As a heavy equipment enthusiast, I always recommend Bobcat E20 to anyone looking for a small excavator. People often get put off by the mini-size. But this 2-ton excavator is strong enough to lift 464 kg of weight. However, I have also noticed some common Bobcat e20 problems.
The major shock for me was the slower pace of an E20. Occasionally, the machine used to lose its hydraulic functions. Sometimes, the undercarriage gets stuck in the middle of operation.
Every excavator has its own set of issues, to be honest. But if you are considering Bobcat E20 due to whatever reason, you must be aware of the kind of issues you might have to face as well.
Is The Bobcat E20 Good Enough?
Bobcat has been known for their mini equipment line for over a decade. But their compact excavator series stand out the most for me, especially the E20. It has everything you can ask from a 1953kg excavator.
One thing I like about mini excavators is their versatility. Unlike a large one, you can use them in a broad or tight space with equal efficiency. Plus, maneuvering a compact excavator is easier. But the only question is its performance.
But I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Bobcat E20 has the right attachments to stop you from worrying about the end performance. The machine can dig across large foundations, trenches, ditches, etc.
Bobcat E20 Specifications
If you are not reassured about my statement earlier, just look at its specs below. Considering the price range and compact size, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
| Height | 229cm |
| Length | 368cm |
| Width | 99cm |
| Undercarriage | At least 2 kmph |
| Power | 14hp |
| Boom Swing | 80 degrees (left) and 60 degrees (right) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Hydraulic Pressure | 2610 psi |
Bobcat E20 Lifting Capacity
Usually, the mini excavator’s weight ranges from 5 tons to 10,000 pounds. Bobcat E20 positions itself right in the middle with 4300 pounds of weight.
| Weight | 1953 kg |
| Maximum lift | 464 kg/1023 pounds |
| Lift radius | 300cm |
| Maximum reach from the ground | 14ft |
| Digging Depth | 8.5ft |
From the table, it’s clear that Bobcat E20 is no less than an average excavator. It’s expected from a 2-ton lifting machine to handle at least 1000 pounds. And the E20 does just that.
3 Common Problems You Face With A Bobcat E20
It was not all sunshine and rainbows when I switched to Bobcat E20. After using it for a while, specific issues started to overshadow the good points. But I decided to go to the roots of these problems and fix them.
Check out the three issues I faced with my Bobcat E20 below. Please remember that everybody’s experience is different. You might not have to deal with these problems at all. But it never hurts to know about the possibilities. So, here I go.
Some users also complain about their E20 not starting after turning the ignition on. Well, it’s either a starter error or the fuel lines have clogged due to certain contamination. You can ask a mechanic to help you clean the fuel pipes.
What Can You Do To Solve Bobcat E20 Problems?
A hydraulic system failure or incorrect tension within the rollers is not the end of the world. You can always learn the hacks and fix these issues yourselves.
But please remember to start the fixing process after your excavator is parked. I learned it the hard way. You might need to open fuel tanks, and it’s not safe if the excavator is not turned off.
Now that you are familiar with this essential rule, let’s check out the recommendations I have for you.
Problem 01: Too Slow
If you switch to E20 after using a large crane (just like I did), the pace will be a shocker. It feels like the crane is not digging efficiently. But the truth is, Bobcat E20 can dig a 4 ft trench like the more powerful E42 or E60.
The difference is in speed. The E20 takes more time and sessions to dig the same depth. However, it finishes the task eventually. I think that’s what matters the most.
But many users get afraid when the machine starts small. It compensates for the slower speed with a mini-size that easily fits narrow spaces.
Problem 02: Low Hydraulic Pressure
Excavators run on hydraulic pressure. But the pressure is very specific (around 2610 psi) for Bobcat E20. Not maintaining the appropriate pressure can cause unusual noise(more like rattling) during operation.
Now, I mostly suspect a leakage or clogged filter when it happens. If the seal allows leakage, you will also lose the required oil level. That’s a horrible experience.
My E20 started to overheat all of a sudden and wouldn’t work efficiently with such low or zero oil in the tank. It took me a while to figure out it was only a leakage issue. What I did was, checking the oil level frequently. I could easily point out the oil level was going down way sooner than usual.
The same method would help you identify a leakage too. For that, you have to first refill the oil tank. Here’s how to do that.
- Step 1: Check the hydraulic oil level gauge. There are two marks: min & max. The oil level should be between these two marks.
- Step 2: Climb the machine if the oil is below the “min” mark. Look for the oil tank.
- Step 3: Use a wrench to loosen up the bolts on the cover.
- Step 4: Next, pour the recommended oil inside the tank. Don’t stop until you exceed the danger level.
Problem 03: Roller Failure
Another issue I have come across is roller failure. It simply refers to a situation when the excavator rubber tracks don’t move anymore. And, even if they do, it’s slower and inconsistent.
At first glance, it looks like the manufacturer’s fault for designing rubber tracks, right? But after some research, I have found an unexpected cause behind it.
You see, excavator tracks go through dirt and dust all the time. So, they are already in a vulnerable situation. Bobcat E20 is a compact machine designed to undertake light projects only. So, the problem arises when you use the crane for extreme projects in rough weather.
The rollers might have given up responding due to the excess pressure.
So, what you can do is recheck the specs table. Find out how much it can lift. Plus, consult the manufacturer to understand how long you can use the crane without a break.
Apart from all of these significant steps, maintaining the correct track tension also has a lot to do with how smoothly the rollers are rolling. Here’s how you can adjust the track tension.
- Step 1: Lift one side of the excavator. Make sure it is on level ground.
- Step 2: check one of the middle rollers. The ideal track tension should be between 10 to 15mm. Get a half-inch bolt(around 13mm) and see whether it fits snugly or not.
- Step 3: If there’s more space after putting the bolt, the track needs more tension. Remove the cap from the grease tank.
- Step 4: Get your greasing gun and attach it to the channel.
- Step 5: follow the same process and adjust the track tension of the other side as well.
Remember, not tightening the tracks can also lead to downtime and less productivity.
Read also >> Common Problems With Bobcat E35 Mini-Excavator – [Rebuild Cost]
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Got some more queries about the E20? Well, I am not done either. Check out this FAQ section to learn more interesting facts about this mini equipment.
Bobcat E20 is a mini excavator with zero tail swing. Hence, it can travel through narrow gateways easily. In fact, the undercarriage can decrease its width from 54 to 39 inches instantly.
Main drive issues arise when the bearings deteriorate due to several reasons. But the most crucial factor is a lack of maintenance. That means you can avoid final-drive issues by putting more effort into regular maintenance.
The general rule of thumb is to check every time you go out with this machine. You can skip this for 100 hours after putting oil into the tank. The refill should last that long. But as the machine ages, try to check more frequently.
Final Words
Bobcat e20 mini excavator can accomplish most of the tasks you throw at it. It’s just that you have to tolerate the bucket size and power. If you are a novice still in your learning phase, the E20 will be easier to learn the basics.
However, I admit the E20 can never match the power range of the large excavators. Those are faster and help you complete heavy projects within a short time. Some users value faster service a lot.
But if that’s not the case with you, I don’t see why you would ignore Bobcat E20. It deserves all the hype it’s getting.
Video References
Bobcat Company
Meet Emily, a true garden lover who has a passion for all things nature. With a deep understanding of plants and lawns, Emily’s love for gardening started at a young age, spending her summers tending to her grandparents’ garden.