E42 Bobcat Specs: Compact Excavator Features

The E42 Bobcat is one of the best excavators in the five ton size class. This compact excavator features a conventional tail swing and makes for an excellent choice for job sites with limited space.

It provides operators with great flexibility and unrestricted rotation and reduces the risk of damage to the property and machine.

This post discusses the specs and features of the E42 Bobcat excavator along with its performance details that you need to know.

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E42 Bobcat Specs

The Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator comes in three different variants, including clamp-ready extendable arm, long arm, and standard arm options. These models feature the following specs.

Engine Specs

Power: 31.4 kw or 42.6 hp
Max Speed: 3.3 mph or 5.2 kmph
Fuel Tank: 71.9 L or 19.0 gal
Fuel Type: Diesel
Number of Cylinders: 3

The engine in the E42 bobcat supplies 42.6 hp. It can reach a maximum speed of 2.9 mph.

Diesel fuel is required in the E42 Bobcat and it has a tank size of 19.0 gallons.

Capacities

Lift Capacity: 2,232 kg or 4,921 lbs (standard arm), 4,797 lbs (long arm), 4,638 lbs (extendable arm)
Bucket Breakout Force: 42,707 N or 9,601 lbf (all variants)
Arm Digging Force: 5,820 lbf or 25,889 N (standard arm), 5,803 lbf (long arm), 5,852 lbf (extendable arm)
Max Dig Depth: 10.4 ft (with standard arm), 11.4 ft (with long arm), 12.4 ft (with clamp-ready extendable arm)
Dump Height: 17.3 ft (with standard arm), 18.2 ft (with long arm), 13.7 ft (with clamp-ready extendable arm)

The lift capacity of the E42 Bobcat is the highest with the standard arm with a capacity of 4,921 lbs. The long arm only has a lift capacity of 4,797 lbs and the extendable is even less with 4,638 lbs.

The bucket digging force of the E42 Bobcat for all variants is 9,601 lbf. The arm digging force is much lower at 5,820 lbf. The digging operation also has a dig depth of 10.4 ft with the base arm, 11.4 ft with the long arm, and 12.4 ft with the extendable arm.

The dump height of the E42 Bobcat is 17.3 ft with the standard arm, 18.2 ft with the long arm and 13.7 ft with the extendable arm.

Weight Specs

Operating Weight: 4,459 kg or 9,830 lbs (with standard arm), 4,729 kgs or 10,425 lbs (with long arm), 4,838 kg or 10,666 lbs (with clamp-ready extendable arm)

The E42 Bobcat weighs 9,830 lbs with the standard arm, 10,425 lbs with the long arm and 10,666 lbs with the extendable arm.

Dimensions

Height: 99.1 in (for all variants)
Width: 72.8 in
Length: 201.3 in (with standard arm), 201.7 in (with long arm), 200.5 in (with clamp-ready extendable arm)

The E42 Bobcat has a height of 99.1 inches and a width of 72.8 inches. The length varies based on the type of arm, but only varies slightly between one another. The standard arm gives an overall length of 201.3 inches, the long arm has a length of 201.7 inches and the extendable arm has a length of 200.5 inches

Design

The E42 Bobcat excavator comes with a new design that ensures longer life. It features a “four-place box” structure along with internal gussets. Not only does It make the vehicle lightweight but also allows it to offer a reliable and durable structure.

The company has used premium-class materials and computer-assisted design technologies to build this machine. Plus, each model of the E42 Bobcat excavator is endurance tested under rough conditions.

Other than the overall structure and build, the excavator also features new travel pedals made of aluminum that ensure ergonomic travel controls. These pedals are optimized to ensure convenient foot placement and allow the operator to control the machine confidently.

The travel pedals are also foldable which means you can increase the foot room by folding them. In simple words, the E42 Bobcat flaunts a design that not only increases the longevity of the machine but also offers enhanced performance and comfort.

The R2-series offers upgraded LED work lights on the vehicle and protected rearview camera option.

The R2-series comes standard with a 5-inch display with the ability to upgrade to a 7-inch display. This display provide information on changing the attachment, keyless starts, rearview camera display (optional) and the depth check system.

The depth check system allows you to monitor the digging distance to target, the depth check and grade check.

The 7 inch display is a bit more advanced with higher sensititivy and durability as well as phone connectivity.

Transportation

When moving the E42 from place to place, there are two main features that improve the ease of transporting the vehicle. The first is a machine tie down points which are convenient and easy to reach. The other feature is the slew brakes that allow the brakes to sit in any position.

Angle Blade:

The angle blad is an optional feature available on the E42 bobcat that has the ability to level and backfill dirty and debris while protecting the underside of the vehicle. The Angle Blade in the R2-Series has an upgraded upper edge which is more robust and durable than those in the R-series.

Tail Swing

The Bobcat E42 comes with a conventional tail swing option that extends 12 inches.

The conventional tail swing provides the most digging power and is a bit smaller and easier to maneuver.

Performance

The Bobcat E42 compact excavator allows you to travel at a faster speed with its 2-speed option. This way, you can move quickly from one place to another on your job site to cover more work in less time.

Another great feature of the machine is that it comes with the auto-idle feature that not only reduces noise but also saves fuel. You only need to select the travel speed range as the new auto-shift travel motor ensures automatic speed transition. It means that you don’t need to downshift the vehicle manually for optimal performance.

The improved boom offset control allows you to make precise turns with maximum comfort and low effort. This swing control is located on the left joystick of the dashboard and you can easily control it using your thumb. Not only does it increase foot room but it also makes multifunction operations easy (like traveling and swinging at the same time).

