger size class machines and it remains the same for compact machines which is being sold by Bobcat.

What are some of the important factors to keep in mind while choosing the right product for demolition operations?
From the perspective of compact equipments being used in demolition, while deciding on a Mini Excavator or a Skid Steer Loader the following factors needs to be considered:

• Size and Weight – Whether the machine is compact enough to go and has the right weight so that it does not cause unintended damage
• Hydraulic power – The machine should have enough hydraulic power to operate the different attachment that are used in demolition
•  Versatility – Ability to do different jobs by handling different attachments and thereby eliminating the need for more and dedicated machines.
• Safety – The application demands safety and cabin needs to be installed with Roll over Protection (ROPS) and Fall over protection Structure (FOPS)
• Durability – Durable structures, well protected hoses, couplers to with stand harsh conditions of Demolition • Remote Operation – Ability to offer remote operation systems or compatibility

What are some of Bobcat’s products which find immense using in demolition and allied operations? Skid Steer Loaders highly effective machines that work with grapples, buckets and breakers attachments to accomplish most demo site tasks. Moreover, a durable steel tailgate, loader arm design, and cylinders, the ROPS/FOPS standard canopies make Bobcat SSLs unparalleled by any competing machine. We can also offer the Skid Steer Loaders with Solid Tires to avoid tires getting flat. Bobcat has four models S450 with, S590, S650 and S770 and the operating weight starting from 608 kg going up till 1569 kg.

We also offer the Compact Track Loaders which has all the options available in a Skid-Steer Loader but however is track mounted. The track, however, eliminates the possibility of flat tires, which can be a major headache on some work sites. Bobcat’s model T650 with 1230 kg ROC and T770 with 1618 Kg ROC based on the requirement from the market.

Compact or Mini Excavators are sturdy equipped with ROPS/ TOPS safety standard. Our smaller excavators are highly capable for interior demolition work. Bobcat compact excavators are highly versatile and can perform well. With the optional breaker attachments, they are highly capable of handling demolition work. We have three models E27, E37 and E64and the operating weight starting from 2.8 Tons going up till 6 Tons.

Backhoe Loaders are sturdy machines which comes fitted with enough Hydraulic power to handle demolition jobs. The machine has both excavator and a loader side and is quite an all- round performer when sufficient space is available for its operation. It can also be fitted with a breaker, ripper attachment. We have the recently launched B900 model which weighs 7,840 kg.

Bobcat also offers a wide range of attachments suitable for the demolition work.Our selection of Bobcat attachments facilitates cost minimisation by eliminating the need for more dedicated machines.

• Industrial Bucket Grapple – This is a must-have accessory that cleans up and loads debris from demolition which are usually of unusual sizes.
• Industrial Fork Grapple – Allows weight to fall through bottom tines, easing the sorting of debris waste, and reducing weight dumping fees.
• Breakers – Painlessly breaks up some of the toughest surfaces without sacrificing durability. Attachable to both loaders and excavators.
• Ripper – These are single tooth like attachment which can be fitted on excavators and used for removal of the road surfaces.
• Sweeper – These attachments when fitted on skid steer loader can pick up the finer debris material and can be used for cleaning after the major clearing is done.

Remote Operation Option for Skid steer Loader is also available. With this the machine can be operated in sites which are risky for operators from a very safe distance.

What are some of the key safety operational safety benefits of Bobcat’s machines dedicated to demolition and recycling?
Bobcat always focuses on the operator safety. Some of the key highlights for machines dedicated for Demolition and recycling job are certified Roll overprotective structure (ROPS) and Falling over protective structure (FOPS) approved cabin. This ensures that operator is safe in the extreme event of the machine toppling. Safety Grill also can be made available in the cabin.

Since Breakers are one of the important attachments in Demolition application blank firing protection for the breakers is a very good feature. This ensures breakers work only when in contact with a surface which happens during actual work and does not accidentally fire causing untoward incidents.

We also have the option of providing remote control option for the Skid Steer Loaders which completely removes the operator from the machine and dangerous site conditions. This allows the operator to work from a safe distance efficiently.