Tier 2 for telehandlers

Bobcat Company, West Fargo, N.D., has introduced the V723 and V723FL VersaHandlers to its North American construction, ag, industrial, municipal, landscape and rental markets. Featuring a 23 ft. lift height, the new telehandlers replace the 623 and 623FL telehandlers with a Tier 2 engine upgrade and a series of machine enhancements.

"When we switched to a Tier 2 engine we elected to do some product improvements as well," said Marty Miller, Bobcat VersaHandler product specialist. "The main reason for the model number change was the increase in rated load capacity, the result of lengthening the flame three inches."

The Tier 2 upgrade consisted of a 4.4 L, four-cylinder liquid-cooled Perkins 1104C-44T turbocharged diesel rated 100 hp at 2200 rpm. The engine was repackaged with a redesigned side-by-side cooling system which incorporates a one-piece combination Emmegi radiator/oil cooler. For better airflow, the Mann + Hummel radial seal, double element air cleaner canister was also relocated, which Bobcat said also provides additional space for a precleaner if necessary.

The ground drives on both VersaHandler machines are driven by a full-time four-wheel-drive Sauer-Danfoss hydrostatic system. The electrically controlled system incorporates a variable displacement pump directly driven off the engine, which powers a two-speed variable displacement motor mounted on a front axle drop box. A driveshaft transfers power to the rear wheels The hydrostatic system has integral dynamic braking in addition to a multidisc Carraro brake package on the front axle. According to Miller, a third brake control system, which uses a spring applied parking brake, is engaged anytime the engine is at idle or the machine is in neutral.

"The brake control valve receives an electronic signal from the drive controller signaling the parking brake to apply," Miller said. "If you're creeping up or down a hill and want to come to a stop, you have hydrostatic transmission braking, but in addition you have your brake control system, which applies the brakes and keeps the machine from roiling backward or forward."

With separate axle configurations differentiating the two models, the 723 has a fixed frame and axle while the 723FL has a frame leveling configuration where the front axle is affixed to the frame with a cylinder. "If you're on uneven terrain," Miller said, "the operator can level the machine before he lifts or places the load. Typically, construction is targeted toward the FL machine whereas in ag, the FL is not really required and most elect to go with a straight frame."

A separate Casappa implement pump powers the VersaHandlers' boom lift, tilt and extension functions, driving Burnside cylinders. Lift capacity on the machines is 7000 lb. Side-to-side load positioning is supported by the machines' crab steer, one of three steering modes offered. Additional modes include all-wheel steering for a tighter turning radius and front-wheel mode to travel at the 18 mph road speed.

The 723 and 723FL are the largest VersaHandlers offered by Bobcat, which also sells versions of the two models in Europe. The company's U.S. line also includes a smaller 518 model that has a 5000 lb. lift capacity and an 18 ft. lift height. All three models are manufactured at Bobcat's Pont Chateau, France, facility.