The new Bobcat L85 compact wheel loader (CWL) has been announced as a product discipline winner in the 2021 iF Design Awards.
According to Bobcat, the L85 succeeded in an "automobiles/vehicles" subcategory decided by a 98-member jury, made up of independent experts.
It was selected from almost 10,000 entries submitted from 52 countries, the firm claims.
CWLs are often used by less experienced operators, so "intuitiveness and maximum visibility are key for confident operation", the American-founded firm says.
With this in mind, when developing the L85, Bobcat went for a short, steep rear bonnet and fully glass doors on both sides, to maximise side and rear visibility. The rear-view camera and LED lights further improve visibility.
All of the operator controls are grouped on the side console, with the joystick connected directly to the seat armrest.
In terms of specifications, the L85 is powered by a 68hp Bobcat D24 engine. It has lift height of 3.25m and a cab height of 2.49m, as well as an operating weight of 5,091kg.
With a standard bucket capacity of 0.8m³, there is a bucket range available of between 0.6m³ and 1.2m³.
According to the company, the L85 can be used in construction; landscaping; rental; industrial; waste; recycling; and agriculture, but is "also ideal for road work, snow removal, maintenance and many other applications".
The L85 model, introduced at the company’s revolutionary ‘Next is Now’ launch event in October 2020, is now in full production at the Bobcat plant on the Dobris campus in the Czech Republic.
