New Excavator Zeroes In On Efficient, Comfortable Operation

Zero House Swing

A true zero house swing (ZHS) excavator with the power and operating comfort of a midsize machine. The improved maneuvering and traveling performance of the industry’s first all-hydrostatic drive system. The new Bobcat® model 430 excavator—made in America—offers all this and much more.

“We have taken the common zero tail swing (ZTS) excavator and significantly improved on it,” says Tom Connor, Bobcat excavator product representative. “With ZTS the tail of the machine does not extend beyond the width of the undercarriage when slewing the machine. However, on many brands the right and left front corners still protude beyond the track footprint as the house rotates.

“On the other hand, when the upper structure of our new 430 turns, the house of the machine remains inside the outside edges of the tracks throughout a 360-degree rotation (see illustration on page 4).”

Take a closer look at its many features and benefits:

Zero house swing

“The 430 gives you a greater range of house rotation when working in extremely tight applications,” says Connor. “As long as the tracks aren’t
touching a building, wall, tree or other structure, then the house won’t hit it when you’re working—whether you’re swinging from a trench to a dump truck or digging with the boom offset right or left.”

Uncompromising design

Typically, most current zero tail swing designs require shrinking the cab, which compromises operator room, reduces access to service and maintenance items and degrades digging and lifting performance. Put the 430 to work and
you’ll soon see that it’s not your typical zero tail swing machine.

“We’ve been able to build the 430 and still provide easy entry and exit to the cab and plenty of space for the operator, while keeping the cab height under 8 ft.,” Connor says. “Meanwhile, with its swing-open tail gate and right side access door for hydraulic components, it’s as easy to service as our conventionally-designed 331 excavator.”

Unique drive system

“The 430’s FastTrack™ drive system works like the drive system on a skid-steer loader,” explains Connor. “You can split power infinitely between the left and right tracks.” The end result, he says, is more torque, more precise maneuvering and smooth acceleration.

The 430 uses separate piston pumps and high torque drive motors to power the left and right tracks. It’s the first and only excavator to offer this feature. This true hydrostatic drive replaces the conventional hydraulic system found on other excavators.

“FastTrack gives you full control of torque throughout the travel speed range,” says Connor. “With conventional excavator drive systems, torque will peak only at maximum lever stroke. But with the 430 you can have maximum torque at minimal travel speed.”

That pays off with better torque control for dozing and smoother turns under a load, allowing you to work more efficiently. “It’s a great machine for backfilling trenches or doing final landscape grading,” Connor says. “Also, it allows you to make gradual, smooth turns on surfaces like asphalt or concrete. This machine drives like a skid-steer loader, and nearly as fast.”

Unmatched travel speeds

The Bobcat 430 offers two travel speed ranges. Top speed in low range is about 2.6 mph. That’s similar to the maximum high range speed for most compact excavators. In high range the machine will travel up to 5 mph, almost twice as fast as any other compact excavator. “This can save a lot of time on larger projects where you have to travel a block or two between work areas,” Connor notes.

Bigger track foot print

The 12.6-in.-wide standard rubber or optional steel tracks of the 430 are longer than those on the 331 and spaced farther apart. This larger foot print improves lifting and digging performance over the rear of the machine, Connor says. Also, a top guide roller allows the track undercarriage frame to clean out easier, and new internal track components reduce side deflection of the tracks for more reliable operation.

Dual blade cylinders

Instead of a single center-mounted cylinder, a cylinder on each side of the 70-in. blade reduces the amount of dirt and debris that can build up on top of the blade structure.

Re-designed arm

Hydraulic hoses are routed within the width of the arm of the 430 to improve protection from snagging and other damage. This means more reliable operation and more productive up-time.

Optional long-arm version

You can equip the Bobcat 430 with a longer dipper. This option can save time when loading trucks, cleaning ditches or doing shallow excavating work by allowing you to do more work from one spot before you need to reposition.

Improved engine

The 430 excavator is powered by a Kubota 43 hp direct injection, liquidcooled engine. Compared to the indirect injection engines found on most other compact excavators, this engine is more fuel efficient, starts better in cold weather and runs cooler, Connor reports.

By using a hydraulically-driven cooling fan instead of a belt-driven unit, Bobcat engineers have been able to install the radiator cooling assembly on the side of the machine where it can draw in air that is cool and clean. A thermostically controlled fan matches air flow to the cooling requirements for reduced noise and improved fuel efficiency.

Many work tools

The Bobcat 430 features the exclusive X-Change® attachment mounting system which makes it fast and easy to change among 13 different types of Bobcat attachments.

Comfortable cab

The cab of the 430 is distinguished by the left side which curves outward. Inside, the layout of controls and gauges is similar to current Bobcat excavators, including the electronic engine monitoring system. You can choose a canopy or enclosed heated cab, keyless start and an am/fm stereo radio. You can also select factoryinstalled air conditioning with the enclosed cab. You won’t find that on any other excavator in its class.

“Feedback from early users of the 430, who have operated other zero tail swing excavators, is very positive,” Connor says. “Among the features they like are the ease of getting in and out of the cab, the amount of room for their arms, legs and hips and the excellent vision all around the machine.”

See how you can benefit from the industry-leading performance of the new Bobcat 430 excavator. Stop in at your participating Bobcat dealer today