Bobcat is a globally-recognized brand of powered equipment for commercial, industrial, government, and utilities markets, as well as the advanced home user. Sometimes, Bobcat is used as a general term for a variety of branded utility products including skid steer loaders, compact excavators, compact utility vehicles, compact tractors, and other small hydraulic equipment pieces and attachments. The most commonly recognized products are the M-Series of Skid Steer Loaders and Compact Excavators, the Bobcat Tractor, and the Toolcat. Smaller excavators, graders, and tractors are common in landscaping applications, and the excavators and skid steer loaders are staple features of constructions sites. Government agencies frequently use Bobcat products to maintain parks and recreational areas.
Defects in Bobcat Products
Typical defects reported with relation to Bobcat products tend to focus on specific parts and attachments for the various excavators and all-utility vehicles.
Injuries Related to Bobcat Product Use
Operators of skid steer loaders, compact excavators, compact utility vehicles, compact tractors, and other small hydraulic equipment face dangers associated with the nature of the tasks they are performing. The vehicles are often operated in off-road terrain, which increases the likelihood of accidents due to roll-overs, the most common type of fatal accident for equipment operators.
Recalled Bobcat Products
In January 2005, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 2004 and 2005 model year Bobcat 2100 Gas and Bobcat 2100S Gas utility vehicles with product numbers BK 0438-436988 to 0510-486876 and BL 0438-436865 to 0510-486914. The vehicles were recalled due to microscopic cracks that were discovered in the brake equalizer rods on certain vehicles, a defect that could cause the vehicle to lose braking ability.
Sources:
- About Us. “Bobcat International” Retrieved January 17 2010 from http://www.bobcat.com/our_company/about_bobcat
- BBC News. (2007, July 30). “Korean firm buys Bobcat diggers”. BBC. Retrieved January 17 2010 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6921731.stm
- C, Jason. (2009, December 15). “Another Bobcat Rant” Forum Thread. Retrieved January 17 2010 from http://www.plowsite.com/showthread.php?t=93402
- Greiner, Andrew. (2009, July 7). “Construction Worker Dies After 7-Story Fall” NBC Chicago. Retrieved January 17 2010 from http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Man-Falls-Seven-Stories-in-Bob…