With solely 50 models being produced, Bobcat’s newest special-edition telehandlers mix distinctive styling with superior transmission expertise and operator-focused options
Bobcat’s Black Restricted Version V-Drive telehandlers received’t be simple to return by – the manufacturing run is simply 50 machines throughout two fashions – however even when the OEM’s prospects can’t lay their fingers on a car with this bespoke livery, they may little doubt be drawn to inspecting the expertise that lies inside…
One of many key causes for Bobcat producing these automobiles is to showcase its new V-Drive repeatedly variable transmission system, launched in April 2025. The Black Restricted Version variants are based mostly on Bobcat’s TL38.70HF and TL43.80HF V-Drive telehandlers, that are the primary to profit from this. You see how the V-Drive compares to different CVTs for telehandlers in our fluid-power function on web page 18.
What received’t be replicated on another machine within the Bobcat vary is the particular version models’ unique black exterior detailing, numbered identification plates mounted in every cab, and customized seat covers combining black patterned fabric and leather-based with particular branding.
iVT spoke with Florian Hilbert, product supervisor for telehandlers at Doosan Bobcat EMEA, the day after the covers got here off the machine at Agritechnica in November 2025, to study extra concerning the limited-edition fashions and the V-Drive expertise they showcase.
“Yesterday, we revealed this machine for the primary time right here at Agritechnica,” Hilbert informed iVT on the present flooring. “You’ll be able to see it’s a magnificence. We pulled the covers off yesterday, and there was loads of pleasure from present guests.”
V-Drive transmission
One of many key options of the Black Restricted Version machines is Bobcat’s new V-Drive steady transmission system, which eliminates the necessity for guide gear modifications throughout operation, whereas additionally retaining Bobcat’s traditional speed-mode choice system.
“You’ll be able to go from zero to 40km/h with no bumps or jerks,” says Hilbert. “We maintain two hydrostatic speeds: the Turtle Velocity or loading mode, from zero to 20km/h, and Rabbit pace from zero to 40km/h. You’ll be able to swap from turtle to rabbit on the fly by urgent a button on the joystick. And now you possibly can change the pace with none bump.”
The expertise employs hydrostatic motors mounted in sequence configuration, suspended on 4 silentblocks to isolate vibration. “Because of this, we’re capable of cut back machine vibration by 60%, in comparison with automobiles with conventional transmissions, and we cut back the noise significantly,” says Hilbert.
Bobcat labored with its software program engineering workforce at its Heart of Excellence in Loire-Atlantique, France, the place firm manufactures all of its telehandlers, to develop 4 built-in good features for the V-Drive vary. In contrast to standard powershift transmissions that require the operator to anticipate gear modifications and handle energy interruptions, the V-Drive system permits steady deal with implement management and cargo administration. The absence of shift shock additionally reduces stress on drivetrain parts and chassis construction, probably contributing to prolonged part life and lowered upkeep necessities over the machine’s operational lifespan.
Lowering emissions
The V-Drive telehandler comes with two new options to assist cut back emissions, the primary permits operators to program computerized engine shutdown when the machine is idle. The stopand- begin system means this doesn’t impact transmission readiness. “The operator has the flexibility to set as much as minimize the engine after between one and 20 minutes on inactivity,” says Hilbert. “The operator can change this utilizing the touchscreen show. Then after the chosen variety of minutes idle, the engine shall be minimize.”
This operate delivers a number of advantages. “This can cut back the gas and AdBlue consumption and cut back emissions. It’ll additionally minimize the odometer. Lowering working hours, improve resale worth and reduces whole price of possession,” says Hilbert.
The second good operate is the ECO-Journey system, which adjusts engine RPM robotically to scale back gas consumption throughout transport operations. “In case you are on highway at 40km/h, usually you’ll be at 2,400 RPM,” says Hilbert. “Because of the ECO-Journey operate, you’ll go down robotically to 1,700 RPM. This implies much less gas consumption, and you’ll cut back the noise once more inside the cabin.”
Velocity limiting
Buyer suggestions led to the event of a most pace limiter accessible by password safety. “We’re listening to our prospects. We meet with operators, with farmers, and now we have partnerships with them, and so they requested us for means for the proprietor to restrict the pace of the machine,” says Hilbert.
“The proprietor is ready to go onto the show, and utilizing a password, he can restrict the machine for his staff, for extra safety and security. For instance, when you personal your organization web site, you’ve got a pace restrict. So you possibly can restrict your pace on your staff.”
The function additionally addresses various regulatory necessities. “On highway, for instance, when you’ve got a trailer and the pace restrict is commonly totally different, relying on the nation. In France it’s 25km/h, for instance. So, the proprietor will be capable of restrict the pace, and your staff shall be protected and never get fines,” says Hilbert.
Cruise management
An additional good operate gives cruise management for each transport and dealing operations. “We developed the cruise management just like automotive. You modify your pace with a easy plus and minus button on the joystick,” says Hilbert “So, you possibly can drive with none effort. You’ll be able to launch your foot off the throttle pedal and you may deal with the work.”
The cruise management operate works by the transmission to keep up set speeds throughout each transport and work operations, with the hand throttle offering extra energy when wanted with out cancelling the pace setting.
“We developed this cruise management for sure work: when you’ve got a sealed bucket or a sweeper, for instance, you possibly can then arrange your pace at round 3-4km/h, after which you possibly can activate the cruise management system,” says Hilbert. “The machine will then advance by itself. Should you want extra energy on your sweeper, you simply must press your hand throttle. This gives you extra energy, and also you simply must handle the course of the machine, however the machine does loads of the give you the results you want.”
Premium specification
The Black Restricted Version models construct on Bobcat’s Agri 4 specification degree, the best within the producer’s tiered ending system. “On this Black Restricted Version, we additionally put the Agri 4 Stars package deal,” Hilbert says. “Agri 4 Stars corresponds to the extent of ending of the machine. This machine is very well geared up, with rear digital camera, with a 7in touchscreen show, and plenty of extra choices.”
Different options embody tractor homologation for highway transport, reversible fan, and air-con and Michelin XMCL tires. “It is a full package deal, so it’s actually a premium product,” says Hilbert says.
The restricted manufacturing run of fifty Black Restricted Version has been made obtainable to order by Bobcat’s supplier community. “Prospects might purchase this machine at their native supplier,” Hilbert confirms. With main functions in agriculture, the machines have attracted curiosity from prospects in search of each excessive specification and exclusivity.
This text first appeared within the February/March challenge of iVT