The left-hand joystick in the cabin controls auxiliary hydraulics, when equipped, and the right-hand joystick ontrols the rearview camera.

As compared to other excavators of similar size, the Bobcat E42 offers more power, thanks to its advanced hydraulic system. It contributed to the excavator’s performance whether you’re digging, backfilling, or moving across your job site.

In order to ensure efficient hydraulic fluid transmission, the excavator features fewer 90-degree fittings. It allows the hydraulic fluids to move easily without any resistance to optimize the engine’s horsepower.

In the R-2 series, there is a new fuel filter, pre-filter, self priming fuel system and a recirculation valve. These features make the engine more efficient, convenient, and better during cold-weather operation. This also includes glow plugs that warm fuel during startup for easier starts.

Multiple Arm Options

The availability of multiple arm configurations of the excavator is yet another important feature that increases its performance. As mentioned earlier, the Bobcat E42 is available in three different configurations, including extendable, long, and standard.

It means that you will find an arm for different tasks depending on the performance, power, depth, and reach you need. The extendable arm offers enhanced lifting performance and power when it’s retracted and you can extend it when you need more dig-depth and reach.

When lifting power is not required and you need more dig-depth and reach, you can go with the long arm option. The standard arm of this excavator is the best option for maximum arm breakout force.

Operator’s Comfort

The cabin of the Bobcat E42 compact excavator is designed based on modern comfort standards. It offers a big adjustable suspension seat, clear visibility, and large foot room/legroom/headroom. Each feature is added to the machine’s cabin to improve comfort and productivity. The seat can also have an optional high-back, a headrest or added heat.

The operator-friendly control of the vehicle adds to the ease of use and ensures the accuracy of different operations. You can also choose the optional automatic climate control, which means you can set the desired temperature and forget it. This can accommodate heat and air conditioning as an optional add-on. The system will keep you comfortable and allow you to focus on your work.

You don’t need to deal with the vibrations with the Bobcat E42 because it’s equipped with a dual flange track roller system. It makes the connection between latches/hinges and body panels tighter to dramatically reduce vibrations. Not only does it keep you comfortable but it also improves your productivity.

The tubular-frame reinforced door creates an airtight cab preventing debris and dust from getting into the cab keeping it clean. The other hinges and connection features, such as the body panels, provide sound and vibration dampening technology making it a more pleasant ride for the operator.

Throughout the cabin, you will also find many storage spaces where you can store different items such as keys, smartphones, and microfiber cloths. One of the unique storage spaces is behind the seat. There are also two big cup holders where you can place your coffee or tea mugs.

Attachments for E42

Bobcat offers an X-Change mounting system which allows for unique and different parts to easily and quickly attach to the excavator.

There is a range of attachments available that you can use with the Bobcat E42 excavator. These attachments include:

Auger
Buckets
Breakers
Grapples
Clamps
Blades
Packer wheels
Rippers
Trenchers

Augers Compatible with E42

15C Auger Drive Unit
15H Auger Hex Drive Unit
30C Auger Drive Unit
30H Auger He Drive Unit
35PH Auger
50PH Auger

Buckets – Grading X-Change Compatible with E42

36” MX3 XCHG Grading
48” MX3 XCHG Grading
60″ MX4 XCHG Grading

Buckets – Trenching X-Change Compatible with E42

12” MX3 XCHG Smooth
12″ MX4 XCHG Smooth
16”’ MX3 XCHG Smooth
18” MX3 XCHG Smooth
18″ MX4 XCHG Smooth
24” MX3 XCHG Smooth
24″ MX4 XCHG Smooth
30” MX4 XCHG Smooth
36” MX4 XCHG Smooth

Grading Blade Compatible with E42

55” X-Change Grading Blade

Grapple Compatible with E42

3-Tined Grapple, Class 3

Hydraulic Breakers Compatible with E42

HB980 Hydraulic Breaker with Nail Point
HB1180 Hydraulic Breaker with Nail Point

Nitrogen Breakers Compatible with E42

NB160 Nitrogen Breaker with Nail Point

Single Attachments Compatible with E42

Packer Wheel
Hydra-Tilt Swing
Power-Tilt PTX4
X-Change Adapter Mounting Frame

Rippers Compatible with E42

Ripper 35MM PINS
Ripper X-Change

Trencher

Trencher MX112

Maintenance

Each vehicle requires maintenance and the Bobcat E42 excavator is no exception. However, it’s specially made to make the maintenance process easy for the user. It features a smart layout that allows you to access critical components easily.

You can use the side access hood and swing-open tailgate to access plumbing, cooling system, valve bank, pump package, and engine. Additionally, other maintenance points such as a battery, air cleaner, fluid checks, and filters are also easy to access.

To make the maintenance process even easier, this excavator comes with a greaseless boom swing cylinder pint joint. It has a sealed bushing, which doesn’t require greasing at all. It means you don’t need to go through the hassle of checking and greasing the joint on a daily basis.

The Bobcat excavators have on-board troubleshooting diagnostics for common problems as well. This includes a notification when to change the fuel filter in the R2-seires based on an internal sensor.

The Bobcat excavators have a new emission system known as the ultra-low particulate combustion (ULPC) design which prevents the need for DPF (diesel particulate filter) systems which has simpler operation and maintenance.

Final Words

The Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator is a powerful, reliable, and efficient machine and offers outstanding performance even in limited spaces. It’s available in three different options to meet the unique requirements of different operators.

If you’re looking for a compact excavator with great reach, lifting capacity, and engine power in the five ton class, the E42 Bobcat can be your best choice. Make sure you properly understand this vehicle’s features before making your buying decision.