Bobcat has officially commenced full-scale production of its highly anticipated R2-Series one- to two-tonne mini excavators. While the new line-up – comprising the E16, E17z, E19, and E20z models – is now available for the broader market, the manufacturer is marking this milestone with a prestigious, limited-run release for the region.

To celebrate the series launch, Bobcat is offering a strictly limited “Premiere Launch Edition.” Only 50 units of these high-specification machines will be produced for the entire Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, providing a rare opportunity for elite fleet owners to secure a piece of Bobcat’s engineering history, says the leading global manufacturer of compact equipment.

The latest generation R2-Series models were first seen at bauma, the world’s largest construction equipment show held in Munich, Germany, in April last year.

The exclusive limited-edition version will be available for the top-of-the-range models of the one- to two-tonne range – the E19 and the E20z – with only 25 units of each produced. The first deliveries of both the regular and Premiere Launch Edition machines will begin in September. 

The Premiere Launch Edition makes a bold statement with its exclusive charcoal grey finish and a refined interior featuring aluminium pedals. The cabin is further elevated by premium red and black seat covers – available in either cloth or leather – designed by MAD to meet the high standards of luxury, sports, and classic car enthusiasts. To emphasise its limited-edition status, every vehicle includes an individually numbered plate displayed within the cab.

The cabin of the new-generation R2-Series features premium red and black seat covers. 

In addition to these aesthetic upgrades, the Premiere Launch Edition comes standard with four high-value aftermarket kits for enhanced durability and performance. These include a Direct Return to Tank system and a Top Guard Cab, alongside specialised protection like the Travel Motor Hose Guard and a Bucket Cylinder Cover.

Miroslav Konas, Product Line Manager for Doosan Bobcat EMEA, says: “We are launching the Premiere Launch Edition to promote the new range and to emphasise our market presence at the time of the start of production for the new machines. 

“The Premiere Launch Edition is a strong conversation starter and sales tool and gives dealers an opportunity to offer customers a truly unique, high-spec machine that is both visually distinctive and technically enhanced. The non-standard colour and editional branding help increase awareness and generate buzz and it serves to show that the new generation mini excavators are not just an update – they are a bold step forward.”

New SmartFlow hydraulic system 

The E16, E17z, E19 and E20z new-generation R2-Series one- to two-tonne mini excavators replace the previous M-Series E17, E17z, E19 and E20z machines, respectively. The new models offer a fresh look, signifying new levels of performance and features and are designed to meet all the variations found across the EMEA market.  

Among the many new features that are creating excitement around the new R2-Series one- to two-tonne mini excavators is the high-performance SmartFlow load-sensing hydraulics system coupled to a closed centre/flow-sharing valve block powered by an upgraded engine, providing a sophisticated engineering set-up that is unique in smaller machines like these, according to Konas.

An  E19 model from the Premiere Launch Edition.

“This combination essentially provides the power on demand seen in larger excavators, ensuring continuously available power that improves precision and efficiency. The new mini excavators always offer the required flow, utilising the minimum energy needed, ensuring minimum of power is expended, allowing the operator to always work hard with the excavator, but at the same time save fuel. This results in a lowering of fuel consumption of up to 18 per cent coupled with a noise reduction of 4 dBA (compared to the previous generation machines),” he says.

 Like in larger machines, the new hydraulic system allows the operator to smoothly carry out multiple functions simultaneously in the new one- to two-tonne mini excavators. So even when working with equipment that requires a lot of hydraulic power, such as a flail mower on a quick coupler running at full speed, the operator can drive, slew and lift smoothly at the same time, Konas concludes.

The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat, a company within the Doosan Group.

Backed by the support of a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors, Bobcat now offers extensive line-ups of compact machinery (including loaders, excavators, telehandlers, compact tractors and mowers) and material handling equipment (including forklifts and warehouse solutions), plus a broad range of attachments, parts and services.